Known to locals as New Zealand’s hidden gem, New Plymouth is located on the West Coast of the North Island far from other major cities. It is on the way to nowhere, to get there you have to take a detour to find it, which those living under the shadow of Mount Taranaki don’t mind. In 2008, New Plymouth was rated the best city of its size in the world and commended both for its Coastal Cycleway and sustainability by the International Awards for Liveable Communities. This was followed by Taranaki being announced as the 2nd Best Region in the World to Visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet.
New Plymouth is the main city of Taranaki, a region famous for Oil & Gas production, dairy farms and rolling paddocks from mountain to sea. Set between the spectacular Mount Taranaki and stunning coastal beaches, there is something for everyone in this hideaway locale. Over the past decade, New Plymouth has become known for its thriving art scene as well as artisan produce. Home to Ozone Coffee, Egmont Honey, Juno Gin, Proof & Stock and three local breweries. You’re guaranteed to never get a bad coffee or a bad beer.
But New Plymouth’s remoteness can work against it. Few know the suburbs as well as larger cities like Wellington or even Hamilton so we’ve written this article to explain the main suburbs and their key features. So, without further ado, let’s explore New Plymouth and share our local insights as Taranaki’s oldest Real Estate firm.
Blagdon
On the western edge of the city and with the ever popular Surf Highway 45 carving through Blagdon, this suburb offers affordable housing within an easy commute of the city and beaches. Located between Lynmouth and Spotswood, Blagdon is within close proximity to both the Taranaki Base Hospital, the port and Ngamotu Beach, which is the perfect sheltered bay for young families.
Brooklands
Home to Pukekura Park and the world famous amphitheatre Bowl of Brooklands, the suburb of Brooklands has a reputation for being a ‘dress circle’ of luxurious older properties filled with character and several modern designer homes. With many of New Plymouth’s major events happening in ‘The Bowl’ a property in Brooklands means you’re never far from the action.
One of New Plymouth’s nicest parks and home to the quaint Brooklands Zoo, this is a great spot for families and anyone wanting all the benefits of bush life while being walking distance to the centre of the city.
Ferndale
Featuring two playing-field style parks Ferndale is ideal for the sports enthusiast or for those needing some open space to let the kids blow off steam. Sutherland Park is home to Woodleigh Athletics Club, which can host activities for 2-12 year olds when operational. Bordering the popular Frankleigh Park you’re minutes away from the neighbouring suburb’s Huatoki Domain and Tennis club, both popular with those looking to get out and about.
Fitzroy
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Fitzroy is a coastal suburb of New Plymouth (located along the Coastal Walkway) and is also home to Fitzroy Beach, one of New Plymouth’s most popular summer hot spots and holiday destinations. Fitzroy is one of the more expensive suburbs to purchase a home, mainly due to the number of ocean view properties. Fitzroy is also home to its own suburb of local boutique businesses, there are a number of homeware stores, bakeries and cafes, including a new wine bar Vin Bar which opened in 2020 and has been a popular place for residents. If you’re looking for a great sports bar, Sporty’s Cafe and Bar is a great local bar that seems to have a vibrant local crowd most nights of the week.
In 2020 a rare opportunity opened up to purchase real estate in a subdivision in the heart of Fitzroy. Called Te Kekeu this one-hectare site on Record Street, Fitzroy was developed into 14 lots, ranging in size from 402m2 to 678m2. Discussions around the possibility of another subdivision didn’t receive the support of locals as the New Plymouth District Council discussed the possibility of subdividing the popular Fitzroy Golf Course to make room for more residential homes.
Frankleigh Park
Located between Vogeltown and Westown suburbs according to www.oneroof.co.nz “Frankleigh Park provides a range of housing stock, with the earliest residential housing recorded in the area constructed between 1900 - 1909. The majority of the residential housing stock in the locality was constructed between 1950 - 1959.” If a period property is high on your list Frankleigh Park is a nice spot to discover.
Glen Avon
Glen Avon is situated at the entrance to New Plymouth for those approaching from Hamilton and Auckland. It is in close proximity to the Waiwhakaiho shopping hub, also known as The Valley Shopping Complex, which is home to some of the largest shopping chains including Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, Briscoes, Warehouse Stationery, Torpedo 7, Mitre 10 Mega and Countdown Supermarket.
In 2020 an independent commissioner gave the green light for developers to proceed with a multimillion-dollar shopping complex in this area. This large scale development will create a new shopping hub for New Plymouth. The commercial retail complex is planned to include 30 speciality stores, a supermarket, a six-screen cinema, a hardware store, offices and a 75-room hotel on the 7.44-hectare site formerly occupied by Ravensdown.
Popular spots in the Glen Avon area include the iconic Te Rewa Rewa bridge which can be found by walking along the Waiwhakaiho river just past the beautiful Lake Rotomanu.
Highlands Park
Highlands Park sits on the outskirts of New Plymouth and is near the ever-popular Burgess Park green space. Providing a range of housing stock, with the earliest residential housing recorded in the area constructed between 1920 - 1929. The majority of the homes in the locality were constructed between 1980 - 1989 and offer excellent family homes with plenty of space, access to schools and a peaceful suburban feel.
Hurdon
Located next to Westown and close to Francis Douglas School 2016 saw a new suburban shopping centre replace an old run-down supermarket which had been sitting empty for a number of years. This new development brought some much-needed life back to the suburb, now home to a boutique convenient store called ‘The Store’, a popular cafe for families ‘The Locals’ as well as hairdressers ‘LOLA Hair’. A petrol station is currently under development to complete the local amenities servicing this up-and-coming suburb.
