Last updated October 2026
Fitzroy Suburb lies on the northeastern edge of New Plymouth in the Taranaki region of New Zealand’s North Island. It features distinctive black-sand beaches along the Tasman Sea and forms part of the popular New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
The suburb blends residential living with easy access to recreation, including surfing, walking, and family parks. Fitzroy maintains a strong community atmosphere while sitting close to the city centre. Visitors appreciate its scenic coastal setting and convenient location for both locals and tourists exploring Taranaki.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 2,130, up 4% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.78 km²
- Location
- 2.8 km north-east of central New Plymouth
- Council
- New Plymouth District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Waiwhakaiho, Strandon, Glen Avon
- Ward or local board
- Kaitake-Ngāmotu General Ward (New Plymouth District Council)
- Nearby landmarks
- Fitzroy Beach, Coastal Walkway, Holy Trinity Church, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Who Lives in Fitzroy
About 2,130 residents in 870 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Fitzroy
Two schools sit inside the Fitzroy boundary. Some have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.
Also zoned for Fitzroy
Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Fitzroy
by 7am on collection day
Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Streets in Fitzroy
25 streets are in Fitzroy. Search any street in New Plymouth to see which suburb it is in.
Show all 25 streets in Fitzroy
- B
- Barriball Street
- Beach Street
- Bedford Street
- C
- Chatswood Grove
- Clemow Road
- Clinton Street
- D
- Darnell Street
- Devon Street East
- F
- Fitzroy Road
- N
- Newton Street
- Normanby Street
- Northgate
- P
- Princes Street
- Puni Street
- R
- Raiomiti Street
- Record Street
- Richmond Street
- Ron Barclay Drive
- Ropiha Street
- S
- Sackville Street
- Stainton Lane
- T
- Te Ara o Ngakeiha
- V
- Vogel Street
- W
- Weka Street
- Witako Street
A long road is listed in each suburb it runs through.
Safety and Hazards
About the New Plymouth average for the number of people who live here. Another 16 reports were at shops and businesses.
Buses from Fitzroy
3 bus stops inside the suburb.
Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Handy Facilities
Weather and Rent at a Glance
City-wide figures.
In Fitzroy
Places and businesses inside the official Fitzroy boundary.
Places
Show 2 more places
About Fitzroy Suburb
Fitzroy Suburb sits along the coast northeast of central New Plymouth.
Fitzroy Suburb sits along the coast northeast of central New Plymouth. Its black-sand beach draws surfers and swimmers, while the adjacent Coastal Walkway provides a flat, scenic route with views of the Tasman Sea and Taranaki Maunga on clear days. The suburb offers parks, playgrounds, and holiday park facilities that support family visits and outdoor activities.
The area takes its name from the Fitzroy Block, established in the 1840s after Governor Robert FitzRoy adjusted land boundaries for the Plymouth Company settlement. This history connects Fitzroy to early colonial development and interactions with local Māori iwi in Taranaki. Holy Trinity Church, a Category 1 historic place, stands as a tangible reminder of that period.
Today Fitzroy functions as a residential suburb with direct beach access and strong community ties. Surf lifesavers from the Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving Club patrol the beach during summer months. The suburb’s position along the Coastal Walkway makes it a natural starting or stopping point for walkers and cyclists heading toward Te Rewa Rewa Bridge or Bell Block.
Water quality at Fitzroy Beach is monitored by New Plymouth District Council, with updates available for swimmers. The beach remains popular for its consistent waves and family-friendly environment when conditions allow safe access.
The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
The award-winning Coastal Walkway runs 13.2 km along the sea edge from Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach.
The award-winning Coastal Walkway runs 13.2 km along the sea edge from Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach. It passes directly through Fitzroy, offering sections suitable for walking, running, cycling, and other non-motorised activities. Key landmarks visible from the Fitzroy portion include the dramatic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, which frames views of Taranaki Maunga.
