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Tourist information - New Plymouth
Located on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, New Plymouth District has a population of almost 70,000 - nearly two thirds of the total population of the Taranaki region. It is situated midway between the major metropolitan centres of Auckland and Wellington and only a four and a half hour drive along scenic highways from either of these - or 50 minutes by air.
New Plymouth is inspiring considerable economic confidence and is fast becoming a preferred business location and popular alternative destination to other conventional tourist routes. It is leading New Zealand in economic growth.
New Plymouth is surrounded by a spectacularly beautiful environment from its stunning coastline offering some of the best surfing conditions in the country, and a marine park conservation area, to impressive Mount Taranaki and the Egmont National Park which is a mecca for tourists, trampers and climbers. The area's climate is ideal for the parks, reserves and gardens which have become a highlight of the district and a drawcard for visitors.
The diverse local economy includes agriculture with a strong dairying emphasis as well as aquaculture, floraculture, horticulture and forestry. Also very important are petrochemicals and energy, heavy engineering, manufacturing, education, leisure and recreation. Tourism has had an increasingly international profile because of the impressive range of natural attractions close by.
The energy sector is particularly important and the New Plymouth District provides the base for New Zealand's major oil, gas and petrochemical industries which in turn provide a solid commercial and employment base for the region. Overseas investment has been encouraged and has created a flourishing energy industry and associated businesses.
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