With parks and gardens that are spectacular all year round, New Plymouth is a beautiful spot for a holiday. You’ll fly into New Plymouth Airport from elsewhere in New Zealand, full of excitement for the laid back atmosphere and exceptional beauty of Taranaki Maunga and its surroundings.
New Plymouth has plenty of amenities and resources for everyone - no matter what type of holiday you’d like while you’re here, New Plymouth has it all. Simply pick up your rental car from Hertz New Plymouth Airport and enjoy what this great New Zealand city offers.
Get to Know New Plymouth with Hertz
Taranaki Maunga is the backdrop to the city. An impressive sight, this dormant volcano will entice all visitors to explore the natural surroundings of the city of New Plymouth. Sitting at around 120,000 years old, it’s New Zealand’s most climbed mountain; perhaps, if the conditions are right during your visit, you might consider joining the thousands of climbers before you and ascend to the summit. For those looking for an easier trek, there are plenty of walking tracks throughout Egmont National Park, which surrounds Taranaki Maunga. Drive across from New Plymouth city centre to Egmont National Park and enjoy being in the nature of this beautiful part of the world. It’s less than an hour’s drive from New Plymouth to the park's centre, so it’s a perfect way to spend part of, if not the whole day.
Once you’ve explored the nature of Egmont National Park and the mighty Taranaki Maunga, it’s time to return to the city. Head to the waterfront and enjoy a beautiful harbour full of idyllic beaches, incredible and expansive views, and a moment of quiet outside of the bustling downtown area. Perhaps check out the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, 12.7 kilometres of panoramic ocean views along a promenade style walk, before heading back downtown for dinner and shopping.
The downtown area of New Plymouth is bustling and lively. Expect a delicious restaurant and cafe on every street corner, as well as unique shops that you won’t find elsewhere. There’s always a fun atmosphere in the city's central area, and the food spots we recommend include Arborio Restaurant, Social Kitchen, and Cobb & Co.
Drive to Taupo and Tauranga with Hertz
New Zealand is a vast country, with vast distances between the major cities. These drives might seem long, but they are stunning, with the rugged terrain and alpine landscape impressive to everyone who drives across the country.
Taupo is a four-hour drive from New Plymouth, but you’ll pass through some beautiful sights on the way. See famous mountains and volcanoes and the mighty Huka Falls - one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand, all while road-tripping from city to city. There’s also the beautiful Lake Taupo and the memorable State Highway 43. It’s known as the ‘Forgotten World Highway’ and runs 148 kilometres in total. Taupo itself is a lovely tourist city, with Lake Taupo taking centre stage within the city itself. Spend a few days here and visit other nearby cities like Taronga and Rotorua before driving back to New Plymouth, having seen some magnificent areas of the North Island of New Zealand.
New Plymouth is a beautiful corner of New Zealand. With expansive ocean views throughout the city, as well as the impressive Taranaki Maunga providing a powerful backdrop to the area, you’ll find the city both beautiful and mesmerising. Stay here awhile before venturing off to other towns and spots in New Zealand in your Hertz rental car.
