Fishing
Ultimate Fishing Adventures (tel. 027/224-9992 or 06/759-2345) will take you game fishing, fresh- or saltwater fly-fishing, bottom fishing, or sea fishing. In summer it also has evening fishing packages. Or try Taranaki Outdoor Adventures (tel. 0800/200-625; www.toa.co.nz), to organize a fishing charter.
Golf
Taranaki is home to 20 courses, including the New Plymouth Golf Club Ngamotu Links, Devon Road, Bell Block (tel. 06/755-1349; www.newplymouthgolf.co.nz). The 18-hole, par-72 championship course is on magnificent parklike grounds and has a pro shop, bar, and restaurant. Greens fees are NZ$60 for nonaffiliated players.
Kayaking
Canoe and Kayak Taranaki, 631 Devon Rd., New Plymouth (tel. 06/769-5506; www.canoeandkayak.co.nz), will take you out to the Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve for a close-up look at seals and other marine life; or if you're of a more adventurous bent, they'll lead you to Grade II rapids on the Waitara River.
Surfing
Tara Wave Surf School (tel. 06/752-7474; tarawave@xtra.co.nz) offers lessons at Oakura, one of the region's safest beaches. All gear is provided. In New Plymouth itself, Beach Street Surf Shop, 39 Beach St. (tel. 06/758-0400; www.taranakisurf.com), is an institution. They'll point you in all the right directions for the best breaks and the best lessons.
Swimming
The New Plymouth Aquatic Centre, Kawaroa Park (tel. 06/759-6060), is open Monday through Friday from 6am to 8:30pm, weekends and public holidays from 7am to 7pm (closed Dec 25). It offers a range of heated indoor and outdoor pools, hydroslides, and a steam room. Taranaki Thermal Spa, 8 Bonithon Ave. (tel. 06/759-1666; www.windwand.co.nz/mineralpools), was established in 1914 and now provides a host of modern massage and beauty treatments to follow a hot soak in one of the private or group pools. They are open in summer Monday and Tuesday 9am to 5pm; Wednesday through Friday 9am to 9pm; Saturday noon to 9pm; and Sunday 2 to 8pm (winter hours vary slightly). Private pools cost NZ$40 per couple.
Walking
A wide range of walks, from easy to energetic, crisscross the New Plymouth area. The visitor center produces an excellent series of foldout pamphlets and maps that highlight the best walks, including a very good Walk Taranaki guidebook. Do try and experience at least some of the multi-award-winning Coastal Walkway, which runs 7km (4 1/3 miles) from the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River in the east to Port Taranaki in the west. You'll pass world-class surf beaches, public art, and great seascapes along the way. You can book a mobility scooter (reservations and bond required), which is free between 8am and noon and 1 and 5pm. Contact tel. 06/759-6060 or www.newplymouthnz.com for details. If you start the walk in the city, look out for Len Lye's magnificent, bending red sculpture, Wind Wand, which is clearly visible across the road from Puke Ariki.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
