9 Best Sights in North Island's West Coast, New Zealand

Established by the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, these 900 acres of lush, native rain forest are surrounded by farmland. The Pukeiti (poo-ke-ee-tee) collection of 2,500 varieties of rhododendrons is the largest in New Zealand. Many were first grown here, such as the giant winter-blooming R. protistum var. giganteum, collected from seed in 1953 and now standing 15 feet tall, and the delightful Lemon Lodge and Spring Honey hybrids, which bloom in spring. Kyawi, a large red "rhodo," is the last to bloom, in April (autumn). Rhododendrons aside, there are many other rare and special plants here. All winter long the Himalayan daphnes fragrance the pathways. Spring-to-summer-growing candelabra primroses reach up to 4 feet; and, for a month around Christmas, spectacular 8-foot Himalayan cardiocrinum lilies bear heavenly scented, 12-inch, white trumpet flowers. There’s a classy café on site and a self-guided Kids Treehouse Trail. Located 20 km (12½ miles) southwest of New Plymouth's center, Pukeiti is also a wonderful bird habitat.

Mt. Taranaki (8,261 feet), called Mt. Egmont by Captain Cook, is a steep, symmetrically shaped volcanic peak that dominates the region's landscape and weather. Egmont National Park was created in 1900 to protect the mountain and its surrounding forests. From a distance, the landscape looks simple; a cone-shaped mountain draped white with snow in winter and flanked by a near-perfect circle of forest. Look closer—or try walking on the park trails—and a different picture emerges. Thousands of years of volcanic buildup and erosion have crafted steep gullies and rivers, immense lava bluffs, unstable slips, and acres of moss-covered "goblin" trees and tall, ancient forest giants. It's a fascinating place to explore, and thankfully there are many ways of doing this no matter your level of fitness. Try a scenic drive up one of the three access roads, explore the easy short trails around each of the three park entrances, or take a longer hike, staying in a park hut. The one-day Pouakai Crossing or two- to three day Pouakai Circuit explores all the park’s landscapes: lava cliffs, wetlands, tussock tops, and goblin forests. (Always check with the DOC before heading out since some tracks are often temporarily closed due to erosion). Climbing the mountain is a serious undertaking for only experienced climbers, especially with frequent bad weather. The mountain is sacred to the local Māori people, so they ask that climbers respect this and not clamber over the summit rocks. In winter, climbing is for technically equipped and experienced climbers only.

You can casually browse the art at this light and casual establishment, then sit down for a coffee or brunch (the beef pot pie is recommended) and be surrounded by the local works, or turn your attention to the gins and vodkas on sale. The owner, Stuart Greenhill, is also a published author; his murder mystery, Dante Fog, is on sale at the gallery. Don't restrict yourself to the main room; take a quick stroll down the corridors where you will find more interesting photos and paintings.

Step out of the city and onto the coast by taking a stroll or cycle along this gentle coastal path, which meanders for 13 km (8 miles), from Port Taranaki to Hickford Park (a rugby and bike park). It explores beaches and playgrounds, crosses rivers, passes by a golf course, and runs beneath the Wind Wand, a sculpture almost as iconic to New Plymouth residents as the Statue of Liberty is to New Yorkers. Created by the late New Zealand artist Len Lye, the red carbon-fiber tube stands 148 feet high and, like a conductor's baton, dances in the wind as Lye's tribute to what he called "tangible motion." Leaving the city confines the walkway crosses the startling white Te Rewa Rewa Bridge (Mt. Taranaki framed in the bridge's struts makes a great photo) into farmland and past the Waipu Lagoons, a wetland reserve.

Together the lawns, lakes, gardens, and woodlands of these connected parks make up a 128-acre urban oasis. Each summer evening the Festival of Lights transforms the gardens and giant trees of Pukekura Park (annually from mid-December through January and during the March WOMAD Festival). Rowboats can be rented to explore the small islands and nooks and crannies of the main lake. The park also has massive botanical display houses and a fernery in caverns carved out of the hillside. The adjoining Brooklands Park is known for its ancient rain forest and exotic trees, such as giant copper beeches, pines, walnuts, and oaks. The Monterey pine, magnolia soulangeana, ginkgo, and native karaka and kohekohe here are the largest of their kind in New Zealand. A giant puriri tree is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Brooklands is also home to the hugely popular Bowl of Brooklands, a natural amphitheater used for concerts and events, including international acts. Brooklands Zoo has farm animals, meerkats, monkeys, and an aviary.

This distinctive complex is divided into three sections that weave together the region's art, science, and history, including natural history and the history of Rangitane, the local Māori people. For young ones, the Mind Science Centre, with its quirky interactive exhibits, is entertaining and educational. Regular touring exhibitions that visit here are also known for their quality. The art gallery has a strong focus on established and emerging artists from the local area, but you'll also find works from national and international artists. Te Manawa also houses the New Zealand Rugby Museum.

The formal gardens here are a delight, and a gentle 25-minute stroll leads around the lake through woodlands and gardens. Take the time to check out the winter gardens. There's also a small café here.

With its limestone features (fluted outcrops, arches, tunnels, and caves), open farmland, and native forest, the 5-km (3-mile) Waitomo Walkway is an interesting short trek. Start at the Waitomo i-SITE Discovery Centre and follow the path beside the Waitomo River. You can return the same way, or follow the road (a bit shorter). Alternatively, you can drive to Ruakuri Reserve (from the Village take Te Anga Road then Tumutumu Road), and just walk the 30-minute loop through natural rock tunnels, across cantilevered bridges, and beneath limestone bluffs. The trail is slippery following wet weather, and there are steep sections, so wear good walking shoes.

Many people come after dusk for a free viewing of the local glowworms; bring a flashlight to find your way.