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 four local breweries; Three Sisters Brewery, Shining Peak Brewery, Mike’s Brewery and boutique brewery The Theoretical Brewer which operates a taproom where they serve small-batch beers. 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. 

Or, if you’re already super excited after reading this intro, quickly jump here to browse houses for sale in New Plymouth.

Bell Block  

Located 6km northeast of New Plymouth is Bell Block. It remains one of the region’s most resilient growth hotspots. While the pace has settled from its earlier sprint in 2010 – growth softened from a roaring 5% to a steadier 1-2% per annum since 2023. It continues to outpace much of Taranaki, helping fuel a boom in housing subdivision and new land-package offerings.  

Bell Block offers a range of facilities including a public swimming pool, a spectacular cycle park, complete with an Olympic-style BMX track, velodrome, a pump track and a kid-friendly mini-road circuit with traffic lights and road signs for younger tamariki. There is also a shopping complex, as well as The Warehouse and McDonalds.  

Connectivity to town from Bell Block is stellar, the SH3 bypass has helped keep traffic flowing smoothly for years and the coastal walkway lets you bike or walk from Bell Block into the centre of New Plymouth.  

A fresh face on the scene is Summerset, a retirement village built at Pohutukawa Place in 2023. It brings around 300 resort-style residences – villas, serviced apartments, memory-care suites. 

For investors and buyers, Bell Block delivers both scale and stability, making it one of the region’s most dependable spots for long-term growth. 

Browse houses for sale in Bell Block 

Blagdon 

On the western edge of the city and with the ever-popular Surf Highway 45 carving through Blagdon, this suburb offers affordable homes with easy reach of the city, hospital and beaches. Blagdon had some new developments in housing, including modern units at Stuart Place – which has added low-maintenance dwellings right near local shops. The neighbourhood’s classic shops like the Blagdon Store/Dairy remain handy. Spotswood and nearby Lynmouth provide additional shops and cafes.  

Blagdon’s proximity to Ngamotu Beach nearby parks, the coastal walkway, schools and transport routes mean it continues to deliver the best of both convenience and coastal lifestyle.   

For investors and buyers, Blagdon’s affordability paired with lifestyle perks makes it a clever entry point into New Plymouth’s coastal market. 

Browse houses for sale in Blagdon 

Brooklands  

Nestled on New Plymouth’s southern fringe, Brooklands merges peaceful trees and parks with cultural vibrancy. Brooklands has a reputation for being a “dress circle” of luxurious older properties filled with character and several modern designer homes. Home to  Pukekura Park and the world-famous amphitheatre Bowl of Brooklands, hosting WOMAD, major concerts, and the spectacular TSB Festival of Lights each summer.  

Pukekura Park surround you with 52 ha of botanical gardens, walking trails, lakes, the historic Gables gallery building, one of New Plymouth’s nicest parks and home to the quaint free-entry 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. 

For investors and buyers, Brooklands combines prestige and lifestyle, offering a rare blend of character homes and blue-chip cultural surroundings. 

Browse houses for sale in Brooklands 

Ferndale 

Ferndale is the suburb of relaxed charm while picking up some fresh energy. The two main parks, including Sutherland Park, remain a community favourite with open green space, playgrounds, pump tracks and shaded picnic areas and a spot for both kids and dogs to run free. The park is also home to the Woodleigh Athletics club. 

The area is seeing a new development with a cluster of new build-ready sections of Frankley Road is giving people a chance to design their own homes, while a new sewer and infrastructure project through Sutherland Park is paving the way for a shared pathway, connecting Ferndale with neighbouring suburbs by bike or foot.   

Community spirit runs strong here — Ferndale Hall, a local hub since the 1960s, continues to host gatherings and events, keeping the neighbourhood well connected. And with Frankleigh Park just next door, residents are only minutes from Huatoki Domain and the tennis club, adding even more options for those who love getting outdoors. 

For investors, Ferndale’s tight housing supply and active community projects point to steady long-term demand. For home buyers, it offers a balance of suburban calm, outdoor lifestyle, and proximity to the city. 

