New Plymouth, New Zealand cruise port guide

When asked to describe his homeland, (Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit director) Peter Jackson said “New Zealand is not a small country but a large village” and never a truer word was spoken about New Plymouth. Named after Plymouth in England when the first British settlers arrived in 1841, the city is a hybrid of traditions. Treasure, stories and culture fuse perfectly together with coastal walkways, botanic gardens and award winning golf-courses in this bubbly, artsy city. View less Located in the Taranaki Region on New Zealand’s North Island, New Plymouth has won multiple awards for its positive attitude towards pedestrians and cyclists and community sustainability. Ruled by the great outdoors and more notably Mount Taranaki, this majestic 8261 feet/2,518 metre snow-capped active volcano looms over the city with the ever-present threat of eruption (although the last eruption dates back to 1814), thus making the city and its surroundings a veritable haven for those who love outdoor pursuits. Rising above the clouds, the volcano beckons walkers and those who do make it to the top are compensated with spectacular sea vistas from their privileged position, perched high above the city.