Tourist information - New Plymouth
Located around the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, New Plymouth District has a population of almost 70,000 - nearly two thirds of the total population of the Taranaki region. It is found midway between the main metropolitan centres of Auckland and also Wellington and only a four along with a half hour drive along scenic highways from either of these - or 50 minutes by air.
New Plymouth is inspiring considerable economic confidence along with is fast becoming an ideal business location and popular alternative destination to other conventional tourist routes. It is leading New Zealand in economic growth.
New Plymouth is encompassed by a spectacularly magnificent environment from its stunning coastline offering some of the finest surfing conditions around the country, and also a marine park conservation area, to remarkable Mount Taranaki along with the Egmont National Park which is a Mecca for tourists, trampers and also climbers. The area's climate is great for the parks, reserves as well as gardens which have become a highlight of the district and a draw card for visitors.
The diverse local economy includes agriculture with a strong dairying emphasis and also aquaculture, floraculture, horticulture as well as forestry. Also very important are petrochemicals as well as energy, heavy engineering, manufacturing, education, leisure and also recreation. Tourism has had an increasingly international profile because of the remarkable choice of natural points of interest close by.
The energy sector is particularly significant as well as the New Plymouth District provides the base for New Zealand's major oil, gas along with petrochemical industries which in turn provide a solid commercial as well as employment base for the region. Overseas investment has been encouraged and has created a prospering energy industry and also associated businesses.
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