WHAT’S NEW 2016
www.visit.taranaki.info
WELCOME TO TARANAKI
T
he Taranaki region has been in the spotlight lately, and is being put on a growing number of travel wish lists. Here are some of the reasons why.
In January 2015 New Plymouth smashed the New Zealand record for the most sunshine in a month, backing it up with nation-leading sun again in January 2016. The region is now even better connected by air to Auckland, just a 40-minute flight with Air New
Zealand or Jetstar, Wellington via a 45-minute flight, and Christchurch in less than an hour and a half, both with Air New Zealand. There are three ways to drive to Taranaki – from the north and Auckland (4.5 hours), the south and Wellington (4.5 hours) or via the scenic Forgotten World Highway, which connects to the Central North Island (2.5 hours). Taranaki has introduced some spectacular new product over the last six months. You’ll read about
the trade-ready operators in the following pages. These are supported by a visitor and hospitality industry that has risen to the challenge and is surprising and delighting domestic and international visitors. Investment into visitor infrastructure continues, with upgrades to numerous amenities and attractions, a new terminal at New Plymouth Airport, roading improvements and more in the pipeline.
AUCKLAND
AUCKLAN HAMILTON
WAITOMO CAVES
ROTORUA
TAUMARUNUI
TARANAKI TARANAKI REGION
RUAPEHU
HOW TARANAKI CAN FIT INTO YOUR NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY
WELLINGT
WELLINGTON
Just a 40-minute flight from Auckland and Wellington, and 90-minutes from Christchurch, Taranaki is very accessible with two airlines arriving at New Plymouth Airport several times daily.
Day 4: Enjoy the many adventures in New Plymouth
Taranaki can be easily added to popular driving routes. The roads to Taranaki are driver-friendly scenic highways with not too much distance between activities, making it perfect for both FIT and group tours.
Day 6: Enjoy Ruapehu and drive to Rotorua for the night (2.5 hours).
Here are some examples of how Taranaki could fit in to a North Island itinerary. NORTH ISLAND EXPLORER ROUTE (1 WEEK - DRIVE) Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, stay one night and explore Auckland’s products Day 2: Drive to Hamilton (1.5 hours) and then spend the day at Hobbiton (40 mins from Hamilton) Day 3: Explore the Waitomo Caves (1 hour) and then on to New Plymouth (2.5 hours)
Day 5: Drive to Stratford and on to ride the rail carts with Forgotten World Adventures to Taumarunui.
Day 7: Morning activity in Rotorua, return to Auckland WEST COAST TRAIL (3 DAYS - DRIVE) Day 1: Fly or drive to Rotorua, stay one night and explore Rotorua’s products Day 2:
Drive to New Plymouth (3.5 hours) and select one of our day-long or a morning and afternoon activity (ie Len Lye Centre and a guided short walk on Mount Taranaki)
Or Drive to Taumarunui (2 hours) and then ride the rails to Douglas before driving to Taranaki
Day 3: Drive to Auckland via Waitomo Caves
GOVETT-BREWSTER ART GALLERY AND THE LEN LYE CENTRE
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ew Zealand’s latest and greatest contemporary art museum is not to be missed.
Len Lye (1901-1980) was New Zealand’s most influential international artist, and a spectacular new art gallery showcases his life and work, alongside the latest contemporary art from New Zealand and the world. The Len Lye Centre opened within the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in July 2015, and has rapidly
become one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings. Wrapped in stainless steel, the building extends the contemporary art exhibitions and events that the Govett-Brewster has been renowned for since 1970. Len Lye’s pioneering work with film can be discovered in the gallery’s purpose-built cinema, while his massive kinetic artworks are shown in a dedicated large works gallery, all set within a striking stainless steel façade which has caught the attention of the world’s media, featuring in the likes of the New York
Times, Chinese Vogue, The Telegraph and more. The gallery delivers a busy programme of events and exhibitions that span the art spectrum, and has a popular design store with exclusive Len Lye merchandise. Its smart onsite café – Monica’s Eatery – is one of the city’s best. Discover the story of Len Lye and of contemporary art in New Zealand at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre.
