New Plymouth, New Zealand, is known for its balmy climate, gorgeous parks and beautiful galleries. Also famed as New Zealand’s ‘oil town’, it is home to many offshore rigs specialising in natural gas and oil extraction. Framed in the shadow of Mount Taranaki, this city is the perfect place to rent a car and take a road trip.
Egmont National Park is a pristine heaven for native vegetation, and is located only 33 minutes away from New Plymouth Airport. Due to its close proximity to th airport, tourists can travel there in their rental car easily. The park contains the huge volcano Taranaki and plenty of lush vegetation. Mount Taranaki is easily New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano. Around 120000 years old, this dormant volcano is in the most unique conical shape. Perfect for non-mountaineers, Taranaki is one of the more achievable summit climbs in the country. Visitors can enjoy the extensive walking treks through the park, ranging from a 15-minute stroll to a 3-day hike. Taranaki is also sacred and is spiritually and culturally significant to the Maori people of the area. Visitors can access the park by any one of three roads, Manaia, Egmont or Pembroke; so travel by rental car from New Plymouth, New Zealand, should be smooth.
For those who prefer the city, Puke Ariki is a good option to consider. Situated in the heart of New Plymouth, journey by rental car should be convenient. Puke Ariki is an amazing museum and heritage centre with many interactive exhibits. Located down by the waterfront of New Plymouth, New Zealand, it also offers up some spectacular views. Make a trip down to New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in your rental car. Touted as the country’s first and only museum of contemporary art, it has fascinating kinetic sculptures and incredible artwork.
Best of all, Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, New Zealand, is the greatest place in the region to simply relax and enjoy nature. The Park has countless bushwalks for tourists to gain the ultimate immersive NZ experience, and even has a children’s zoo that promises to be a hit with all young guests. The park is located in the city centre, which allows easy access by rental car from any part of New Plymouth.
Tourists can also head on over to the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. It’s a 13 kilometre long promenade that offers spectacular harbourfront panoramas. A stroll along the promenade, breathing in the salty sea air, will most definitely invigorate you. The walk is also chock-full with adorable eateries and restaurants that offer up scrumptious locally sourced food at affordable prices. Good shopping is also guaranteed, with the vast array of shops and boutique located along the stretch, leaving tourists spoilt for choice.
New Plymouth, New Zealand, is an amazing location for one to rent a car and go on a road trip. Located conveniently near the ocean, not only does it allow for a seaside vacation, it also boasts the iconic New Zealand bush land that completes your NZ experience.