The path is largely flat and accessible, with multiple entry points along the route. It connects Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park and nearby reserves, making it convenient for both short strolls and longer outings. The walkway forms a central feature of coastal recreation in New Plymouth.
Fitzroy Beach and Water Activities
Fitzroy Beach features characteristic black sand and serves as a hub for surfing and swimming.
Fitzroy Beach features characteristic black sand and serves as a hub for surfing and swimming. The Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving Club provides patrols during the summer season to support safe use of the beach. Local surf schools and equipment hire operate nearby, catering to beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Facilities at the beach include a seasonal outdoor pool, playground, and kiosk. The adjacent Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park offers direct beachfront camping and cabin options for visitors seeking longer stays.
History and Heritage
Fitzroy originated as the Fitzroy Block following Governor Robert FitzRoy’s 1840s decision to limit the Plymouth Company’s land claim.
Fitzroy originated as the Fitzroy Block following Governor Robert FitzRoy’s 1840s decision to limit the Plymouth Company’s land claim. The suburb’s development reflects both European settlement patterns and ongoing Māori connections to the Taranaki coast.
Holy Trinity Church at 12 Henui Street stands as a Category 1 historic place listed by Heritage New Zealand, preserving early Anglican architecture in the suburb.
These heritage elements contribute to Fitzroy’s identity within New Plymouth’s broader historical landscape. The church remains an active place of worship and a point of interest for visitors interested in Taranaki’s colonial and cultural past.
Near Fitzroy
Just outside Fitzroy, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
New Plymouth District Council Coastal Walkway page: Official details on the full walkway route, sections, and access points.
Heritage New Zealand: Listing and description of Holy Trinity Church as a Category 1 historic place.
100% Pure New Zealand: Overview of the Coastal Walkway highlighting Fitzroy Beach and Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people live in Fitzroy?
About 2,130 people lived in Fitzroy at the 2023 Census, up 4% since 2018. See Who Lives in Fitzroy
What school zones cover Fitzroy?
The zones of Fitzroy School and Highlands Intermediate cover all of Fitzroy. Zones change, so check an address with the school. See Schools in Fitzroy
When is bin day in Fitzroy?
Monday. Bins go out by 7am on collection day. Streets near the edge of the suburb can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure. See Bin Day in Fitzroy
Which buses serve Fitzroy?
Route 9, about hourly; route 20, every 2 hours or so. There are 3 stops in the suburb. See Buses from Fitzroy
Is Fitzroy in a tsunami evacuation zone?
Yes, about 11% of Fitzroy is inside the tsunami evacuation zone. A long or strong earthquake means move to high ground or inland straight away. See Safety and Hazards
Are dogs allowed in Fitzroy?
Peringa Park/Lake Rotomanu wetlands: on a leash. Fitzroy Beach: off leash outside the summer hours. Lake Rotomanu island: no dogs. See every dog park and walk in New Plymouth.
What is the length of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway?
The walkway measures 13.2 km from Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach and passes through Fitzroy.
Is Fitzroy Beach patrolled by lifeguards?
Yes, the Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving Club provides patrols during the summer season.
Are there accommodation options at Fitzroy Beach?
Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park offers beachfront camping, cabins, and other accommodation with direct access to the beach and walkway.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore New Plymouth only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Fitzroy is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Sources and data notes 9
- Official Suburb Facts: Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. Population: Stats NZ 2023 Census usually resident population, CC BY 4.0, summed from the statistical areas inside the boundary.
- Who Lives in Fitzroy: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Fitzroy boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.
- Schools in Fitzroy: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026.
- Bin Day in Fitzroy: New Plymouth District Council collection areas.
- Streets in Fitzroy: LINZ NZ Addresses road data, CC BY 4.0.
- Safety and Hazards: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary); Taranaki Regional Council tsunami zones; New Plymouth District Plan flood plain.
- Buses from Fitzroy: Taranaki Regional Council timetable data, CC BY 4.0.
- Handy Facilities: New Plymouth District Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
- Weather and Rent at a Glance: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026.