New Plymouth is situated on the rugged west coast of the North Island of New Zealand,halfway between Auckland & Wellington (approximately 4 hours drive), in the province of Taranaki. It is a city of 45,000 people, located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by the snow-capped Mt.Egmont/Taranaki, a dormant volcano rising to 2,516m (8,260 ft).

The drive from Te Kuiti in the King Country (south of Hamilton), on the 'Sunset Highway' (SH3) through the rolling hill country, into the Awakino Gorge and over Mt. Messenger along the wild surf coastline of North Taranaki, down to New Plymouth is truly one of the most spectacular drives in the North Island.

As you approach from the south, you go around the mountain, which offers fantastic views.There is an abundance of activities to undertake in the province that will keep you occupied for a number of days, ranging from hiking in the National Park, to Surfing, ballooning, horse riding, fishing, golf, world famous Pukekura Park, Govett Brewster Art Gallery, the Coastal Walkway, Puke Ariki (interactive museum / library). We also have a very good selection of restaurants & cafes. In fact there is something for all the family to enjoy what is commonly known as the 'Mountain to Surf' experience; why not come & see for yourself why Taranaki is rapidly becoming one of the most happening places in the North Island.