Sights & Activities
Unforgettable sights
Mount Taranaki at daybreak – an indescribably beautiful sight, you’ll have to stop and just savour it.
Wind Wand – marvel at acclaimed New Zealand artist Len Lye’s 45-metre kinetic sculpture in the fresh ocean breeze fanning New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway.
Adrenaline-rush
Abseil – descend the Pukearuhe Cliffs as the Tasman Sea froths and foams beneath you.
River sledging – throw yourself headfirst down an 8 m river dam.
‘Jurassic Falls’ – take an awe-inspiring helicopter ride over lush Eastern Taranaki bush to where Tom Cruise picnicked with his family when filming ‘The Last Samurai’.
Relax & Indulge
Taranaki Mineral Pools – silky artesian waters will soothe your senses in this historic bath house.
Retail therapy – browse the eclectic mix of shops in New Plymouth and other smaller centres fanned around the mountain.
Gardens of National Significance – visit some of Taranaki’s renowned public gardens, including the Pukeiti Rhododendron Garden and Pukekura Park.
Experience nature – submerge yourself in the centuries old and incredibly warm black iron sand at the beachfront.
Top Picks
Culture
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth – explore this prestigious gallery for a stunning collection of contemporary New Zealand artworks (
www.govettbrewster.com).
Road Trip
Drive the Forgotton World Highway (State Highway 43) – this scenic route winds over four mountain saddles, alongside the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge and passes through the 180-metre-long, single lane, Moki tunnel. The rugged hills and tiny isolated communities give a sense of what life was like for early settlers and Maori.
Luxury
Platinum Lodge, Stratford – nestled below Mount Taranaki, this stunning contemporary hotel and day spa offers the very best in luxurious yet unpretentious surroundings (
www.platinumlodge.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Coastal Walkway – go for a stroll and breathe in fresh sea air as you walk along New Plymouth’s award-winning 7 km coastal walkway.
Great for groups
Sea kayaking – take to the water around the Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve and check out the seals.
Culinary experiences
White Cliffs Brewing Company, North Taranaki – sample award-winning organic beers naturally brewed in Taranaki (
www.organicbeer.co.nz).
Exclusive dining
Okurukuru, New Plymouth – brilliant panoramic coastal and mountain views and superb dining indoors and out (
www.okurukuru.co.nz).
Casual dining
Ultra Lounge, New Plymouth – funky contemporary restaurant, wine bar and coffee lounge
Café
Airspresso, New Plymouth Airport – unique contemporary café with an ‘aviation’ ambience including vintage mementos (
www.airspresso.co.nz).
Swishy Bar
Powderoom, New Plymouth – stylish cocktail bar (t. +64 6 759 2089).
Cosy pub
Crowded House Bar and Café, New Plymouth – popular for a quiet afternoon drink or a late-night party (
www.crowdedhouse.co.nz).
Shop or gallery
Kina NZ Design & Art Space, New Plymouth – unique Pacifica-themed design store featuring jewellery, blown glass, textiles, ceramics, homewares, souvenirs, prints, greenstone, paua, and other original artworks (
www.kina.co.nz).
