The Best of Winter Fest: 6 Must-See Shows & Where to Go in Between
![A man and woman playing musical instruments on a stage.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=920//media/uploads/stories/feature/the_best_of_winter_fest_6_mustsee_shows__where_to_go_in_between/WinterFest_2024_New_Plymouth_New_Zealand.jpg)
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
![A close up of a staff member holding three plates of food.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/toret_cucina_italiana/Toret_Cucina_Italiana_New_Plymouth_3.jpg)
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
![The exterior of The Hour Glass in New Plymouth at dusk.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/the_hour_glass/The_Hour_Glass_5.jpg)
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
![The exterior of Ōkato & Slippery Bill’s, Okato.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/the_%C5%8Dkato__slippery_bills/The_Okato__Slippery_Bills_Okato_2.jpg)
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
![The black exterior of House Wine Bar New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/house_wine/House_Wine_New_Plymouth_4.jpg)
Let’s be honest. The world of wine can have its exclusive, and shall we say, somewhat snobby pockets.
Fenton Art Collective
![Landscape on an easel at Fenton Art Collective, Taranaki.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/fenton_art_collective/Landscape_artwork_on_easel_at_Fenton_Art_Collective.jpg)
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
![Bench seating at The Burnt Place, Taranaki.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/the_burnt_place/Bench_seating_area_at_The_Burnt_Place.jpg)
The Burnt Place is quickly coming home away from home for Hāwera locals with its cosy neighbourhood vibes.
Bleached Coffee and Crystal Cylinder
![The inside of Bleached Coffee cafe.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/bleached_coffee_and_crystal_cylinder/Bleached_and_Crystal_Cylinder_New_Plymouth_1.jpg)
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
![Two food caravans sitting next to each ohter.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/liardet_street_projects/Liardet_Street_Projects_New_Plymouth_7.jpg)
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
![The colourful and luxurious living room inside Nice Hotel.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/nice_hotel/Nice_Hotel_New_Plymouth_8.jpg)
At the top of a hill, on the cusp of the green Pukekara...
Wild Pear Kitchen
![Woman holding a smoothie at Wild Pear Kitchen, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/wild_pear_kitchen/Women_holding_a_smoothie.jpg)
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
![The blue and white exterior of Shining Peak Brewing in New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/shining_peak_brewing/Shining_Peak_Brewing_New_Plymouth_2.jpg)
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
![A coffee menu on a wall at Tartan Rose in New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tartan_rose_cakery_and_deli/Tartan_Rose_Cakery_New_Plymouth_7.jpg)
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
![A group of customers dining at tables inside Monica's Eatery with green plants dangling overhead.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=920//media/uploads/features/feature/the_best_caf%C3%A9s_and_restarurants_in_new_plymouth/Best-restaurant-monicas-eatery-new-plymouth.jpg)
Snug Lounge
![The red lit interior of Snug Lounge in New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/snug_lounge/Snug_Lounge_New_Plymouth_1.jpg)
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
![Close up of treats in the cabinet at Public Catering Company, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/the_public_catering_company/Close_up_of_treats_in_the_cabinet.jpg)
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
![Bench seat with cushions at Fork N Knife, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/fork_n_knife/Bench_seat_with_cushions_at_Fork_N_Knife.jpg)
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
![Glass of beer on the counter at Three Sisters Brewing, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/three_sisters_brewery/Glass_of_beer_on_the_counter_at_Three_Sisters_Brewing.jpg)
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
![A man and woman standing outside their cafe Proof and Stock.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=920//media/uploads/features/feature/taranakis_food__drink_heroes/local-food-heroes-proof-and-stock.jpg)
Monica's Eatery
![Sky blue bench seats at Monica's Eatery, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/monicas_eatery/Sky_blue_bench_seats_and_ferns.jpg)
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
![Pouring steamed milk into coffee cup at Ozone Coffee Roasters, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/ozone_coffee_roasters/Pouring_steamed_milk_into_a_coffee_cup.jpg)
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
![Exterior of Proof and Stock, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/proof_and_stock/Exterior_of_Proof_and_Stock.jpg)
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
![Interior view of The Federal Store with customers dining.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/the_federal_store/Interior_view_of_The_Federal_Store.jpg)
Delightfully playful, The Federal Store in New Plymouth will impress any café lover who swings by.
Knead Artisan Donuts
![Box of donuts from Knead Artisan Donuts, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/knead_artisan_donuts/Box_of_donuts_from_Knead.jpg)
Knead’s sell-out specialty donuts are the talk of the town in New Plymouth for very good reason.
Itch Wine Bar
![Man up a ladder retrieving bottle of spirits at Itch Wine Bar, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/itch_wine_bar/Man_up_ladder_retrieving_bottle_from_shelf.jpg)
Every town deserves a late-night wine bar as good as New Plymouth's Itch.
Elixir Café
![Club sandwich with chicken and bacon from Elixir, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/elixir_caf%C3%A9/Club_sandwich_with_chips_from_Elixir.jpg)
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
![Looking through the doors into Escape Coffee Roasters, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/escape_coffee_roasters/Looking_through_the_doors_into_Escape_Coffee_Roasters.jpg)
Unmistakably eye-catching, Escape Coffee Roasters takes pride of place on the corner of New Plymouth’s Liardet Street.
Billow
![Close up of pastries on display at Billow, New Plymouth.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/billow/Close_up_of_pastries_from_Billow.jpg)
Hidden down a garlanded alleyway, you’ll discover ‘Quarter Bank’ a collective of