Aerial view of New Plymouth’s coastline with rolling waves, green fields and Mount Taranaki’s snowy peak in the distance beneath a clear blue sky.

New Plymouth, New Zealand

Cruises to New Plymouth, New Zealand

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Things to do in New Plymouth

Welcome to the wild west coast of New Zealand, where coastal pride and volcanic power come together with a dash of cultural cool. Mount Taranaki looms in the distance like a very stylish extra from a fantasy film series (you know which one), while the town delivers art galleries, botanical gardens and sea breezes that hit just right. Whether you're into natural landscapes, gardens or locally made wine, this port serves up your favorite flavors.

Explore things to do in New Plymouth
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  • Rocky shoreline along New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway with waves breaking against large stones and city buildings visible in the distance under a bright blue sky.

    Walk the award-winning Coastal Walkway, where waves crash, bikes cruise and the views go hard.

  • A tall fountain sprays up from a calm pond surrounded by dense green foliage, ferns and flowering plants in Pukekura Park on a sunny day.

    Explore lush Pukekura Park, complete with lakes, bridges, birdlife and a surprise waterfall or two.

  • Snow-capped Mount Taranaki towering behind a small town, with a river, bridge and lush green trees in the foreground.

    Marvel at Mount Taranaki, the kind of perfect cone that will make you reconsider what a mountain should look like.

  • Reflections of nearby buildings and a clock tower distorted in the polished, curved stainless steel exterior of the Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth.

    Experience New Zealand’s art and innovation scene at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre.

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Shore excursions to explore in New Plymouth

Choose from handpicked excursions that showcase the rugged beauty, creative heart and local flavors of Taranaki — all without needing a survival guide or an art degree.

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  • A small rocky island covered in dense greenery sits just offshore, surrounded by turquoise waves and a black sand beach in New Plymouth.

    Ultimate New Plymouth: Sugar Loaf Island Tour

    Hop into a vintage English lifeboat and cruise past the jagged sea stacks of the Sugar Loaf Islands (the eroded leftovers of a very temperamental volcano). This protected marine park is just offshore, but it feels like a whole different planet. You might spot seals, dolphins or even whales doing their thing. Along the way, you’ll also cruise by the iconic Wind Wand, wobbling like a weird little guardian of the coastline.

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  • Aerial view of bright green farmland with gently rolling hills, scattered trees and farm roads, backed by forested mountains in New Zealand.

    Local Connections: Okurukuru Wine Tasting & Country Gardens

    Settle in for a lush ride through Taranaki farmland, stopping first at a private garden where local green thumbs lead you through native and exotic plants with friendly enthusiasm. Then head to Okurukuru Winery for a tasting lineup paired with bites that are too fancy to call snacks. Think Chardonnay with ocean breezes and canapés that whisper “vacation” directly into your mouth. This is country luxury without the fuss.

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  • Mount Taranaki at sunrise, with its snow-covered peak glowing warm pink and golden tones above dark green lower slopes and scrubland in the foreground.

    Best Of New Plymouth: Pukeiti Gardens & City Sights

    Trade city streets for rainforest peace at Pukeiti Gardens, nestled against the dramatic rise of Mount Taranaki. Roam gravel paths flanked by rhododendrons the size of your car.. A local expert adds color commentary while you sip morning tea among the blooms. Back in the city, you’ll see urban highlights like the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, but the real showstopper remains that snow-dusted volcano in the rearview.

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  • Dense forest with gnarled, moss-covered tree branches arching overhead, creating an enchanted, tunnel-like canopy with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

    Mount Taranaki & Kamahi Walk

    Climb into the clouds (by coach) for a trip up the slopes of Mount Taranaki, stopping at the North Egmont Visitor Centre. From here, it’s a two-hour guided walk through Goblin Forest — yes, that’s the actual name — where twisted trees, thick moss and otherworldly quiet make it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Weather permitting, you’ll catch summit views that stretch from volcanic peaks to rolling farmland to the coastal shelf below.

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  • Tall layered sea cliffs and isolated rock stacks covered with greenery standing in turquoise coastal waters near Taranaki, New Zealand.

    South Taranaki & Tawhiti Museum

    This one’s for the culture buffs and detail nerds. You’ll road trip south to the legendary Tawhiti Museum, where lifelike dioramas created by one obsessive genius artist tell the story of Taranaki’s past with almost alarming realism. After soaking in local history, head to a farm-to-table lunch inside a converted country hall, where the host serves locally-sourced seasonal dishes. It’s warm, thoughtful and weirdly emotional.

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  • A modern white sculptural bridge with curved rib-like arches, leading toward lush greenery and a distant snow-capped Mt Taranaki under a bright blue sky.

    Easy New Plymouth

    This breezy coach tour cruises through town and out to scenic lookouts, with close-ups of the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, the iconic Wind Wand and Mount Taranaki posing dramatically in the background. You’ll roll past the Bowl of Brooklands (concerts! ducks!) and the modernist marvel of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery without leaving your seat. Great for those who want maximum experiences with minimal effort.

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Explore all New Plymouth shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to New Plymouth

Ships dock at Port Taranaki, the key entry point to this west coast stunner. The city center is just a short transfer away, or you can walk straight into views of Mount Taranaki, the Coastal Walkway and modern sculptures doing their wind-powered thing. With its compact layout and friendly locals, this port makes direct access super easy. As part of Australia or New Zealand cruise itineraries, New Plymouth shows off its balance of raw natural beauty and low-key creative energy.

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Piha Beach and Lion Rock, Auckland, New Zealand

9-Day New Zealand

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Discover New Plymouth on your next cruise

New Plymouth feels a little wild in the best way — where volcanic slopes meet contemporary art, and surfers share sidewalks with gardeners and foodies. The town delivers personality without trying too hard. It just is what it is. And what it is… is pretty awesome. With Princess Cruises, you get smartly curated excursions, seamless access and onboard comfort to match the energy (or relaxation) of your day ashore.

Cruise to New Plymouth
Tall coastal cliffs streaked with vivid green moss beside a black-sand beach and gentle ocean waves, under a bright blue sky.

Wander along a rugged black-sand shoreline where moss-streaked cliffs rise like painted stone.

A tall, striped clocktower with arched bases and a decorative clock face, standing along a city street with trees and a modern building nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Look up as this striking clock tower rises above the city streets.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

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Cruises to New Plymouth FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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