Silversea Luxury Cruises À NEW PLYMOUTH

Discover New Plymouth with a trip to Mt. Taranaki and the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre, experience the lush native forest and admire the stunning views. You will then travel to Te Kainga Marire Garden, an inner city native garden, whose name translates in Maori for "the peaceful encampment".

Egmont National Park

Leave the pier for the short and scenic drive to the iconic peak of Mount Taranaki, stopping to discover the legend of the mountain at the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre, surrounded by lush native bush with stunning views. The Visitor Centre offers comprehensive displays, a small café and retail area, and friendly staff who can help with track and weather information. Take a guided bush walk with an expert local guide, who will explain the history of the mountain, the surrounding national park, and the rich array of native flora and wildlife it is home to. Rest your legs whilst enjoying a morning tea selection of filtered coffee, tea or juice and a selection of savoury and sweet bites.

Te Kainga Marire Garden

Next, make your way to Te Kainga Marire Garden on a comfortable 45-minute drive. Echoing the native theme is Te Kainga Marire - Maori for "the peaceful encampment", one of only five 6-star gardens in New Zealand. The skillfully designed inner-city garden has been hand-crafted from bare land over decades by Valda Poletti and Dave Clarkson, who live amidst the lush ferns, wetland plants, alpine treasures and native trees. Valda will welcome you personally and answer any questions as you meander through this wonderland, a true gem of Middle Earth.

At the end of your visit, re-board your coach for a return drive back to the pier.

A freestanding and almost symmetrical mountain standing at 2518 metres above sea level, Mount Taranaki is awe inspiring. This dormant volcano is approximately 120,000 years old and is an iconic part of New Plymouth.

Panoramic Views, Mount Taranaki, National Park Visitor Centre

Depart the pier for approximately 45-minute transfer through picturesque New Zealand countryside to the National Park Visitor Centre. Here, familiarize yourself with historical, cultural and ecological background information of the area before ascending onto one of the many walking tracks on Mount Taranaki for a two hour guided walk with a local expert guide. Experience views of the summit (weather depending) and the sprawling farmland looking back toward the coast before heading deeper into lush forest vegetation. Pause for a moment to enjoy a healthy snack and listen to the birdsong before continuing back to the Visitor Centre.

The tour concludes with a transfer back to the pier.

Enjoy an easy pace walking tour through the central city area with an experienced local guide and learn of the settler's arrival in New Plymouth in 1841 through to the time that a viable community was established some 40 or 50 years later.

Shuttle Transfer, New Plymouth City Centre, Guided Walking Tour

Transfer to the city central with the shuttle upon arrival; commence your 90-minute walking discovery of New Plymouth. Hear stories of desperate isolation, battles, colourful characters and small triumphs as a fledging community struggled to find its feet and grow. Discover how a bush-clad shoreline was transformed into a bustling community and learns about the enterprising characters who faced down every challenge to achieve success.

At the conclusion of your discovery walk, you may opt to remain in town for further self-exploration and take a shuttle back to the pier at your leisure.

Enjoy this panoramic tour of New Plymouth covering all the must-see sights in the area.

Panoramic Views, Moturoa Lookout, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, Pukekura Park

Depart the pier and travel to Moturoa lookout, a scenic lookout point with 360 degree views of the region. From here, follow the coastline to the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a popular landmark of the region. Its shape represents the bones of a whale. Next, visit the spectacular Pukekura Park, often described as the Jewel in New Plymouth's crown. This park features two lakes, stunning waterways, greenery & birdlife, all just a stone's throw from the central city. Here, enjoy some free time to explore the grounds at your own leisure.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the beautiful Pukeiti Gardens of New Plymouth and also discover the wines of New Zealand with a trip to Okurukuru Winery. The gardens are renowned for their rhododendron collection and beautiful views. The Okurukuru Winery is a small family operation producing Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.

Pukeiti Gardens & Morning/Afternoon Tea

Board your coach for a short, 30-minute ride to the gardens located on 360 hectares (889 acres) of rainforest grounds in the foothills of Mt. Taranaki. Established in 1951, Pukeiti offers extensive gardens and plant collections with numerous short walking paths and vantage points offering splendid views. Explore your choice of trails after you have been greeted and introduced to the gardens with a brief history.

Okurukuru Winery & Wine Tasting

Re-board your coach and make your way to Okurukuru Winery, a brief 15-minute drive away. Owned by Peter and Chris Hayward, who live locally, the winery is a father/daughter venture with Kate Acland based in Marlborough, who owns the Sugar Loaf Winery, and is the wine maker for both Okurukuru and Sugar Loaf companies. There is approximately 7 acres (2 hectares) planted with Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views from the vines rolling down to the Taranaki's surf coast across the stunning Tasman Sea. Sample a selection of four wines with lite bites, including cheese and grapes to compliment your tasting selections.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Enjoy the novelty of a boat ride on a historic English Lifeboat, built in 1953 as you ride out to Sugar Loaf Islands, discovered by Captain Cook in 1760.

Sugar Loaf Islands Cruise

Depart the pier for a brief transfer to your awaiting English Lifeboat for approximately 90-minute scenic cruise along the Sugar Loaf Islands marine reserve. You may spot various birdlife and fur seals amongst other marine life while listening to some local tales and history of this area from your guide, a local New Plymouth legend. Closer to shore, view the Wind Wand, a 48-metre kinetic iconic sculpture of New Plymouth made by artist Len Lye. On a clear day a beautiful view of Mount Taranaki can be seen.

At the conclusion of your cruise, transfer back to the pier.