New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
January 17th 2012 00:44
Approximately half way between the cities of Wellington and Auckland and at about four and a half hours distance from each, New Plymouth is Taranaki's main centre.
From humble beginnings as a trading post established in 1828 by Richard “Dicky” Barrett, then as a gateway for English settlers from Plymouth, Devon and later, during the infamous New Zealand Wars, as a garrison town, New Plymouth has grown to a city of 52, 000 people comprising two thirds of the region’s population.
It is Taranaki’s financial centre and is home to the largest non government-owned New Zealand bank, the TSB (Taranaki Savings Bank). It serves and is sustained by the a rich regional dairy, oil, natural gas and petrochemical industry.
While it must be admitted that the city is completely overshadowed by the stunning natural features of the countryside that surrounds it, most notably the singularly beautiful Mount Taranaki, it is well worth a visit to explore the historic buildings, to stroll in the lovely Pukekura Park, to battle with the elements on the 10km Coastal Walkway alongside the wild Tasman Sea, to marvel at Ken Lye’s 45 metre Wind Wand and to take in the many spectacular views of the mountain.
From humble beginnings as a trading post established in 1828 by Richard “Dicky” Barrett, then as a gateway for English settlers from Plymouth, Devon and later, during the infamous New Zealand Wars, as a garrison town, New Plymouth has grown to a city of 52, 000 people comprising two thirds of the region’s population.
Ken Lye's Wind Wand
It is Taranaki’s financial centre and is home to the largest non government-owned New Zealand bank, the TSB (Taranaki Savings Bank). It serves and is sustained by the a rich regional dairy, oil, natural gas and petrochemical industry.
While it must be admitted that the city is completely overshadowed by the stunning natural features of the countryside that surrounds it, most notably the singularly beautiful Mount Taranaki, it is well worth a visit to explore the historic buildings, to stroll in the lovely Pukekura Park, to battle with the elements on the 10km Coastal Walkway alongside the wild Tasman Sea, to marvel at Ken Lye’s 45 metre Wind Wand and to take in the many spectacular views of the mountain.
| 25 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
