A surprise visit to New Plymouth, NZ
- Paul Hallman
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
We didn't do much research on our next port of call, nor was anyone else expecting anything exciting but after we arrived back to our ship, the Coral Princess, everyone said "This has been a very cool town to visit" and it's a spot to revisit for sure.
New Plymouth is located on the west coast of New Zealand's north island and is known for its coastal walkway. Behind the city is Mount Taranaki, the second tallest mountain in New Zealand after Mount Cook, and today it stood tall and strong in the clear blue skies.
Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont) rises to 2,518 meters (8,261 feet) above the Taranaki region. This near-perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano was formed through successive volcanic eruptions over the past 135,000 years, its distinctive cone shape often drawing comparisons to Japan's Mount Fuji. Though currently dormant, geologists consider it one of New Zealand's most likely volcanoes to erupt again.
Nestled at the mountain's feet lies New Plymouth, the principal city of the Taranaki region with a population of approximately 60,000. This vibrant coastal city serves as the economic heart of New Zealand's energy sector, with significant oil and gas operations offshore. Yet beyond industry, New Plymouth has cultivated a reputation for arts and culture, boasting the renowned Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the iconic Len Lye Centre. The city's waterfront walkway stretches for 13 kilometers along the Tasman Sea, making it one of New Zealand's most scenic urban coastal experiences.
Rewa Rewa Bridge & Conservation Area
Our ship excursion for the day took us on a bus tour to the stunning Rewa Rewa Bridge, an architectural marvel that has become one of New Plymouth's most photographed landmarks. This pedestrian and cycling bridge spans the Waiwhakaiho River mouth with its distinctive wave-like design, its curved white ribs framing Mount Taranaki perfectly when viewed from the right angle. If you look closely on the photos you will see the mountain peeking through the white structures.
Mount Taranaki rises above the landscape and is framed by the Rewa Rewa Bridge
The surrounding conservation area offers a peaceful retreat where native birdlife flourishes among restored wetlands and coastal vegetation. This area has become a beloved destination for freedom campers—those intrepid travelers exploring New Zealand in their campervans often choose this scenic spot to overnight, waking to the sound of waves and the sight of the mountain at dawn.
After the stop at the conservation area we travelled back into the city and headed to the Pukekura Park. Apparently, no visit to New Plymouth is complete without exploring the park which is a 130 acre botanical treasure that has been delighting visitors since 1876. This heritage park seamlessly blends formal gardens, native bush, and recreational facilities into one magnificent green space.
Jan wandered through the botanical garden area, admiring the meticulously curated collections of ferns, rhododendrons, and exotic plants that thrive in Taranaki's mild, wet climate. Her visit took her past the waterfall and the notable Red Bridge.
Meanwhile, I ventured up the hill near the cricket grounds—home to what many consider one of the world's most picturesque cricket venues—and explored the woodland trails, where towering trees created a cathedral-like canopy overhead.
The park's lakes, connected by streams and waterfalls, add to its tranquil charm. It is also noteworthy, that New Zealand is currently experiencing a very loud summer with a high synchronized emergence of native cicadas with over 40 species present across the country and in New Plymouth they were singing out very loud and in perfect harmony with each other. In the woods it was even more prevalent.
A Festive Encounter
Winding our way through a charming residential subdivision with beautiful homes, we stumbled upon an unexpected delight—an antique car parade processing through the streets! Hundreds of local schoolchildren lined the sidewalks, waving enthusiastically at the gleaming vintage vehicles rolling past. The excitement was palpable; the community was gearing up for a major antique car show taking place in just a few days, and this parade served as a festive prelude to the main event.
The children were lined up and cheering as the cars passed by their school
Beer, Art & the Waterfront
Thirsty from our adventures, we discovered the Shining Peak Brewing Company, a welcoming beer pub where we refreshed ourselves with some local brews—New Zealand's craft beer scene is thriving, and Taranaki produces some fine examples. I ordered a tasting sampler as well as two other local brews. Mostly they were excellent but a couple were a bit "thin" in taste and another had a sour
Suitably refreshed, we strolled back toward the town center along the scenic waterway, where public art brought the pathway to life. Statues and murals dotted our route, each telling stories of the region's Māori heritage and colonial history. At the shoreline, an towering weather vane stood as a quirky landmark against the Tasman Sea backdrop—a perfect photo opportunity as the afternoon light softened over the water.
The town was full of murals as well as statues for photo moments. In the central part of the town was the Puke Ariki which is their museum.
As the sun began its descent, we returned to the Coral Princess, where formal night awaited. Dressed in our finest, we gathered with friends in the elegant dining room, sharing stories of the day's discoveries over a magnificent meal. The evening's entertainment provided the perfect finale to an unforgettable day in New Plymouth.
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