Guidebook for New Plymouth
Food Scene
Friendly, low-key, great coffee - which is the main attraction. Food is good but a limited selection (no on-site kitchen)
12 locals recommend
Ozone Coffee Roasters
47 King StFriendly, low-key, great coffee - which is the main attraction. Food is good but a limited selection (no on-site kitchen)
Sightseeing
Some great photo opportunities especially at sunset. Close to the Waiwhakaiho river mouth and groyne, another great photo spot. Can be walked or cycled to along the coastal walkway.
50 locals recommend
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Some great photo opportunities especially at sunset. Close to the Waiwhakaiho river mouth and groyne, another great photo spot. Can be walked or cycled to along the coastal walkway.
Parks & Nature
A gem of a sanctuary surrounding a lake. Many threatened birds have been reintroduced here including kiwi and saddleback. Free entry, and open 24/7 so if you're there at night time you might even hear a kiwi. Approx one hour drive to the south.
6 locals recommend
Rotokare Scenic Reserve
365 Sangster RdA gem of a sanctuary surrounding a lake. Many threatened birds have been reintroduced here including kiwi and saddleback. Free entry, and open 24/7 so if you're there at night time you might even hear a kiwi. Approx one hour drive to the south.
This is the closest access to the mountain from New Plymouth, only a 30 minute drive. The summit route starts from here (suitable in summer only unless you are an experienced mountaineer), along with many other shorter walks. The Visitor Centre itself has interesting exhibits
22 locals recommend
North Egmont Visitor Centre
2679 Egmont RdThis is the closest access to the mountain from New Plymouth, only a 30 minute drive. The summit route starts from here (suitable in summer only unless you are an experienced mountaineer), along with many other shorter walks. The Visitor Centre itself has interesting exhibits
Great walking under native trees and around lakes. In 5 minutes you can be at the Tea Kiosk, or take an hour or two and explore the bush gullies. Tuis and wood pigeons are regular visitors. The fernery is a delight, entered through a tunnel in the earth. Great children's playground too.
130 locals recommend
Pukekura Park
10 Fillis StGreat walking under native trees and around lakes. In 5 minutes you can be at the Tea Kiosk, or take an hour or two and explore the bush gullies. Tuis and wood pigeons are regular visitors. The fernery is a delight, entered through a tunnel in the earth. Great children's playground too.
Great views up and down the coast and over the Nga Motu islands, and inland - on a fine day you will also get to see Mt Taranaki, and on a really fine day, Ruapehu, Ngaruhoe and Tongariro. It's a 15 minute steep walk - the top section involves a bit of rock climbing, with a chain to hold on to
55 locals recommend
Paritutu Rock
Centennial DriveGreat views up and down the coast and over the Nga Motu islands, and inland - on a fine day you will also get to see Mt Taranaki, and on a really fine day, Ruapehu, Ngaruhoe and Tongariro. It's a 15 minute steep walk - the top section involves a bit of rock climbing, with a chain to hold on to
Great trip around the islands, entertaining skipper. Almost guaranteed to see NZ fur seals. Nearby is the (free) Marine Information Centre and coastal plant garden. Chaddy's office also doubles as a small museum. There are seahorses, and a 'penguin cam' - a live link to penguins in their burrow. Generally nesting August/September-November.
18 locals recommend
Chaddy's Charters
Ocean View ParadeGreat trip around the islands, entertaining skipper. Almost guaranteed to see NZ fur seals. Nearby is the (free) Marine Information Centre and coastal plant garden. Chaddy's office also doubles as a small museum. There are seahorses, and a 'penguin cam' - a live link to penguins in their burrow. Generally nesting August/September-November.
Arts & Culture
Permanent and changing exhibitions about local and NZ history, culture and natural history. Generally free, but some visiting exhibitions have a charge.
78 locals recommend
Puke Ariki
1 Ariki StPermanent and changing exhibitions about local and NZ history, culture and natural history. Generally free, but some visiting exhibitions have a charge.
Stunning facade with wonderful photo opportunities, interesting exhibits inside. Walk through to the Govett Brewster Art Gallery. We are very proud of our new gallery (opened July 2015) which celebrates the life and works of one the leading kinetic artists of the 20th century, Len Lye.
125 locals recommend
Len Lye Centre
42 Queen StStunning facade with wonderful photo opportunities, interesting exhibits inside. Walk through to the Govett Brewster Art Gallery. We are very proud of our new gallery (opened July 2015) which celebrates the life and works of one the leading kinetic artists of the 20th century, Len Lye.