Located 4.5 hours from Auckland and 3.5 hours from Tauranga on the west coast of New Zealand is the city of New Plymouth.

As you take the state highway through the windy roads you come to three sisters and the elephant rock a tourist site and very stunning.

A short walk from the parking across black sand and rocks this little site is well worth it for a great photo opportunity of Mt Taranaki in the background and the rock formations are very beautiful. sea seems to be pretty safe there also if you fancy a dip.

Tip wear walking shoes if you can the black sand is extremely hot in summer will burn your feet and watch the tides try and cross at low tide.

Following on from here you arrive at New Plymouth. The city has beautiful gardens, culture and art on the buildings in the city.

I stayed at the distinction hotel new Plymouth great central location and well worth the upgrade to the 1 bedroom has a spa bath in it nice to soak in after a day of walking around.

Pukekara park was my favourite here located in the city centre just a short drive. Has very beautiful gardens and a bush walk through it. The sound shell is great and I think would be fantastic for musicians and public such a nice location. Inside this park there is a small zoo also great if you have a family. Well worth an afternoon stroll.

Te Rewa Rewa bridge is a must see too a short drive out of the city centre, at the time I visited it was being painted and restored and the weather wasn't so good for visibility but on a sunny day you could get amazing shots of the mountain in the background.

Another great thing to do in the city is just walking around the city the old buildings mixed with new and the art on the buildings is fascinating Govett Brewster art gallery has a fascinating mirrored building and then as you walk to the waterfront the scenery has nice cliffs very wild west coast sea.

There is alot of lovely restaurants and cafes here. My favourite was area 41 a fine dining Italian restaurant such delicious Italian flavours are amazing. There are many other restaurants and cafes also in the city centre to explore and tandalise your taste buds.

Overall New Plymouth is a nice city somewhere I would definitely visit again, even perhaps in winter when the snow is on MT Taranaki.

Charz 2021