Browse houses for sale in Ferndale 

Fitzroy 

Fitzroy is a coastal suburb of New Plymouth (located along the Coastal Walkway) and home to the popular Fitzroy Beach, one of the city’s top surfer and summer destinations. The area is known for its ocean-view properties, boutique shops, and a vibrant café scene, making is a desirable spot for residents and visitors alike. Fitzroy is also home to its own suburb of local boutique businesses, with a number of homeware stores, bakeries and cafes, including a new record store and the much-loved homeware store Love & Mette K, keeping the suburb’s local flavour alive. 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.  

A rare development opportunity emerged with the Te Kekeu subdivision on Record Street, offering 14 residential lots while proposals to further develop the Fitzroy Golf Course were not supported by locals, preserving the suburb. 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.  

Browse houses for sale in Fitzroy 

Frankleigh Park 

Located between Vogeltown and Westown, Frankleigh Park is a charming suburb that seamlessly blends into historical character with modern conveniences. The suburb is currently undergoing a transformation, with several new homes entering the market.  

Frankleigh Park’s cafe scene is growing, with nice cozy spots for the locals to unwind .The Kitchen Table in Vogeltown offers a great bakery and cafe experience, perfect for that leisurely breakfast or brunch on your day off.  

The Huatoki Walkway provides a scenic walking and cycling routes, connecting residents to the natural beauty of New Plymouth. Additionally nearby parks like Sutherland Park and Ferndale park are perfect for picnics, sports and relaxation.  

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Glen Avon 

Glen Avon is the welcoming gateway to New Plymouth for those traveling from Hamilton and Auckland. Strategically located near the bustling  Waiwhakaiho shopping hub, also known as The Valley Shopping Complex, residents and visitors enjoy convenient access to major retailers such as Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, Briscoes, Hunting and Fishing, Mitre 10 Mega and Woolworths Supermarket.  

Beyond its commercial appeal, Glen Avon offers residents and visitors access to the picturesque Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. This iconic pedestrian and cycleway bridge spans the Waiwhakaiho River, providing a scenic route along the Coastal Walkway. The bridge’s distinctive design, reminiscent of a breaking wave or whale skeleton, offers stunning views of Mount Taranaki and is a popular spot for photography and leisurely walks. 

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Highlands Park  

Highlands Park sits on the southern edge of New Plymouth and offers easy access to local green spaces like Burgess Park and the Meeting of the Waters reserve — great for walks, mountain-biking and family outings. The suburb contains a mix of housing (with some early 20th-century homes but much of the homes built in the 1980s), making it popular with families who want space, established gardens and good access to schools such as Highlands Intermediate. 

Highlands Park has grown modestly in recent years. Median values sit in the mid-to-high-$800k range, and turnover is steady, which supports its appeal to both movers and local investors.  

Browse houses for sale in Highlands Park 

Hurdon  

Hurdon, located southwest of New Plymouth near Westown and Francis Douglas Memorial College, offers a relaxed, semi-rural lifestyle with all the conveniences of suburban living. The area has seen steady growth in recent years, with modern housing developments such as Cowling Ridge Estate adding new life and variety to the housing mix. Residents enjoy easy access to green spaces like Barrett Domain, local cafés such as The Locals, and quality schooling options, making it a sought-after spot for families and professionals. 

Continued infrastructure improvements — including new shared pathways and upgraded utilities — are enhancing walkability and connectivity with neighbouring suburbs. With a rising median house price sitting in the high $800,000s and consistent buyer demand, Hurdon remains one of New Plymouth’s most attractive areas for both homeowners and investors.  

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Lynmouth  

Lynmouth is conveniently located just west of New Plymouth’s city centre and borders the Taranaki Base Hospital, offering excellent access to the region’s largest medical facility. The suburb marks the start of the iconic Surf Highway 45 and features a mix of 1970s homes and classic villas, many on generous sections ideal for renovation or redevelopment. 

With its central location, larger property sizes, and close proximity to schools, parks, and coastal routes, Lynmouth appeals to both first-home buyers and investors seeking value and future growth potential. It’s a well-established neighbourhood that blends city convenience with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. 

