Discover Taranaki and New Plymouth's best place to eat, drink, shop and explore with our guide.

Jutting out on the west coast of Te Ika-a-Maui, Taranaki is a nature’s playground. Wild coastlines and creative locals collide in this spectacular region blessed with majestic maunga, black sand beaches, beautiful parks and pumping surf (more than 12 world-class surf breaks, no less)!

Located halfway between Wellington and Auckland, the port city of New Plymouth has emerged as the cool cousin of the former, whose laidback charm resonates with friendly locals and visitors alike. The city has rightly become a burgeoning metropolis of excellence; bespoke microbreweries, artisan producers, generous hospitality and world-class art and culture melt together here in harmonious splendour.

New Plymouth boasts an impressive 13.2km serpentine-shaped coastal walkway that undulates its way from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to the sprawling eastern beach, Bell Block offering an award-winning public space for the whole community to enjoy.

12 Hours New Plymouth

Baristas making coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters.

Your guide to the best things to do in New Plymouth

New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations

A massive red 'HOTEL' sign on a wall.
Auckland

Forget the stale hotel stereotypes; New Zealand's staycation scene is flourishing with bold character and unrivalled charm.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Taranaki

A man and woman standing outside their cafe Proof and Stock.
New Plymouth & Taranaki

Taranaki is a mecca for artisan bakers, brewers, coffee roasters, gin distillers and ice cream makers.

9 Taranaki Walks and Where to Treat Yourself After

The mountains of Taranaki surrounded by New Zealand native plants.
New Plymouth & Taranaki

Taranaki is a natural playground, with its wild coastline, rugged terrain and majestic Maunga.

The Best Cafés and Restaurants in New Plymouth

A group of customers dining at tables inside Monica's Eatery with green plants dangling overhead.
New Plymouth & Taranaki

For a smaller city, New Plymouth’s hospitality scene punches well above its weight.

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The Burnt Place

Bench seating at The Burnt Place, Taranaki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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The Burnt Place is quickly coming home away from home for Hāwera locals with its cosy neighbourhood vibes.

Kingsroy Gallery

Wide angle of the gallery space at Kingsroy Gallery, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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New Plymouth’s burgeoning art scene is vibrant and exciting and Kingsroy is a notable addition to the swathe of galleries opening in the coastal city.

Vintage Industries

Exterior of Vintage Industries, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki

Vintage Industries in New Plymouth  is a beacon - twofold in fact - for its salvaged antiques from across the globe and golden exterior.

Bleached Coffee and Crystal Cylinder

The inside of Bleached Coffee cafe.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Editor's Pick
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Shimmy yourself into Bleached and Crystal Cylinder, an industrial coffee shop slash lifestyle store tucked behind Devon Street West that’s oh so sunny.

Juno Gin

Dave looking at still at Juno Gin, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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The origins of New Plymouth’s boutique gin distillery, Juno, is a compelling tale of relentless passion and a scientific approach.

Liardet Street Projects

Two food caravans sitting next to each ohter.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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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...

Kina NZ Design + Art Space

Colourful tumblers and greeting cards at Kina NZ Design + Artspace, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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Anyone wanting to take a memento of Taranaki home with them should spend some time browsing the curated art and design pieces at Kina NZ Design + Artspace in New Plymouth.

Tawhiti Museum

Tawhiti Museum sign.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Hāwera
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Tawhiti Museum is unlike any other provincial museum in New Zealand as it is the amalgamation of one man's dedicated heritage project.

Shining Peak Brewing

The blue and white exterior of Shining Peak Brewing in New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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Drink beer, do good. That’s what Shining Peak Brewing Company boldly encourages patrons to do when they enter their New Plymouth microbrewery.

Nice Hotel and Restaurant

The colourful and luxurious living room inside Nice Hotel.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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At the top of a hill, on the cusp of the green Pukekara...

The Jewel and the Jeweller

Interior view of The Jewel and The Jeweller, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Editor's Pick
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For the art lovers amongst us, The Jewel and The Jeweller in New Plymouth’s Quarter Bank Prencinct is a treasure trove of delights.

Puke Ariki

An interactive space within Puke Ariki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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Spend any time in New Plymouth and you’ll see the signposts for Puke Ariki, a dedicated hub that comprises a museum, library and research centre that shares the...

Tartan Rose Cakery and Deli

A coffee menu on a wall at Tartan Rose in New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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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.

Pukekura Park

A view of a building from across the lake.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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Meander up to Pukekura Park from the centre of New Plymouth and soak up the serenity and calmness.

Snug Lounge

The red lit interior of Snug Lounge in New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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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 Virtue

The moody interior of The Virtue perfumery and florist.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Editor's Pick
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There’s nothing remotely ordinary about The Virtue in New Plymouth.