The Best of Winter Fest: 6 Must-See Shows & Where to Go in Between
As the cooler days close in, there’s a sense that hibernation mode has hit many pockets of the country, where leaving the house past 5pm starts to feel worthy of a standing ovation. But over in Taranaki, things are only just warming up as the arrival of winter brings with it one of the most exciting cultural festivals in Aotearoa’s calendar.
Winter Fest plays host to award-winning homegrown talents, who set the town alight with a wonderland of ideas, words, and stories told through a kaleidoscope of genres, from comedy to music to theatre.
With over 30 shows across 10 days (6-16 June), there’s something for everyone – but we’ve gone ahead and picked six events we’re most looking forward to. And, in keeping with the spirit of Neat Places, we’re inviting you to make a day out of each spectacle, with bonus recommendations for pre-show dinners, daytime cultural fixes, independent boutique shopping, and cosy nightcaps in New Plymouth and the wider region.
Toret Cucina Italiana
Located in Ōakura, a charming seaside village 20 minutes out of New Plymouth, Toret offers a dining experience that is as authentically Italian as they come.
The Hour Glass
Tucked away on Liardet Street, The Hour Glass is a beloved restaurant and tapas bar that has fed and watered New Plymouth people since 2013.
The Ōkato & Slippery Bill’s
At first glance, it might not seem like there’s a lot going on in the small rural town of Ōkato in the Taranaki region.
House Wine
Let’s be honest. The world of wine can have its exclusive, and shall we say, somewhat snobby pockets.
Fenton Art Collective
What do you get if you put art, history, gin and espresso under one roof? An eclectic melting pot like Fenton Art Collective in Taranaki.
The Burnt Place
The Burnt Place is quickly coming home away from home for Hāwera locals with its cosy neighbourhood vibes.
Bleached Coffee and Crystal Cylinder
Shimmy yourself into Bleached and Crystal Cylinder, an industrial coffee shop slash lifestyle store tucked behind Devon Street West that’s oh so sunny.
Liardet Street Projects
A cohort of cool hospitality vendors come together to create Liardet Street Projects in New Plymouth; an open air foodhall that boasts a variety of authentic street food and...
Nice Hotel and Restaurant
At the top of a hill, on the cusp of the green Pukekara...
Wild Pear Kitchen
Wild Pear Kitchen in New Plymouth is a haven for lovers of vegan and vegetarian cuisine, a welcoming and award-winning café that specialises in fresh and tasty...
Shining Peak Brewing
Drink beer, do good. That’s what Shining Peak Brewing Company boldly encourages patrons to do when they enter their New Plymouth microbrewery.
Tartan Rose Cakery and Deli
Tartan Rose is somewhat tucked away on the fringe of New Plymouth’s centre but you’ll be more than rewarded after your short walk to this incredible cakery and deli.
The Best Cafés and Restaurants in New Plymouth
Snug Lounge
Sometimes things aren’t quite as they seem, and that couldn’t be truer of Snug Lounge in New Plymouth’s West End Precinct.
The Public Catering Company
New Plymouth’s White Hart precinct is blessed with a handful of excellent hospitality outlets, and The Public Catering Company is certainly one of them.
Fork N Knife
Tucked in behind The Arizona, you’ll discover Fork N Knife, an intimate private function space that goes the distance when it comes to contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
Three Sisters Brewery
Three Sisters Brewery is a local brewery doing marvellous things with, you’ve guessed it, beer.
The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Taranaki
Monica's Eatery
Monica’s Eatery is eponymously named after the progressive, innovative, creative and generous New Plymouth local, Monica Brewster, who unabashedly loved the arts.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
Ozone Coffee Roasters is a resounding global success story, but its origins will forever be in the coastal town of New Plymouth.
Proof and Stock
Stumble a few hundred yards back from the beach, and seek out Proof and Stock, the quintessential coffee outpost inside a converted New Plymouth garage.
The Federal Store
Delightfully playful, The Federal Store in New Plymouth will impress any café lover who swings by.
Knead Artisan Donuts
Knead’s sell-out specialty donuts are the talk of the town in New Plymouth for very good reason.
Itch Wine Bar
Every town deserves a late-night wine bar as good as New Plymouth's Itch.
Elixir Café
Elixir Café in New Plymouth is a classic in every sense. Named after a magic potion, the place does operate with a special kind of alchemy.
Escape Coffee Roasters
Unmistakably eye-catching, Escape Coffee Roasters takes pride of place on the corner of New Plymouth’s Liardet Street.
Billow
Hidden down a garlanded alleyway, you’ll discover ‘Quarter Bank’ a collective of