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Mangorei  

Mangorei is a semi-rural suburb on the fringe of New Plymouth, offering rolling hilltop views and a peaceful escape just minutes from the city centre. Most properties were built between 2010–2019, providing modern, spacious homes with elevated positions ideal for families or those seeking room to grow. The suburb is particularly appealing to professionals and managers, with a mix of lifestyle and residential properties offering both tranquillity and convenience.  

Browse houses for sale in Mangorei.  

Marfell  

Marfell is home to Kiwi Build’s controversial Kiwibuild project ‘Discovery Development’ which has 68 homes. 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 suburb appeals to first-home buyers and those entering the housing market, offering modern homes in a community-focused area, with easy access to schools and local amenities. 

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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. With a mix of established homes and family-friendly green spaces, Merrilands offers a relaxed suburban lifestyle close to the city. 

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Motorua  

Moturoa, known locally as Tiger Town, lies west of the city centre near Port Taranaki and the Sugar Loaf Islands. Ngamotu Beach is a popular family spot, while streets like Whiteley offer coastal views. The suburb combines vibrant coastal living with urban conveniences, including local greenspaces like Ngamotu Domain. Moturoa is also home to the lively Moturoa Surf Life Saving Club, the Ngamotu Beach Playground, and regular community events at the beach, making it a hub for outdoor activities, water sports, and seaside living. 

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Strandon  

Strandon, also called East End, is a coastal suburb adjacent to Fitzroy and popular for its beach access. East End Beach hosts surf clubs, a skate park, the local New Plymouth Roller Sports Club with open club nights on Fridays, and seasonal pop-up cafés such as Paris Plage. Residents enjoy seaside living with live music and community events, while local businesses like Taranaki Hardcore add a unique, creative flair to the area. Homes in this suburb are popular and always attract strong interest from locals wanting to move closer to the beach.  

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Spotwood

Spotswood sits along Surf Highway 45 and features landmarks like Paritutu Rock and Back Beach. Most homes were built in the 1970s, offering established family residences with scope for renovation. The large Woolworths supermarket and Spotswood School, with its upgraded facilities and beach volleyball courts, make the suburb convenient for families and active residents. 

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Vogeltown

Vogeltown is centrally located, with several new residential subdivisions on Carrington Street and Huatoki Street. Proximity to Pukekura Park, the Huatoki Walkway, and local hotspots like Knead Donuts make it an attractive suburb for families and professionals. The area combines historic charm with modern developments, offering a mix of smaller and larger sections for homes.  

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Welbourn 

Welbourn sits between Merrilands and Brooklands and is the first suburb encountered when approaching New Plymouth from the south. Coronation Street hosts the New Plymouth Raceway, and the demolition of the public stand at the raceway marks the start of the much-debated major sports complex. The suburb offers a mix of established homes and access to green spaces, balancing city proximity with a suburban lifestyle. 

Browse houses for sale in Welbourn 

Westown 

Home to the Taranaki Rugby Stadium (Yarrows Stadium), Westown has a great hub of local cafe’s, bars and shops. The area may see future residential expansion if the former Barrett Street Hospital site is redeveloped, potentially accommodating over 150 homes. Westown blends convenience, community, and growth potential for homeowners and investors alike. 

Browse houses for sale in Westown 

Whaler’s Gate  

Whaler’s Gate is one of New Plymouth’s newest subdivisions, located on the southern fringe towards Omata, Ōakura and Ōkato. Homes are mostly under 10 years old, with boutique cafés, sought-after school zoning, and nearby supermarkets. Many properties overlook Taranaki’s green hills or back onto Barrett Domain, offering large open spaces, native bush walks, and a picturesque lake for outdoor recreation. 

Browse houses for sale in Whaler’s Gate 

Thinking About Moving to New Plymouth? 

If you’re considering a move to New Plymouth or exploring different suburbs within the region, our team at McDonald Real Estate is here to help. Moving to a new town-or even across town – can be a big decision, and our local sales professionals can guide you through every step. Whether you’re buying your first home or looking to invest in property, we’ll help you make the right choice for you and your family.