New Plymouth & Waitomo

Photo taken by: Yuri Jones (Flying Kiwi Traveller)

Waitomo Tours

New Plymouth & Waitomo Caves - Tour Highlights

With 57,700 inhabitants, New Plymouth is one of the biggest cities in the North Island and a must do on the West Coast of the North Island. The impressive Mount Taranaki stands guard over this lovely city which is littered with beautiful parks and gardens. There is a fresh vibe here, with lots of things to see and enjoy from good shopping to delightful restaurants.

New Plymouth has been nationally recognized as a cyclist and pedestrian friendly place. There are plenty of hikes or rides to do. The coastal path is a joy for those who want to feel the gentle Ocean breeze and the Egmont National Park is on the doorstep of the city.

Time spent here while on a Flying Kiwi tour:

We spend 1 night in New Plymouth.

Tours that take you here:

BOTH ISLAND TOURS:    NORTH ISLAND TOURS:
Ultimate Explorer - 27 or 28 days     Hot Rocks - 9 or 10 days
Total Aotearoa - 24 days Northern Express - 2 days
Grand Traverse - 15 days  
Reverse Traverse - 14 or 15 days  

Where we stay: 

Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park – A beachfront holiday park perfectly located between the sea and the city.

- Wifi first 200MB free, then $5 per 500MB
- Laundry $3 per wash & $3 per dry
- Surfing beach and a cafe nearby
- Cabin upgrades

Things to do:

Visit the 52 ha Pukekura Park, an amazing botanical garden! Lots of people say that is the jewel of New Plymouth’s crown.

Pukekura Park

Free Things to Do:

- Pukekura Botanical Gardens

- Enjoy Fitzroy beach

Insiders Tip:

Fitzroy beach has some of the best waves in the country. If you are a competent surfer then this is one location you definitely do not want to miss.

 

fitzroy beach surf

Hiking Options:

A farmland walk, or a great cave walk through the glow-worm caves

Our pick of New Plymouth & Waitomo Activities:

 

black water rafting  

Black Labyrinth Blackwater Rafting

This popular tour takes approximately three hours with one hour underground and involves a combination of walking and floating on an inner tube through a unique underground river system.
Explore and tube through the mysterious Ruakuri Cave. Float down the underground river in rubber tubes while admiring the glowworm displays above. Jump into cascading underground waterfalls and afterwards enjoy a hot shower, hot soup and bagels. Wetsuits & footwear provided.


WaitomoGlowwormCavesTour

Ruakuri Cave Tour

Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries.