New Plymouth has the best of city, country and coast to explore. When it comes to things to do in New Plymouth - there aren’t too many other places where you can wake up by the ocean, explore the sights, sounds and tastes of the city and then retreat to the mountains or countryside in the afternoon.
Home to a rugged coastal walkway with black volcanic rocks, the mighty Mount Taranaki, and a town filled with arts, culture and great food, you won’t be at a loss for finding something to do.
For those with culinary inclinations, New Plymouth is home to a great foodie scene with a wide range of establishments to frequent, from authentic Italian pasta joints to flame-grilled Argentinian feasts and a bustling range of breweries and street food offerings. So whether you want something cheap and cheerful or fine dining and fancy, you’ll be able to find the exact vibe you are searching for.
Taranaki is also home to a melting pot of arts and culture with street art, internationally-acclaimed galleries and plenty of design and creative studios to peruse at your leisure and perhaps spark your creative within. And the shopping is just as good – with local designers, jewellers and retailers stocking the best of the best of new and vintage treasures should you want to keep a memento of your time in Taranaki.
With all the things to do in New Plymouth, you might require some coffee to keep you going. Fortunately, the city is home to a number of roasteries and coffee shops, including Ozone Coffee Roasters who had their humble beginning in New Plymouth before reaching international success and cute-as-can-be venues such as a coffee outpost in a converted garage a stone’s throw from the beach.
Ticking all of the boxes for a great little city, New Plymouth activities pack a punch in gorgeous Kiwi fashion.
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.
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.
Juno Gin
The origins of New Plymouth’s boutique gin distillery, Juno, is a compelling tale of relentless passion and a scientific approach.
Nice Hotel and Restaurant
At the top of a hill, on the cusp of the green Pukekara...
Tūpare
Tūpare is an idyllic landscaped garden and homestead on the outskirts of New Plymouth.
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
A melting pot of folks - young and old - congregate on the 13.2km New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
Pukekura Park
Meander up to Pukekura Park from the centre of New Plymouth and soak up the serenity and calmness.