The coastal town of New Plymouth sits on the western shore of New Zealand’s North Island and is known for its pleasant climate, natural beauty, and sprawling seaside boardwalk. Waterfalls, subtropical forests, and snow-capped Mount Taranaki surround the town in sites like Egmont National Park to the south and Whanganui National Park to the east, making New Plymouth a fantastic jumping-off point to explore the unique ecologies and environments of the Taranaki region.

There’s plenty of hiking, cycling, surfing, and paddling among volcanic craters, black-sand beaches, dense subalpine forests, and rolling scrub plains. But New Plymouth isn’t only about the outdoors. The city is a thriving cultural center, with museums, modern art galleries, and a vibrant downtown district with trendy eateries and open-air cafes. The museum at Puke Ariki celebrates the town’s Māori heritage with dedicated exhibitions and takes you through the region’s unique flora and fauna.

New Plymouth Airport (NPL) is located 10 minutes outside town and receives flights from several New Zealand cities. Shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services are available outside the terminal, or you can use the North Island’s comprehensive bus system. New Plymouth is a bike-friendly city that’s easily navigable and enjoyable to check out on foot; there are also several bus routes that connect more isolated parts of the town. However, the best way to explore the wider area is with a rental vehicle — available outside the main airport terminal — as attractions in the surrounding national parks can be some distance apart.

Southern Hemisphere summers run from December to February, and winters start in June and go through August. Nevertheless, the climate in New Plymouth is generally mild. Summers are short and pleasant, with warm temperatures and little rainfall compared to the rest of the year; winter sees an uptick in precipitation and a dip in temperatures. Given New Plymouth’s coastal location, weather patterns can bring regular rainfall, wind, and overcast skies regardless of the season, so be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket and some layers.

Spring and summer are popular times to book holiday rentals in New Plymouth if you plan to enjoy some local celebrations and events like the 10-day Taranaki Garden Festival, which kicks off in late October, celebrating dozens of sustainable local gardens and art trails, and March’s WOMAD festival, a 3-day celebration of international music, arts, and dance.

Egmont National Park

You’ll find dense rainforests, towering waterfalls, swampy wetlands, and the magnificent snow-adorned Mount Taranaki — a dormant volcano — within the bounds of this national park just outside town. You can explore miles of hiking trails that meander through fern groves and palm canopies, or climb the mountain — a full-day trip — for some of the most gorgeous vistas on the North Island.

Pukekura Park

This sprawling botanical gardens complex is in the heart of New Plymouth, offering more than 100 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Paths wind past fountain displays, arcadian forests, lilypad-covered lakes, and waterfalls. A waterside amphitheater hosts regional and international musical performances and plays.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary art museums and galleries, home to a rotating collection of works exploring a range of styles and mediums by local and international artists. The museum hosts regular events, including film festivals, children’s workshops, and guided tours.