PRODUCTS MUSEUM TOUR Get an introduction to the story of the gallery and Len Lye with this 45-minute hosted tour of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre. Guided by an experienced information officer, this tour comes with a free gift voucher for the gallery’s design store, and is available for 2-16 people, though larger groups can be accommodated by request ($POA). Group bookings must be made two weeks in advance of planned visit, and cancellations will require 24-hours’ notice. Time: 45 minutes Availability: Thursday - Sunday Minimum: 2 Maximum: 16, larger numbers by request Cost: $25.00 per person
MUSEUM DIRECTOR/CURATOR COCKTAIL TOUR Receive an exclusive tour of the gallery and exhibitions by the Govett-Brewster’s Director or expert curators, followed by discussion on the gallery’s history, the life and work of Len Lye and New Zealand contemporary art over cocktails and canapés for the group in one of the gallery’s function rooms. The 2-hour event is available for groups of 8-16, subject to availability. Bookings are required 5 weeks in advance of planned visit, and cancellations will require 10 working days’ notice. Time: 2 hours Availability: Flexible Minimum: 8 Maximum: 16 Cost: $149.00 per person
MUSEUM CURATOR TOUR Get an in-depth look at Len Lye’s work and the current exhibition with one of the gallery’s internationally-regarded curatorial team. The 1-hour gallery tour will be followed by a discussion on aspects of New Zealand contemporary art practice, and includes morning of afternoon tea at the gallery’s onsite café Monica’s Eatery. This tour is available for groups of 4-16, and requires booking 2 weeks in advance of planned visits. Cancellations will require 5 working days’ notice. Time: 45 minutes Availability: Flexible Minimum: 4 Maximum: 16, larger numbers by request Cost: $79.00 per person (4-8 people) $59.00 (9-16 people)
CONTACT
Gary Conway, Visitor Services Manager Email: Gary.Conway@govettbrewster.com Tel: + 64 6 759 6125 Web: www.govett-brewster.com Location: Corner of King and Queen Streets, New Plymouth CBD All costs retail
TOP GUIDES AND THE POUAKAI CROSSING
A Crossing.
stunning and adventurous 1-day hike to rival the more crowded Tongariro
Mount Taranaki’s Pouakai Crossing is gaining momentum as one of New Zealand’s greatest one-day walks. Best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness, the walk crosses the slopes of Mount Taranaki, taking around 8 hours to complete. Beginning at North Egmont Visitor Centre, the crossing heads up and across Mount Taranaki, with stunning summit and landscape views varying
from alpine to lush forest as the route passes beneath towering lava cliffs and over the remarkable Ahukawakawa Wetlands. Holly Hut offers a handy mid-point, and the scenic highlight is the Pouakai Tarns – mountain lakes – which can offer a spectacular reflection of the 2518m summit. Top Guides are the Pouakai Crossing specialists and offer a fully-guided full-day trip through the Pouakai Crossing, with optional catering and return shuttle to your customer’s accommodation. The team of mountain experts also offer
a range of shorter walks, including a half-day sunset trip to the Pouakai Tarns, a unique birdspotting walk and trips to many more of the Mountain’s unique locations. All trips are supported by a full safety briefing, safety equipment and ecological, cultural, and historical interpretation. A range of language options are also available, and additional add-ons include botanical specialists, a packed lunch, transport to and from accommodation, and a dedicated specialist photographer.
PRODUCTS MOUNT TARANAKI NATURE WALK
THE POUAKAI CROSSING
A short loop track close to North Egmont Visitor Centre with historical, cultural and ecological points of interest and glimpses into the ‘Goblin Forest’ where mosses, lichens and epiphytes feature. The route takes in classic rain forest vegetation and an opportunity to pause and listen to the bird song. This walk features uneven terrain, but is suitable for all levels of fitness. Comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat are advisable.
This one-day walk across the northern side of Mount Taranaki takes you on a 19km trek through landscapes ranging from the montane forest and subalpine scrub, beneath towering lava columns, across active erosion scars, and through a scenic alpine wetland. The unique flora along the route make it a lesson in botanical adaptation. After crossing the unique Ahukawakawa Wetland, the climb up on to the Pouakai Plateau offers breath-taking views of the route, with Mt Taranaki as a backdrop, and the opportunity for the postcard-perfect shot of the mountain reflected in the tarns – alpine lakes - on top of the plateau. The route is challenging and requires a high level of fitness. Departing from North Egmont Visitor Centre, walkers will require comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes, rain and sun protection, food and water, a backpack and suitable hiking clothing.
Time: 1 hour Availability: On demand Minimum: 4 Maximum: Flexible – maximum guide: customer ratio of 1:10 Cost: $79.00 per person THE POUAKAI CROSSING This one-day walk across the northern side of Mount Taranaki VERONICA LOOP takes you on a 19km trek through landscapes ranging from Fromand North Egmontscrub, Visitor Centre,towering the Veronica Loop walk the montane forest subalpine beneath introduces historical, and ecological background lava columns, across activethe erosion scars,cultural and through a of the Mountain before ascending through the ‘Goblin scenic alpine wetland. The unique flora along the route whereadaptation. thick moss After drips crossing form the trees. A lookout make it a lessonForest’ in botanical offers spectacular andup coast the unique Ahukawakawa Wetland,summit the climb on toviews, the while the return an opportunity pause and listen to the bird Pouakai Plateauroute offersgives breath-taking views to of the route, Bridges over streamsfor finish with Mt Taranakisong. as a backdrop, andmountain the opportunity thethe walk. The 2-hour walk uneven terrain andtarns requires moderate postcard-perfect shot of theinvolves mountain reflected in the fitness. willThe need comfortable walking shoes, rain – alpine lakes - on top ofCustomers the plateau. route is challenging protection, and drinking water. and requires a high level of fisnack tness.food Departing from North Egmont Visitor Centre, walkers will require comfortable and Time: 2 hours waterproof hiking shoes, rain and sun protection, food and Availability: On demand water, a backpack and suitable hiking clothing. Minimum: 4 Time: 7-9 hoursMaximum: Flexible – maximum guide: customer ratio of 1:10 $99.00 Availability: OnCost: demand overper theperson late spring, summer and early autumn period Minimum: 4 BIRD SPOTTING TOUR Maximum: Flexible – maximumtoguide: ratio of 1:10 An opportunity walk customer through classic rain forest on the Cost: $299.00 per person slopes of Mount Taranaki to a spectacular swing bridge over the Waiwakaiho River. The river offers a view shaft up the river
valley to the SUNSET towering summit, POUAKAI CROSSING TOURand is the perfect environment for twist the threatened Whio (blueCrossing duck) which Add a spectacular to the 19-km Pouakai by inhabits clean, flowingsummit streamsasinthe thesun forested upperThis catchments of catching Mount fast Taranaki’s goes down. Zealand rivers. A number of breeding pairs have been tour follows the New Pouakai Crossing route, but leaves later in the in light the area. Departing from Kaiauai Rock, this tour day to catch thereleased change of and colour on the mountain uneven/hilly a moderate as the sun sets. covers This is the best timeterrain of day and to capture the level of fitness is recommended. footwear, rainofprotection, and classic shot of the mountain reflComfortable ecting in the tarns on top water advised. the plateau. Thefood last and chapter of isthe walk is a night adventure to descend through the forest in the dark by head torchlight Time: 3 hours to the road end only a 20 minute drive from central New Availability: On demand over the spring, summer and Plymouth. Departing from the North Egmont Visitor Centre autumn period this tour route is challenging and requires a high level of Minimum: 4 fitness. Walkers will require comfortable and waterproof Maximum: Flexible – maximum guide: customer ratio of 1:10 hiking shoes, rain and sun protection, food and water, a Cost: $149.00 per person backpack and suitable/warm hiking clothing, as well as two sources of light to hike by. Time: 7-9 hours Availability: On demand over the late spring, summer and early autumn period Minimum: 4 Maximum: Flexible – maximum guide: customer ratio of 1:10
Time: 7-9 hours Availability: On demand over the late spring, summer and early autumn period Minimum: 4 Maximum: Flexible – maximum guide: customer ratio of 1:10 Cost: $299.00 per person
POUAKAI CROSSING SUNSET TOUR Add a spectacular twist to the 19-km Pouakai Crossing by catching Mount Taranaki’s summit as the sun goes down. This tour follows the Pouakai Crossing route, but leaves later in the day to catch the change of light and colour on the mountain as the sun sets. This is the best time of day to capture the classic shot of the mountain reflecting in the tarns on top of the plateau. The last chapter of the walk is a night adventure to descend through the forest in the dark by head torchlight to the road end only a 20 minute drive from central New Plymouth. Departing from the North Egmont Visitor Centre this tour route is challenging and requires a high level of fitness. Walkers will require comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes, rain and sun protection, food and water, a backpack and suitable/warm hiking clothing, as well as two sources of light to hike by. Time: 7-9 hours Availability: On demand over the late spring, summer and early autumn period Minimum: 4 Maximum: Flexible – maximum guide: customer ratio of 1:10 Cost: $349.00 per person
CONTACT
Rob Needs, Director Email: rob@topguides.co.nz Tel: 0800 448 433 Web: www.topguides.co.nz Location: Throughout Taranaki
All costs retail
DISCOVER THE REAL NEW ZEALAND WITH DISCOVER TARANAKI
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xclusive access to some of Taranaki’s most interesting people, stories and places
Giving access to the real stories of Taranaki is the aim of Discover Taranaki, who offer a comprehensive selection of high-end package tours that showcase the region’s unique stories and personalities. A range of ‘Taranaki tasters’ – unique half and single-day tours including guided walks, garden tours, agri-tours or art and cooking classes – offer a
fantastic introduction to Taranaki and are designed to fit the FIT self-drive visitor. Larger multi-day tours will allow visitors to get the full story, with the best of Taranaki art and dining on the Art Tour, a personal Garden Tour through the region’s top gardens accompanied by cooking classes and superb accommodation, fully guided and catered walking tours along the coast at Whitecliffs or on mythical eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki, and a unique Taranaki Agri-tour
that will showcase the strength and diversity of the region’s rich rural heritage, accompanied by the best of both rural and urban hospitality. Fully commissionable, the tours span 2-4 nights, and include exclusive access to many of Taranaki’s best visitor experiences. Pricing will reduce for groups of more than four people, and where own transport is provided (excludes the heli-tour).
PRODUCTS PRODUCTS TARANAKI TARANAKI GARDEN GARDEN DELIGHTS DELIGHTS –– ½ ½–DAY DAY TARANAKI GARDEN DELIGHTS ½ DAY This This half half day day package gives givesgives you you the the opportunity to to visit visit two two This halfpackage day package youopportunity the opportunity to two visit of of Taranaki’s Taranaki’s internationally internationally significant significant gardens gardens and and aaand private private of Taranaki’s internationally significant gardens a private garden garden seldom seldom open openopen for for public public viewing. viewing. Be Be guided guided by by our our garden seldom for public viewing. Be guided by our experts experts to to Te Teto Kainga Kainga Marire, Marire, Tupare Tupare and and our our selected private private experts Te Kainga Marire, Tupare andselected our selected private garden garden to to experience experience aa diverse diverse range rangerange of of landscapes landscapes and and and garden to experience a diverse of landscapes unique unique plant plantplant collections collections as as well well as aa tour tour of the theofhistorically historically unique collections as as well as a of tour the historically significant significant homestead homestead at at Tupare Tupare Garden. Garden. Meet MeetMeet the the passionate passionate significant homestead at Tupare Garden. the passionate curators curators and and owners owners of of these these wonderful wonderful gardens. gardens. Tour TourTour curators and owners of these wonderful gardens. includes includes transport, transport, aa guide guide and and morning morning tea, tea, and and suitable includes transport, a guide and morning tea,suitable and suitable walking walking shoes shoes and and warm warm clothing clothing isis advised. advised. walking shoes and warm clothing is advised. Time: Time: 44 hours hours Time: 4 hours Availability: Availability: By By arrangement arrangement Availability: By arrangement Minimum: Minimum: 22 2 Minimum: Maximum: Maximum: Flexible Flexible Maximum: Flexible Cost: Cost:Cost: $220.00 $220.00 per per person person $220.00 per person
WHITECLIFFS WHITECLIFFS WALKING WALKING TOUR TOUR WHITECLIFFS WALKING TOUR The The dramatic dramatic Whitecliffs Whitecliffs Walkway Walkway offers offersoffers stunning stunning views viewsviews of of the theof the The dramatic Whitecliffs Walkway stunning North North Taranaki Taranaki coastline coastline and and the the Parininihi Marine Marine Reserve. Reserve. North Taranaki coastline andParininihi the Parininihi Marine Reserve. The The tour tour can be be 6.5km to to 12 12to km km12in inkm length, length, and and finishes finishes with with with The can tour can6.5km be 6.5km in length, and finishes aa soak soak in in the theinTaranaki Taranaki Mineral Mineral Pools. Pools. The The fully-guided fully-guided tour tour tour a soak the Taranaki Mineral Pools. The fully-guided includes includes return return transport transport from fromfrom central central New NewNew Plymouth, Plymouth, safety safety includes return transport central Plymouth, safety and and interpretive interpretive information, information, morning morning and and afternoon afternoon tea, tea, and and and interpretive information, morning and afternoon tea, and pool poolpool entry. entry.entry. Customers Customers will will need need aa medium medium level levellevel of of fitness, fitness, Customers will need a medium of fitness, good goodgood walking walking shoes shoes and and clothes, clothes, and and warm/waterproof warm/waterproof walking shoes and clothes, and warm/waterproof clothing. clothing. AA contribution contribution isis made made to to Tiaki Tiaki Te Te Mauri Mauri OO Parininihi Parininihi clothing. A contribution is made to Tiaki Te Mauri O Parininihi Trust TrustTrust for for pest pest control, control, species species recovery recovery and and translocation translocation of of of for pest control, species recovery and translocation the the kokako. kokako. the kokako. Time: Time: 77 hours hours Time: 7 hours Availability: Availability: On On demand, demand, departs departs 07:30 07:30 –– 10:00 10:00 depending depending Availability: On demand, departs 07:30 – 10:00 depending on on tide tide on tide Minimum: Minimum: 22 2 Minimum: Maximum: Maximum: Flexible Flexible Maximum: Flexible Cost: Cost:Cost: $399.00 $399.00 per per person person $399.00 per person
to to the the North Taranaki Taranaki coastline coastline to to an anto isolated isolated waterfall waterfall where where toNorth the North Taranaki coastline an isolated waterfall where you you will will land to to walk, walk, swim swimswim or or simply simply enjoy enjoyenjoy the the tranquillity. tranquillity. youland will land to walk, or simply the tranquillity. From FromFrom there therethere it’s it’s on on toon Mangatoi Mangatoi Station Station on on the the Mokau River RiverRiver it’sto to Mangatoi Station onMokau the Mokau for for aafor feast feast and and tour tour of an anof abandoned abandoned village village and and coalmines. coalmines. a feast and of tour an abandoned village and coalmines. Returning Returning to to the the Precision Helicopters Helicopters base, base,base, you you will will return to to to Returning toPrecision the Precision Helicopters youreturn will return New NewNew Plymouth Plymouth by by 4pm 4pm for for aafor celebratory celebratory drink drinkdrink at at Nice Nice Hotel. Hotel. Plymouth by 4pm a celebratory at Nice Hotel. Suitable Suitable for for adults, adults, itit isis advised advised to to wear wear closed closed shoes shoes and and and Suitable for adults, it is advised to wear closed shoes bring bringbring warm warmwarm clothing. clothing. clothing. Time: Time: 77 hours hours Time: 7 hours Availability: Availability: On On demand demand though though weather weather dependent dependent Availability: On demand though weather dependent Minimum: Minimum: 44 4 Minimum: Maximum: Maximum: 44 4 Maximum: Cost: Cost:Cost: $1,125.00 $1,125.00 per per person person $1,125.00 per person
TARANAKI TARANAKI AGRI-TOURS AGRI-TOURS TARANAKI AGRI-TOURS With WithWith half half and and full-day options, options, this this tour tour around one one of of halffull-day and full-day options, this around tour around one of the the world’s world’s premier premier dairy dairydairy production production areas areasareas will will showcase showcase the world’s premier production will showcase technology, technology, innovation, innovation, local locallocal characters characters and and aaand stunning stunning technology, innovation, characters a stunning landscape. landscape. The The full-day full-day tour tour will will drive drive right rightright around around Mount Mount landscape. The full-day tour will drive around Mount Taranaki, Taranaki, and and take take in aa range range of of stops stops with with awith a focus focus on on either either Taranaki, and in take in a range of stops a focus on either dairy dairydairy farmers farmers or or broader broader food foodfood producers, producers, while whilewhile the the half-day half-day farmers or broader producers, the half-day tour tour –tour – also also available in in dairy dairy and and beyond beyond dairy dairydairy –– focuses focuses on on on – available also available in dairy and beyond – focuses aa number number of of innovative innovative and and award-winning award-winning North North Taranaki Taranaki a number of innovative and award-winning North Taranaki locations. locations. Transport Transport isis return return New NewNew Plymouth Plymouth and and all all tours tours are are are locations. Transport is return Plymouth and all tours fully fully guided, guided, include include morning morning and/or and/or afternoon afternoon tea tea and and lunch fully guided, include morning and/or afternoon tealunch and lunch (full (full day day tour tour only)only) and and conclude conclude with with awith a drink drink at at the the iconic (full day only) tour and conclude a drink aticonic the iconic Nice NiceNice Hotel. Hotel. Suitable Suitable footwear footwear and and warm/waterproof warm/waterproof clothing clothing Hotel. Suitable footwear and warm/waterproof clothing isis advised. advised. is advised. Time: Time: 44 hours hours (half (half(half day) day)day) or or 12 12or hours hours (full (full day) day)day) Time: 4 hours 12 hours (full Availability: Availability: By By arrangement arrangement Availability: By arrangement Minimum: Minimum: 22 2 Minimum: Maximum: Maximum: Flexible Flexible Maximum: Flexible Cost: Cost:Cost: Dairy DairyDairy half half day: day: $225.00 per per person person half $225.00 day: $225.00 per person Dairy DairyDairy full full day: day: $975.00 per per person person full $975.00 day: $975.00 per person Not Not just just Dairy half half day: day: $275.00 per per person person NotDairy just Dairy half $275.00 day: $275.00 per person
TARANAKI TARANAKI HELI HELI TOUR TOUR TARANAKI HELI TOUR Experience Experience unforgettable unforgettable Taranaki Taranaki in in aa day day with renowned Experience unforgettable Taranaki in awith day renowned with renowned pilot pilotpilot Matt MattMatt Newton Newton of of Precision Precision Helicopters. Helicopters. Starting Starting with with with Newton of Precision Helicopters. Starting pickup pickup in in New New Plymouth Plymouth at at 9am 9am and and aaand full fullasafety safety briefing, briefing, pickup in New Plymouth at 9am full safety briefing, take take off off for for breathtaking breathtaking ride ride over over Mount Mount Taranaki. Taranaki. From FromFrom take offaafor a breathtaking ride over Mount Taranaki. there therethere cross crosscross the the Ahukawakawa Ahukawakawa Wetlands Wetlands to to Bells Bells Falls FallsFalls and and and the Ahukawakawa Wetlands to Bells onto ontoonto the the Stony Stony River RiverRiver valley, valley, returning returning over over over the the Pouakai Pouakai and and and the Stony valley, returning the Pouakai Kaitake Kaitake ranges ranges and and Paritutu Paritutu landmarks, landmarks, and and New New Plymouth Plymouth Kaitake ranges and Paritutu landmarks, and New Plymouth
CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT
Cathy Cathy Thurston, Thurston, Director Director Cathy Thurston, Director Email: Email: cathy@discovertaranaki.nz cathy@discovertaranaki.nz Email: cathy@discovertaranaki.nz Tel: Tel: 0800 0800 347 347 827 827 Tel: 0800 347 827 Web: Web:Web: www.discovertaranaki.nz www.discovertaranaki.nz www.discovertaranaki.nz Location: Location: Throughout Throughout Taranaki Taranaki Location: Throughout Taranaki
All costs retail
THE NOVOTEL NEW PLYMOUTH HOBSON New Plymouth’s newest accommodation, the Novotel New Plymouth Hobson Hotel brings 85 spacious rooms, of 4.5-star quality, to Taranaki. Offering a mix of executive and studio rooms and one and twobedroom apartments, guests can relax in sleek and spacious comfort in the brand new, purpose built facility. Well positioned at the entry point to New Plymouth from the north, guests have complimentary access to underground parking, wi-fi, and an on-site gym and sauna, with hotel-run airport shuttle facilities available.
The hotel’s Governors Eatery + Bar offers everything from spectacular breakfasts to regional specialties across its a la carte dinner menu, with both indoor and outdoor dining options. The Novotel New Plymouth Hobson also has conference facilities available for up to 250 guests.
