Taranaki
Talk to a Local Zara Stanhope
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My top must-do’s for visitors: If you are around New Plymouth and enjoy moving about on weekends I suggest a visit to the Eltham Cheese Shop, walks in one of Taranaki’s Regional Gardens – Tūpare, Hollard or Pukeiti – a picnic at Lucy’s Gully, followed by swim at Ōakura where you can enjoy dinner at Toret or a pizza at dusk at Black Sands and finish back in Ngāmotu with a drink in the lounge of the Nice Hotel. A favourite walk or bike is along Te Hēnui walkway to the coast before taking New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway along the beaches famous for their black sands and waves. I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about… the coffee and snacks at Ozone, the doughnuts at Public Catering, potstickers at Snug Lounge, bagels at Crystal Cylinder, the bucatini putanesca at State Pasta or the open omelette at Monica’s Eatery – I could go on! For a delightful day trip… I recommend Pātea. I am always blown away by the scenery where the Pātea River joins the South Taranaki Bight. In particular, the sense of the elemental force of nature that is palpable in the wind, rolling waves and extensive blacksand beach with its necklace of driftwood. Often you find yourself
SURF HIGHWAY 45
Director, GovettBrewster Art Gallery, Len Lye Centre the only person on the beach. The area also has an important history, dating from before the time of the arrival of the Aotea waka followed by the impact of colonial settlement onwards, visible at Aotea Utanganui (Museum of South Taranaki). Living in Taranaki is awesome because… the maunga is number one; its unique spirit dominates the land. Some say that Taranaki, losing a battle with Tongariro over a love conquest for Mt Pihanga, withdrew from his original location near Tūrangi and went underground, carving out the bed of the Whanganui River on his journey to the sea. When he surfaced he was drawn towards beautiful Pouakai Range standing inland. Pouakai and Taranaki’s offspring became the trees, plants, birds, rocks and rivers flowing from their slopes. Taranaki people are amazingly warm and friendly; there is always a lot going on whether at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery|Len Lye Centre or other Taranaki public and private cultural centres, theatres and galleries. And you can get your fill of sun and surf here, even in winter.
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Officially Highway 45, it’s dubbed Surf Highway 45 for the wild surf breaks between New Plymouth and Hāwera. World-class swells are sought at the famous Kumera Patch as well as Stent Road; other highlights include Cape Egmont Lighthouse, Cape Egmont Light House and Museum, Everybody’s Theatre and the shipwreck of Gairloch.
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Plymouth The West End Precinct This is a vibrant community of businesses combining cafés and bars with some seriously cool boutique shops. Tucked away off the main street and opposite the GovettBrewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.
crown, this is one of New Zealand’s premier botanic gardens. Flush with plants and water features; lush ferns in Fernery and Display Houses; rentable rowing boats, a fantastic playground and café.
Inglewood
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/ Len Lye Centre An internationally renowned, contemporary art museum. The cutting-edge architecture sets a precedent for what you’ll find inside; Len Lye’s genius will impress.
Brooklands Park Here you’ll find a free zoo and the Bowl of Brooklands, a natural outdoor amphitheatre, and acclaimed venue for national and international artists.
Egmont
Tūpare Gardens Awarded New Zealand Gardens Trust highest six-star rating, entry is free to this impeccable estate, with a picnic area by the river and handsome heritage buildings. Free tours of the house take place at 11am Friday to Monday, October until March.
National
The Wind Wand Designed by Len Lye, this instantly recognisable kinetic structure sways 48m above New Plymouth’s esplanade known as the Coastal Walkway.
Puke Ariki Combining the Public Library and Taranaki Museum, this multi-purpose venue allows visitors to learn about the region’s past via interactive displays detailing Māori art, wildlife and geology. The New Plymouth i-SITE is also located here.
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New Plymouth Coastal Walkway Highlights along this 12.7km walkway include the Wind Wand, Fitzroy and East End beaches, the striking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and, in summer, Paris Plage serving light bites and chilled beers.
Stratford
Pukekura Park Often described as the jewel in New Plymouth’s PAGE 5 - REGIONAL MAP
