A town in the shadow of an incredible picture-perfect volcano, and with a mix of art and adventure on offer, New Plymouth makes for a great weekend getaway.
With its own airport, you can fly direct or load up the car with snacks and hit the road—it’s a five-hour drive from Tāmaki Makaurau, just under four and a half hours from Pōneke and just under four hours from Tāupo. And once you get there? You’re spoiled for choice, from outdoor adventures to festivals and mighty good food.
Here are the best things to do in New Plymouth.
Stroll Along The Coast
Exploring the Coastal Walkway is hands down, one of the best things to do in New Plymouth. Pack a picnic and go for a jaunt, or rent a bike for a more high-speed adventure.
However you choose to enjoy the 12.7-kilometre track, be sure to keep an eye out for the Wind Wand, a 45-metre-high kinetic sculpture. Designed by Christchurch-born sculptor and filmmaker Len Lye whose work was hugely influential in New Plymouth, it’s a quirky piece that can be found at Puke Ariki Landing and was, famously in 2017, struck by lightning. Wander by at night to see the sculpture all a-glow.
Delve Into History
While you’re near Puke Ariki Landing, go 200 metres inland and get amongst Puke Ariki, a museum, library, research centre, museum, store and i-SITE tourist information centre making it great for kids, families, travellers curious about local history, and digital nomads alike.
Exhibitions change on the regular, and there’s always a load of activities and events on the go. Check their website to get the lowdown of what’s going to be on when you’re there or swing by and chat to the friendly team at reception. Top tip: there’s 24/7 access to the i-SITE’s free WIFI hotspot.
Soak Up The Art
If the Wind Wand hits you straight in the feels, you might like to immerse in Len Lye’s other creations which, conveniently, await you a short walk away in the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.
Housed in a stainless steel curtain in a nod to one of the artist’s preferred aesthetics and the dairy and energy sector that powers the region, the impressively shiny building is a beacon that’s impossible to miss.
Open seven days per week there are two exhibition galleries, a cinema, a research archive, an education and event centre, and lounge areas to chill out in.
Eat All The Things
New Plymouth sure knows its stuff when it comes to great kai. Whether you’re after brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks and nibbles, you’re guaranteed to find something excellent, regardless of any dietary requirements.
We’ve rounded up all the fork-worthy cafe fare you’ll want to wrap your mouth around, and all the best restaurants slingin’ the best eats in New Plymouth.
Climb Paritutu Rock
If you’re looking for a dreamy spot to see the sunset, or are just in the mood to move your body, climbing Paritutu Rock should be top of your list. After all, it rocks.
Standing 156 metres high between Back Beach and Ngamotu Beach, it’s actually a remnant of an ancient volcanic crater. Talk about an explosive spot for a proposal.
You can reach it via a short drive from New Plymouth CBD or as an extension to the Coastal Walkway. Summiting takes about fifteen minutes… of vertical climb. Yes siree, this isn’t a casual walk in the park.
Once at the top—if you can pull your eyes away from the incredible 360-degree view—you’ll notice the rock has been levelled off. This was done by local Māori back in the day to make shelters and storage pits. Now there’s a fun fact to dazzle your S.O. with.
Frolic In The Waves
Another of the best things to do in New Plymouth, if you’re there in summer, is beachin’ it up. Fitzroy Beach is known for its surfing while also being a family-friendly beach.
There’s a Holiday Park nearby too for prime beachfront vibes with easy access into the town centre (it’s just five minutes by car).
If you’re keen to learn to surf, New Plymouth Surf School is a great option. They even offer women-only surf coaching.
Back Beach is another great swim and surf spot but, as with all beaches, be wary of rips.
Scale Mount Taranaki
If you're more of an active holiday type, you might revel in climbing Mount Taranaki.
At 2,518 metres tall, summiting this maunga (mountain) is an incredible experience but it’s also one that requires fitness and skill (and a decent amount of luck on the weather front).
Reaching the top is achievable in five to six hours, with a further three to four hours needed to reach the bottom, depending on your fitness level.
It’s wise to note that this isn’t an entry-level tramp—the Department of Conservation (New Zealand’s authority on all things nature) ranks it as an advanced tramping track so it’s most suited to hikers with considerable experience and navigation skills.
The best time to tackle Taranaki is from December to April. From May to December you’ll have snow and ice to contend with, so mountaineering equipment and know-how are essential.
Get Lost In A Beautiful Park
For a less extreme but no less enjoyable wander through nature, head to Pukekura Park. In summer it plays host to the iconic Festival of Lights, but it’s a great time whatever the season, best enjoyed with an ice cream in hand.
A 15-minute walk from New Plymouth CBD, the park is 128 acres of botanical garden goodness, including three glass-topped rooms carved into a hillside brimming with plants from all over the planet, the ‘Bowl of Brooklands’ event space, and Brooklands Zoo.
Explore on foot, book a buggy tour, or hire a row boat for a cute Little Mermaid moment on the lake. Keep an eye out for local fauna like ducks, brown tree frogs, gold-striped geckos, and the near-transparent native leaf-veined slug.
Score Some Major ‘Gram Cred
Another delightful trail is Pouākai Tarn. This is a must-do for anyone wanting to recreate the iconic Mount Taranaki reflection image that’s been capturing hearts since ages ago.
Top tip: you’ll want to wait for calm wind conditions—max 2 m/s—and low cloud cover to snag that perfect shot.
The track starts at Mangorei trailhead car park, which is 19km from New Plymouth. It’s 6.4km each way along mostly boardwalked terrain, with an elevation of 790 metres.
Take your time with this one, and bring layers especially if you’re heading up for sunrise or sunset and star-gazing.
Immerse In Soundwaves Of The World
If world music’s your jam, New Plymouth is one of the best places in New Zealand to visit. In March it plays host to WOMAD, an iconic three-day smoke-free world music festival for all ages.
Hella popular, the festival draws crowds of over 15,000 people every year and tickets always sell out so if this sounds like your jam, nab your tickets, stat, or apply to be a volunteer or featured artist.
Expect incredible performances, tasty food stalls, as well as retail, charity, wellness, boutique services and sustainable stalls to get amongst.
Get On Your Bike And Ride
New Plymouth is home to some bangin’ bike rides, many of which are located around Lake Mangamahoe. From its 6km lake circuit loop (which can also be enjoyed as a walk) to purpose-built downhill and cross-country mountain biking trails, there’s something for newb to seasoned riders.
The New Plymouth Mountain Bikers is a great resource for intel on the latest trails, and bike-related events and for connecting with like-minded bikers.
And if you’re planning on staying for a while, you might like to get the HivePass app, for all the info at your fingertips.
All that adventuring got you hungry? Here are the best cafes and the best restaurants in New Plymouth.
Image credit: @rachstewartnz, Venture Taranaki, Puke Ariki, Len Lye Foundation, Social Kitchen, Roady NZ, New Plymouth Surf School, @unpasverslemonde, Festival Of Lights, Venture Taranaki, WOMAD, Venture Taranaki.