RETAIL PRICES PER NIGHT (INC GST): Studio Rooms from $180
CONTACT
Melissa Devine-Collins Address: Corner of Hobson and Leach Streets, New Plymouth Phone: +64 6 769 9723 Email: sales@hobsonhotel.co.nz Web: www.hobsonhotel.co.nz
VILLA HEIGHTS BED AND BREAKFAST As a guest at Villa Heights you can indulge in the spectacular mountain countryside and sea views at this beautiful restored 1900’s villa and peaceful country garden. You can be assured of best value, high quality boutique accommodation when you stay. Wake up to a cooked breakfast, prepared to your liking. Relax in the guest lounge overlooking the garden, with open fire in winter, and indulge in fresh home baking. Take in all that New Plymouth has to offer just 15 minutes away. At the end of your day consider a home-cooked dinner by arrangement with complimentary wine. John and
Rosemary have lovingly restored their villa. Delight awaits those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and rich native timber. Expect personal service from your hosts. The total result is luxurious accommodation that will leave you truly rested. Choose from three double bedrooms, each with own bathroom and stunning country view.
RETAIL PRICES PER NIGHT (INC GST): Mt Egmont Room – $200 Taranaki Room – $170 Valley Room – $195
CONTACT
John and Rosemary Lucas Address: 333 Upland Road, Tarurutangi, RD 2, New Plymouth Phone: +64 6 755 2273 Email: villaheights@xtra.co.nz Web: www.villaheights.co.nz
KING & QUEEN HOTEL SUITES Understated luxury and absolutely unique, King & Queen Hotel Suites have pride of place in New Plymouth’s burgeoning arts and culture precinct – it is just a few steps from the Len Lye Centre/GovettBrewster Art Gallery. Offering superior quality, service and style, the hotel wraps around two European-style courtyards, one boasting a specialist coffee roaster and the other one of the city’s best café and bakeries. Inside, King & Queen boasts strong Moroccan and European influences, with 28 spacious suites ranging in size and all equipped with the latest technology. Most have sea views, private balconies and either full kitchens or kitchenettes.
Guests have complimentary access to a nearby gym, wi-fi, secure undercover parking, and an extensive range of Sky TV channels. Breakfast and lunch are available at the adjoining Public Catering, Monica’s Café or Ozone Coffee while guests can charge back their meals or cocktails from a number of adjacent restaurants and bars including Frederic’s and Snug Lounge.
RETAIL PRICES PER NIGHT (INC GST):
Left Wing Studio – $184 Premium Suite – $234 Left Wing Spa Suite – $274 Bed and Breakfast Package – $289 Anniversary Suite – $304 Romantic Escape – $379 (includes one night in Anniversary Suite, bottle of bubbly on ice, chocolates, car parking, room service breakfast for two and a late checkout of 12pm)
CONTACT
Daniel Fleming Address: Corner of King & Queen Streets, New Plymouth Phone: +64 6 757 2999 Freephone: 0800 574 683 (NZ only) Email: reservations@kingandqueen.co.nz Web: www.kingandqueen.co.nz
HOSKING HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST With its period architecture, luxuriously appointed suites, extensive gardens, warm hospitality, and locally sourced food and wine, guests of Hosking House will immediately feel the benefits of being pampered in this unique boutique setting. Located in New Plymouth’s CBD, Hosking House benefits from all this dynamic city has to offer and presents guests with three luxurious suites named after places the owners have lived – Taranaki, London and New York. All suites feature luxurious linens, walk-in showers, roll top tubs or city view balcony, Nellie Tier bath products, iPod docs, complimentary wi-fi and full breakfast.
The private guest lounge with views to the tiered garden offers guests a quiet place to enjoy tea and coffee service, a stocked honesty bar, newspapers, magazines and a library. Hosking House is a member of the New Zealand Heritage and Character Group which features properties that are dedicated to providing generous hospitality in gracious homes.