Lynmouth
Lynmouth is a neighbouring suburb of the Taranaki Base Hospital providing excellent proximity to the region's largest medical centre. Located to the west of the city centre and marking the start of the legendary Surf Highway 45 the majority of the residential housing stock in the locality was constructed between 1970 - 1979 offering great villa style housing and boundless opportunities to renovate and revamp to your taste.
Many houses in this area sit on larger-than-average sections making them prime candidates for subdivision and development where available. Many first-time buyers and investors have gravitated towards this suburb.
Mangorei
The majority of Mangorei’s residential housing stock was constructed between 2010-2019 showing a lot of growth in more recent years and providing a fresh supply of newer homes. Based on the fringe of the city limits, Mangorei offers a rural escape mere minutes from the city centre. With rolling hilltop views and an elevated position above the city, it’s ideal for those wanting the best of both worlds.
According to One Roof ‘residential housing stock in Mangorei is made up of approximately 17% residential housing and 83% lifestyle properties.’ With 26% of those who live in the suburb holding an occupation of manager and 17% professionals. More stats can be found here.
Marfell
Marfell is home to Kiwi Build’s latest project ‘Discovery Development’ which has seen the first 17 homes sold. Built on land where dozens of neglected state houses were demolished in 2008, these new homes have given the area a fresh perspective for those looking to get in the housing market who might not be able to afford a new home in other neighbouring suburbs. “The two-storey duplex homes offer three-bedrooms, accompanied by a family bathroom upstairs, and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area downstairs.” Learn more about this development here.
Merrilands
Located South East of the city centre the Waiwhakaiho river runs past Merrilands to the east, making the Merrilands domain a popular swimming hole in the summer months. Many head to the domain to cool off in the river which runs from the mountain, providing cool, fresh water and a stunning spot for the family to hang out. There is also a great picnic area as well as a frisbee golf course. Located to the east is the Te Henui Stream and walkway which is also a popular trek for biking, walking or running.
Moturoa
Known to locals as Tiger Town, Moturoa is located to the west of the city centre, bordering Port Taranaki and the Sugar Loaf Islands. Ngamotu Beach, a popular local beach for families, is located in Moturoa and is the home to the local port as well as a fishing wharf.
With million-dollar views comes a similar price tag with streets like Whiteley seeing properties on the coastal side sell from upwards of a million dollars, and those without sea views in a more reasonable price range. Ngamotu Domain provides local greenspace while plans around the development of the abandoned cool stores raise question marks about this suburb’s future potential.
Strandon
Also located along the coastal walkway, next to Fitzroy but slightly closer to town, Strandon (also known as East End) is popular for its beach access. East End Beach is also home to the local skate park and surf clubs. During the summer months, a local pop up cafe during the day and pizza bar at night Paris Plage is a popular outdoor spot to enjoy the sea views. On the weekend's local musicians are known to entertain the crowd. Strandon is also home to the well-known brand Taranaki Hardcore.
Spotswood
As you look to head out along State Highway 45 (also known as Surf Highway 45) you will head through Spotswood. Popular surf beach, Back Beach and the iconic landmark Paritutu Rock is located in the Spotswood area. The majority of residential housing stock in Spotswood was constructed between 1970 - 1979. The large Countdown supermarket ensures residents of this suburb don’t need to travel far to stock up the kitchen cupboards. Spotswood School (Spottie to locals) features beach volleyball courts and recently upgraded facilities.
Vogeltown
One of the most centrally located new subdivisions in New Plymouth at present is the old Cambrian Engineering site which was sold in 2017. This new 32-lot residential subdivision is located on Carrington Street, opposite the historic Old Boys Rugby Club. Just two kilometres from the CBD and within proximity to Pukekura Park it’s a prime spot for a new residential development. Other real estate changes in the suburb included a Countdown supermarket on Hori Street and a 5.5-hectare residential development off Huatoki St. To date, four stages have been completed with each stage housing about 20 to 30 sections varying between 600sqm to 800sqm, some even larger.
Popular local hotspots in Vogeltown include the Huatoki Walkway, close proximity to Pukekura Park and Bowl of Brooklands as well as home to the best donuts in Taranaki Knead Donuts, open Thursday - Saturday from 7 am. These donuts are so popular that they sell out in hours.
Welbourn
Located between Merrilands and Brooklands, Welbourn is the first suburb you come to when arriving in New Plymouth from the South. As you drive along Coronation Street you are greeted by the New Plymouth Raceway, Taranaki’s main horse racing track and the potential future site for a multi-million dollar sports complex.
Westown
Home to the Taranaki Rugby Stadium (Yarrows Stadium), Westown has a great hub of local cafe’s, bars and shops. A local real estate development in Westown may be on the cards with the future of the Barrett Street Hospital uncertain. As the land is cleared, if the former hospital grounds are turned into similarly sized residential lots, the space has the potential to house up to 152 homes.
Whaler’s Gate
One of the newest subdivisions in New Plymouth this suburb sits on the southern fringe of the city as you travel out to Omata, Oakura and Okato. With most houses built within the past 10 years, this is a family-friendly part of the city. Almost defining New Zealand’s version of suburbia it has small boutique cafes, sought-after school zoning and is near a large supermarket.
Many houses in this area overlook the green hills of the Taranaki countryside while others sit near, or back onto, the popular Barrett Domain. Featuring large open spaces, native bush walks and a picturesque lake this area is a popular area of New Plymouth to buy and rent.
If you’re looking to make the move to New Plymouth and would like to discuss your options, our team of McDonald Real Estate's sales professionals are available to discuss any questions you may have. Moving to a new town, or even to a new suburb can be a big decision in itself. Let us help you to make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a home for you and your loved ones.
