Transport

Airport: New Plymouth Airport serves the city and the surrounding region of Taranaki. It is located on the coast, 11km from the city centre, and 4km from the outer suburb/satellite town of Bell Block. It is the 11th busiest airport in New Zealand, with scheduled services to Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. A trip to New Plymouth or Taranaki is not complete without experiencing the beautiful region from the air with Heliview Taranaki. Fly over the city, the amazing coastline, or over the 2518m (8,260ft) summit of spectacular Mount Taranaki. From sunrise to sunset - Heliview provides helicopter flights, giving you a memorable experience that will be sure to take your breath away. New Plymouth Airport

Roads: There are two main roads that head to Wanganui. SH45 follows the coast all the way around Mt Egmont through small villages like Okato and Opunake. The second, SH3, follows a cross-country route through Stratford to Hawera.  Heading south on SH3 to Egmont Village, then on through the small farming villages of Tariki, Waipuku, Midhurst, to the larger township of Stratford. From Stratford, continue on SH3 through Ngaere to Eltham, and on through Te Roti, Normanby into the busiest town in South Taranaki, Hawera. From Hawera leave southeast on SH3 through Whareroa, Mokoia, Manutahi, Kakaramea to Patea; a quaint seaside township with a camping ground and beautiful beach. You can also play a round of golf.

Buses: Taranaki has a very good bus service and all information can be found on:
http://www.trc.govt.nz/bus-routes/
BusServices 
Scotts Airport Shuttle is the affordable, friendly service between New Plymouth and New Plymouth airport.
Shipping: There are several boat companies and charters available in this area. Check out http://www.westcoastmarine.co.nz/ The breakwater at Ngamotu was completed in 1883, providing safe berthage for vessels, and the Moturoa wharf was completed in 1888. Port Taranaki is a critical transport link for the region and the only deep water port on the west coast of New Zealand.

Train: On 11 February 1978, the Taumarunui railcar was replaced by a passenger train, but it was ultimately cancelled on 21 January 1983. Since this date, the only passenger trains to operate to New Plymouth have been infrequent excursions operated by railway preservation societies.

Cycling: Cycling in Taranaki is great way to see the region.The Coastal Walkway is a 7km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching almost the entire length of the city of New Plymouth, from the Waiwhakaiho River mouth to the east to Port Taranaki to the west. The pathway is ideal for walking, running, cycling or skating, or simply enjoying the view of the dramatic west coast. It is listed as one of the 101 'Must Do' attractions by the New Zealand Automobile Association and has won numerous awards, including the Cycle Friendly Award in 2008 for the best New Zealand cycle facility.

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