What to do and see in New Plymouth, North Island: The Best Outdoor Activities

Pukekura Park covers 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of New Plymouth, Taranaki and is one of New Zealand's premier botanical gardens. The park has an international Green Flag award and is a Garden of National Significance. With a diverse range of landscapes, the park features bush walks, formal gardens, lakes, children's play areas, a sports area and a Tea House. The park includes the Fernery and Display Houses as well as the adjacent garden estate area of Brooklands, home to the acclaimed TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Zoo. As a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Pukekura Park lights up over the summer as the backdrop for the annual TSB Bank Festival of Lights. The park is free to enter and can be accessed from various streets including Liardet Street, Brooklands Road, Fillis Street, Rogan Street, Kaimata Street and List Street.

Providing guiding services on Mount Taranaki, Egmont National Park, Taranaki, New Zealand. Your connection to some of the most spectacular experiences on offer in Taranaki

Get ready for a day full of adventure, fun and laughter with Canoe and Kayak, Taranaki. We use friendly, qualified guides who consider your safety and enjoyment to be paramount! We are advertising two of our most popular tours, but please see us for any of your kayaking needs. We can tailor trips just for you! Waitara River. The lower part of the Waitara River is very safe and an ideal introduction to the thrill of white water paddling. It is a scenic grade 2 paddle, winding it`s way through native bush, cliff faces, farm land and under the historic Bertrand Road Suspension Bridge. Allow 3-4 hours and enjoying fresh water swimming, exhilarating rapids, exciting games, refreshing snacks, learn helpful skills and cultural and historical significance. You can even try sliding down a bank in your kayak! $85.00 PP Sugar Loaf Island. Receive some basic instructions in the safe waters of the beautiful Ngamotu Beach harbour, before heading out into the open sea towards the Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. Here you will enjoy the thrill of close up views of a seal colony in its natural habitat, with the spectacular Taranaki Mountain, port and power station as your backdrop. Allow 3-4 hours. $95.00 PP

At Egmont Travel group, we immerse you into the day-to-day activities of the region: dairy farms, beekeeping operations, sheep and beef stations, horse treks, overnight stays in remote Taranaki bush huts, jet boats, helicopters and more. “We really wanted to provide an opportunity for visitors to truly get amongst day-to-day activities that make this region so unique”

Guided bicycle tours encompassing New Plymouth's leading sites of interest including: The White Bridge, The Coastal and forest cycleways, The Wind Wand, Back Beach, The Len Lye Centre and the central city parks.

Surfing made easy and fun on New Plymouth's famous Fitzroy Beach. Are you wanting to begin, improve, or try out a new experience with family and friends? It’s never too late to try. We are dedicated to make learning to surf safe and heaps of fun for you. We offer group and private lessons all year round. We also offer a holiday sessions and events for Schools, Large Groups and Corporates.

We are primarily a wildlife boat tour attraction where we head out of the Port of Taranaki towards the Sugar Loaf islands to look at the seal colony. We also provide SUP, Kayak and bike hire and SUP lessons upon booking request. We cater for groups, events, schools, kids, adults, individuals, couples etc. We are run and managed by a former All Black and the fastest woman to solo row the Atlantic and there is also a museum of old nautical memorabilia, live cam of the local little blue penguins and seahorses to look at. Please check times when booking as Mondays are sometimes closed. Hours may vary depending on tides and weather. Sunset cruises are also available. Check website booking system for more details

100% locally owned and operated bicycle shop that offers bicycle sales, repairs and rentals in New Plymouth.