NEW PLYMOUTH
What a wonderful city New Plymouth is.
Fortunate also, because New Plymouth’s isolation determines not only
is it the 'capitol' of the Taranaki, New Plymouth is also the
commercial centre of
gravity of the west coast of the North Island. Coupled with rich history
and the good fortune to be ‘close’ to oil and gas fields has seen the
city have its own recent ‘gold rush’ years. Growth spurned by the
energy sector has seen New Plymouth double in size in the last 30
years.
The city is also blessed to be close
to the Egmont National Park and Mt Taranaki. The mountain most of the
time, presents a magnificent view to tourists and locals.
.
Wow what a backdrop.
New Plymouth also has many other
fabulous features and the coastal walkway is a gem of an asset
for the
residents and visitors. Just look at this recently completed walk
bridge._small.JPG) .
Other notable features are the botanic
gardens (e.g. Pukekura Park), and the Len Lye-designed 45-metre
(148 ft) tall artwork known as the Wind Wand. on
the coastal walkway
In 2008, New Plymouth won multiple awards as a city.
It is also noted for being
a coastal city with a mountain within 30 minutes drive, where
residents and visitors to New Plymouth can snowboard, ski, water ski
and surf all in the same day.
The New Zealand
Constitution Act 1852 created the Province of New Plymouth and series
of disputes over ownership and settlement of land developed between
Maori and settlers soon after and New Plymouth became a fortified
garrison town in 1860-1861
New Plymouth is also a major port,
fishing industry, rural services provider and increasingly a tourist
destination in its own right. If the weather was not cool and windy
New Plymouth would vie for major city status.
The New Plymouth Museum is a must
visit. The regular display giving a sensitive insight to the past. 
The New Plymouth War Memorial is under
done for a city this size and quality. There is no public visual accord
to the fallen in the 1st
or 2nd World Wars. The Boar War yes.
This is a real shame and a very interesting oversight for the towns
development. Heritage is clearly important.
The Churches are a mix of the
grotesque
modern ,
and thankfully contrasted with the St Paul’s Cathedral
and Presbyterian giving history a chance.
There are some New Plymouth Hotels
hanging in
   but
the magnificent White Hart
is now trading as a tavern.
To enjoy, absorb and soak up New
Plymouth, environs and the mountain allow a week.
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