On the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui’s western cape is the volcanic cone-shaped mountain named Taranaki Maunga. Beneath the mountain on the north side is the coastal city of New Plymouth or Ngāmotu, which means ‘the islands’ in reference to the nearby islands off Paritutu Rock. Thanks to the volcanic nature of the soil, New Plymouth is home to several amazing parks and gardens as well as contemporary art galleries, a unique coastal walkway and great surf beaches. It was also the sunniest region in New Zealand for 2021 and 2022. Between January and March there are several special events along with plenty of great places to visit and excellent restaurants and cafés to nourish you after the day’s activities.
1 Climb Paritutu
If you don’t mind a scramble up rocks and have a head for heights a climb up Paritutu Rock is a great way to see the layout of New Plymouth with stunning views along the coast and up
