TARANAKI BY AIR
One of the best ways to see Taranaki and enjoy a close up view of the mountain or search for that perfect surf break is by aeroplane or helicopter. See the whole scenic scope of the ocean, its breaks as well as the mountain and its surrounding bush.
There are a variety of service providers within Taranaki to choose from, to find these providers please use the local yellow pages under Helicopter or aeroplane charters.
Prices range from $95.00 to $1,000.00.
PUKEKURA PARK - New Plymouth
Pukekura Park is the centre-piece of New Plymouth’s extensive parks and reserves network. The 49ha / 120-acre public park includes Brooklands garden estate, Zoo and historic Gables Colonial Hospital.
This garden - which has been in development since 1876 - has a diverse landscape ranging from luxuriant native bush to broad lawns with annual bedding displays, themed garden plantings and a large exotic specimen tree collection. There are several natural waterways and artificial lakes.
Location: Fillis Street, New Plymouth.
Hours: 24
Price: free
Web: http://www.newplymouthnz.com/OurDistrict/Attractions/PukekuraPark.htm
photo courtesy of possumgirl2, Flickr
KIBBY CARILLON - New Plymouth
The Kibby Carillon, located on Marsland Hill consists of 37 bells and was donated to the city by George Kibby in memory of his late wife Mabel.
The bells sizes range from 3ft in diameter to nine inches, weighing over 800lbs down to only 3lbs. The Carillon is a musical instrument and each bell carries an inscription or motif.
Location: summit of Marsland Hill (Pukaka Pa) New Plymouth.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Web: http://ketenewplymouth.peoplesnetworknz.info/heritage_sites_and_features/topics/show/1145-kibby-carillon
CAPE LIGHT & MUSEUM - Cape Egmont
The Cape Light (replica lighthouse) and Museum is situated at the end of Bayley Road and houses the 1850’s Fresnil Prismatic Light that powered the Cape Egmont Light until 1999.
This carefully restored light is now in full working order on top of the replica lighthouse and is available to be seen by appointment. In the lower levels of the replica lighthouse you'll find an interesting collection of memorabilia and displays.
Location: 105-111 Albion St, Hawera.
Price: free
Hours: Sat, Sun & Mon 11am till 3pm.
THE GABLES (COLONIAL HOSPITAL)
- New Plymouth
The Gables was completed in 1848 as a multi-cultural hospital.
The Gables was the third of the four hospitals created within the North Island to assimilate Maori into Pakeha culture. Today it is the only one still standing.
Location: Brooklands Park Drive, New Plymouth
Price: free
Hours: weekends and public holidays 1 pm - 4 pm
Web: http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?Rid=29
photo courtesy of Historic Places Trust - Chris Horwell
RICHMOND COTTAGE - New Plymouth
The Richmond Cottage was built in 1854 and is filled with artifacts of the era. Initially the cottage was built across St Aubyn St but was moved to its present site in the 1960s.
Location: 2 - 6 Ariki St, New Plymouth
Price: free
Hours: 11am-3.30pm Sat & Sun
Web: http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?Rid=7088
photo courtesy of Historic Places Trust - Chris Horwell
PUKI ARIKI LANDING - New Plymouth
Constructed in 1990 Puki Ariki Landing is situated along the city waterfront and is an historic area which is studded with sculptures, including the Wind Wand designed by Len Lye.
A nice place to stroll on that sunny day or relax in the spacious grounds available.
Location: St Aubyn St, New Plymouth
Price: free
Hours: 24
WIND WAND - New Plymouth
The Wind Wand is an eclectic piece of art situated in Puke Ariki Landing which was designed by Len Lye, an internationally renowned local artist.
The Wand is 45m in height and is considered a beloved icon of New Plymouth.
Location: New Plymouth Foreshore, Puke Ariki Landing.
Hours: 24
Price: free
photo courtesy of wikimapia
TUPARE - New Plymouth
Tupare is a Tudor-style house with 3.6 hectares of garden which surround it and was designed by the renowned architect James Chapman-Taylor.
Tupare is renowned for its gardens and here you'll enjoy the spacious and well kept grounds of this lovely house and section either while touring the section or just wandering through on one of Taranaki's summer days.
Location: 487 Mangorei Rd
Hours: 9am-5pm, tours 11am Fri-Mon Oct-Mar
Price: free
photo courtesy of Taranaki Regional Council
New Plymouth, Hawera, Patea, Eltham, Opunake, Stratford, Inglewood, Waitara