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New Zealand > North Island West Coast
 From
the Kapiti coast to Taranaki, the West Coast of the North Island is
an ideal destination
Strikingly located between Mount
Taranaki and the ocean, New Plymouth is the main centre of the
Taranaki region situated to the north of Mt Taranaki, and the
Mt Taranaki National Park. The area is located on a wide peninsula which juts
out into the Tasman Sea. It is a fairly small city, with a
population of almost 50,000, but there is plenty for the visitor to
do and see in the area.
The recently completed Puke Ariki, located at 1 Ariki Street, should be the
first port of call for any visitor to New Plymouth. It is a combined
Museum, Library and Visitor Centre. The Museum’s fascinating exhibits tell
the story of the Taranaki region and are feature interactive
technology-based exhibits as well as the more traditional displays. You can
also get information on all the other attractions the area has to offer at
the Visitor Centre.
New Plymouth is a town steeped in history history. St Mary’s Cathedral on
Vivian Street which was built in 1845 is a beautiful old style church with
dark wood gables and beautiful stained glass windows. The graveyard beside
the cathedral is filled with the graves of soldiers and Maori warriors who
died in the Taranaki Wars which raged between 1860 and 1870.
The Fitzroy Pole, on the corner of Devon and Smart Roads, is another
interesting place for those with a curiosity about New Zealand history. It
was erected in 1844 to denote the point beyond which settlers were not
permitted to acquire land. At the base of the pole, a carving depicts a
triumphant Maori standing upon a sorrowful Pakeha.
Pukekura Park provides a green backdrop to the city and a beautiful haven.
Much of the park is made up with formal gardens, bandstands, fountains and
glass houses – a real old-fashioned municipal gardens. However, there are
areas of dense native ferns as well. you can hire row boats to row in
Pukekura Park’s small lakes during weekends and holidays.
Towards the southern end of Pukekura Park is The Gables – a former colonial
hospital which now contains a small medical museum and an art gallery.
Alongside The Gables, you’ll find the Brooklands Zoo, which is sure to keep
children of all ages entertained. It has a big area for children to pet farm
animals as well as enclosures featuring monkeys and otters . Entry is free
to both the zoo and The Gables.
The west of New Plymouth is dominated by Port Taranaki, which is the only
deep-water port on New Zealand’s west coast. Alongside the port is the
rather large and industrial looking power station. But amongst this
industrial hustle and bustle is Paritutu Rock, a 200m high natural feature.
It is of great cultural significance, as is marks the historical boundary
between the Taranaki and Te Atiawa territories. It is permissible to climb
the rock however, and after a steep climb of about 10-20 minutes (there is a
steel cable to guide you and assist with climbing) you’ll be rewarded with a
magnificent view of the coast.
Looking out to sea from the top of Paritutu Rock you’ll see the group of
rocky islands which constitute Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve. These islands
provide a sanctuary for a range of endangered birds, wildlife and plants
such as little blue penguins and petrels. Beneath the water around the
islands are a wealth of anemones, sea sponge, fish and seaweeds in a rainbow
of colours.. During migration season, humpback whales and dolphins swim
past the islands. The migration season for humpbacks is August to September
and for dolphins it’s October to December.
New Plymouth’s location on a peninsula gives it a great deal of easily
accessible coastline. The land formation also creates excellent surfing
conditions. Fitzroy and East End beaches are close to the city, but for the
best surf travel 15km west of Oakura. Here you’ll find not only great surf
beaches, but two surf shops which hire out surf gear and offer lessons for
beginners.
Population: 47,763
Main employment: Service
and Sales Workers
Age Distribution: 21.8%
under the age of 15, 62.2% between the ages of 15 and 65, 16.0% over the age
of 65.
Median income: $16,400
Major Industries:
Oil, gas and petrochemical
Tourism: 593,000 visitors
in 2002 (for whole Taranaki region), 509,000 were domestic visitors. |