RETAIL PRICES PER NIGHT (INC GST): Taranaki or London Suite – $220 New York Room – $189
CONTACT
Rachel Church Address: 1 Victoria Road, New Plymouth CBD Phone: +64 21 307 603 Email: contact@hoskinghouse.com Web: www.hoskinghouse.com
OTHER TARANAKI ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Pedal-powered rail carts at Forgotten World Adventures
EXPORT-READY OPERATORS Forgotten World Adventures Bridging both Ruapehu and Taranaki regions, Forgotten World Adventures follows the remarkable Forgotten World Highway along an abandoned railway line, travelling over bridges, through tunnels and along old pioneering routes. Either explore the route via 2, 4 or 6 man RailCart or pedal the distance yourself on a RailBike. Contact: Ian Balme or Paul Chaplow bookings@fwa.co.nz www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz
Ringcraft Moana Tours Take a look behind the scenes of a manufacturing jewellery business. Jeweller Rob Wright will guide you through the process of creating beautiful one-off jewellery and you will be able to swing a hammer and roll out metal to create your own unique piece of jewellery. Contact: Rob Wright or Belinda Lubkoll Ringcraft@xtra.co.nz www.nzpearl.co.nz
Te Kainga Marire Garden Tours and Tastings Te Kainga Marire - Maori for the peaceful encampment - is a skilfully designed inner-city native garden that mimics New Zealand’s natural environment. Situated in a once weedy New Plymouth valley, Te Kainga Marire is now considered to be one of very few private gardens of international significance or six-star gardens as rated by the prestigious RNZIH New Zealand Gardens Trust. Contact: Valda Poletti valda@tekaingamarire.co.nz www.tekaingamarire.co.nz
Withers Coachlines Providing quality coaches, minivans, VIP cars and caravans, Withers Coachlines can be chartered to accommodate groups of any size. With vehicles and drivers based in New Plymouth, Auckland, Whanganui, Palmerston North and Wellington, they offer premium charter services to all destinations in NZ. Contact: Blair Withers travel@withers.co.nz www.witherscoachlines.co.nz
Traders & Whalers ride at Tawhiti Museum
FREE/NON-COMMISSIONABLE ATTRACTIONS New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Surf Highway 45
Explore New Plymouth’s award-winning 13km Coastal Walkway. Highlights include Len Lye’s iconic Wind Wand sculpture, the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and Bell Block’s Cycle Park, plus Breakwater Bay, a collection of dining options and retailers at Port Taranaki.
Almost every road towards the coast between Hawera and New Plymouth leads to surf break, art studio, historic site or spectacular scenery. Lighthouses, antique shops and cosy cafes make for a great adventure.
Tawhiti Museum/ Traders & Whalers Disccover why TripAdvisor users judged this the third best museum in New Zealand! Sample Taranaki’s heritage through uniquely realistic and engaging displays, including hundreds of life-size and miniature models, countless artefacts, a working railway and ‘Traders and Whalers’ where you float through history on a boat ride! Adult entry fee: Museum: $15, Traders & Whalers $15, Bush Railway $6 . www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz
Puke Ariki New Plymouth’s waterfront museum, library and information space showcases the region’s history, from volcanic inception to the modern day by way of bloody land wars and a century and a half of pioneering innovation.
Events for everyone • TSB Bank Festival of Lights: spectacular free entertainment (December/January annually) • Whangamomona Republic Day (January 2017/2019) • AmeriCARna: celebration of US cars (Feb annually) • WOMAD: World music festival (March annually) • A&P Shows: unique rural festivals (November annually) • Taranaki Arts Festival (August 2017/2019) • All Blacks vs Argentina (9 September 2017) • Naki Run Amuck: race with a difference (May annually) • Taranaki Arts Trail: 50 Taranaki artists (June annually) • Mike’s Brewery Oktoberfest (October annually) • Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular and Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival (October/November annually) • NZ Tattoo and Art Festival: (November annually)
For more attractions, activities, events and accommodation: www.visit.taranaki.info
YOUR TEAM IN TARANAKI For the latest in regional intelligence, marketing material, images, collateral or more, contact Venture Taranaki, the region’s tourism organisation, media hub and economic development agency. VICKI FAIRLEY GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING 06 759 5157 vicki@venture.org.nz ANTONY RHODES COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 06 759 5160 antony@venture.org.nz DUCHESNE MARKHAM MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE 06 759 5151 duchesne@venture.org.nz SARAH ELLEM MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE 06 757 6051 sarah@venture.org.nz
VENTURE TARANAKI Taranaki’s Regional Development Agency 9 Robe St or PO Box 670, New Plymouth, Taranaki P +64 6 759 5150 E info@venture.org.nz FACEBOOK: TaranakiNZ TWITTER: @Taranaki_NZ
www.visit.taranaki.info