NEW VERSUS OLD

I am quite fond of Devon's old Plymouth; it has family history and is the place of my own birth so it has significance.  It is also a lovely place for those few days a year when it stops raining.  We were keen to see how New Plymouth in the Taranaki region compares.

Well, they are both on the sea with harbours and busy working ports.  They both also appeal to tourists.  Whilst old Plymouth has the sea front walk along the Hoe with Smeaton’s original lighthouse, New Plymouth has it’s award winning 11km Coastal Walkway complete with the 45m high kinetic sculpture, the Wind Wand.

Harbour and Mt Taranaki

The Wind Wand

Beach View from Coastal Walkway

The sea front of old Plymouth has activities for young people; there is the Sea Life Centre and the sea water Lido.  New Plymouth has several bustling surf and life saving clubs, a leisure pool complex and a roller activities centre.

Away from the sea front, old Plymouth has the green space of Home Park; host to Plymouth Argyle FC.  New Plymouth has Pukekura Park, a wonderful oasis close to the vibrant urban centre with its sports ground and natural amphitheatre.

Pukekura Park

It is hard to pick a winner but New Plymouth has made a great first impression.  We loved exploring it on two wheels and on foot.  We leave with fondness for both Plymouths.