Taranaki

On one side Taranaki is framed by stunning coastline and surf beaches and on the other by a mountain and National Park cloaked in native bush. The area between these stunning natural features has a population of around 169,000. Over the summer of 2000-2001 the region recorded the second highest sunshine hours in New Zealand.

In winter, nearby Mt Taranaki provides an annual dose of snow for people who enjoy alpine sports. The region is a mecca for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits such as surfing, fishing, tramping, kayaking, skiing, mountain climbing and biking. Concerts, cafes and night-clubs offer a variety of indoor entertainment.

The art, culture, history, and adventure of Taranaki is superb. The area boasts a solid industrial base with the three key sectors being energy, dairying and engineering.

New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a small, friendly city of 65,000 people, within the province of Taranaki. It is on the west coast of the North Island, five hours by car or one hour by plane from both Auckland and Wellington.

New Plymouth is on the beaches of the Tasman Sea next to New Zealand's most beautiful mountain, Mount Taranaki.

New Plymouth offers you a peaceful, safe and clean environment. It also offers an affordable, friendly and relaxed lifestyle. This means you can concentrate on completing your study successfully.

Our goal is for all of our students to have a successful and enjoyable experience which they will remember forever.

The Weather

New Plymouth has fresh clean air and blue skies. It has a healthy and comfortable climate, not too hot but not too cold.

Summer: December - February (15-25 degrees Celsius)

Winter: June - August (8-14 degrees Celsius)

Free Time

• Go snowboarding in the morning and surfing in the afternoon
• Go fishing, walking or swimming at one of New Plymouth's many beautiful beaches
• Go horseriding
• Climb the mountain
• Join a soccer, basketball, volleyball or rugby team
• Walk around the many beautiful walkways and parks in New Plymouth city
• Enjoy the nightlife in one or our many bars and nightclubs
• Be entertained by a local band at an outdoor concert
• Relax in a coffee shop overlooking the sea
• Visit our award-winning museum, art gallery or zoo
• Join photography, computing or art night classes

The choice is yours.

The best of Taranaki is yours to enjoy!