In December 1847, the King family moved to New Plymouth, sailing on board the "Ralph Bernal". King opened a school with her sister, Maria, and her sister-in-law, Mary Jane King, while living in New Plymouth. This venue was also used for other functions, such as balls and cultural activities, which reflected the Kings' prominent presence in New Plymouth's public life. Both sisters also wove flax to make cloth, bags and other goods to supplement their income. King created a "fine garden", and leaving it was a cause of distress when she temporarily moved to Auckland for safety during the First Taranaki War of 1860–1861.