4 minute read
New Plymouth Must-Do's
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 Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.
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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.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre © Venture Taranaki
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
Puke Ariki Museum, New Plymouth © Rob Tucker
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.
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.
Pukekura Park
Often described as the jewel in New Plymouth’s 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.
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.
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.
Tupare Gardens © Adobe Stock
Te Kāinga Mārire
Backed by a bush reserve, beside a mountain spring and packed with native flora, this is the quintessential Kiwi garden. $10pp entry.
TSB Annual Festival of Lights
Pukekura Park is the backdrop to the hugely popular TSB Festival of Lights, a free, annual six-week event featuring light installations, music shows and daytime family fun. 18 Dec 2021-30 Jan 2022.
Paritutu Rock
It may only be 100m to the top, but it’s 100m of almost vertical terrain. The far-reaching views across New Plymouth and surrounding coastline are well worth the climb.
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge © Venture Taranaki
Why put in any old boring bridge when you can design one as superb as this?
Swimming at Merrilands Domain
Just 6 minutes’ drive from the centre of town, a small sandy beach on the Waiwhakaiho River is a top spot for a picnic and a dip.
Taranaki Aviation Transport & Technology Museum
Explore New Zealand’s oldest methods of transportation, agriculture, communication, aviation and retro home appliances.
Ōakura Arts Trail
Visit local potters, painters, jewellers, sculptors and glass artists in their studios. Download the free trail map on oakuraarts.co.nz/map.
Taranaki Arts Trail
The Taranaki Garden Festival and Taranaki Arts Trail have combined to feature the area’s coveted artists and gardens, between 29-31 October and 5-7 November 2021.
Koru on Devon Gallery
Home to roughly 50 artists (predominantly Taranaki based), this stylish gallery champions a wealth of local talent.
Gover Street Gallery
A community-focused art gallery with exhibitions, workshops and gifts.
Mt Damper Falls
North of New Plymouth on the Okau Road. It’s a 1km walk from the car park.
Tapuae Marine Reserve
Providing a habitat for fish as well as occasional fur seals and whales. Snorkel off the beach at the Tapuae Stream end, or surf at Back Beach. You can also walk the entire reserve from Herekawe Stream to the Tapuae Stream in two hours.
Chaddy’s Charters
Throw on a lifejacket and head out to sea on an old Royal National Lifeboat Institution rescue boat. Along with seals and sea spray, Taranaki’s history comes to life with tales about the region’s first settlers, early whalers, local iwi and Māori.
Lake Mangamāhoe
Arguably the best place for views of Mt Taranaki, which looms over the lake looking absurdly attractive. Enjoy walks of varying difficulty or hit the MTB trails in the mountain bike park. Fifteen minutes from New Plymouth.
MJ Marine Services
You needn’t be a fishing pro to enjoy an excursion on the LegASea boat. MJ Marine Services tailor their charters to suit. There’s even a twilight cruise complete with cheese platter.
Hillsborough Holden Museum
Got a Holden devotee in your squad? New Zealand’s largest private collection of Holden cars and memorabilia will delight. The mini-golf course and café will keep non-Holdenites happy, too.
Pukeiti
Recent upgrades to this 360ha property include an impressive Treetop Walkway, education centre, Treehouse Trail for the young (and young at heart), a fitness trail, treehouse accommodation and a tunnel to a secret garden. Entry is free and 23km from New Plymouth.
