Best Things to Do in New Plymouth

Overview

New Plymouth, set on the rugged west coast and overlooked by majestic Mount Taranaki, is a vibrant, contemporary city in Taranaki Region.

It combines outdoor adventure, world-class gardens and parks, top-tier art and food scenes, plus a stunning coastal walkway.

• – 12.7 km award-winning Coastal Walkway with sculpture and scenic viewpoints.
• – Lively parks like Pukekura Park hosting the Festival of Lights.
• – A flourishing arts precinct showcasing kinetic sculpture and contemporary galleries.
• – Easy access to Mt Taranaki hikes and iconic surf beaches.

Food & Drink

New Plymouth boasts a rich café and craft‑drink culture, with excellent breweries, distilleries and sunshine‑soaked eateries.

• Juno Gin – Sample botanically infused gins in a modern distillery setting.
• Shining Peak Brewery – Local craft beers with panoramic brewery views.
• Rooftop bar & modern eateries – Great urban hangouts like Social Kitchen, India Today, Ember.

Adventure & Wilderness

For thrill‑seekers and nature lovers, Mt Taranaki offers epic hikes, volcanic scenery and wild west‑coast beaches.

• Hike the Pouākai Crossing – 19 km alpine trek with lake reflections of the mountain.
• Climb Paritutu Rock – Short but steep climb for panoramic harbour and mountain views.
• Surf or swim at Fitzroy & Ōakura beaches – Patrolled surf breaks ideal for all levels.

Must‑See Highlights

These are the key cultural, scenic and family‑friendly experiences in New Plymouth.

• Govett‑Brewster Gallery & Len Lye Centre: Premier contemporary art museum housing Len Lye’s kinetic works.
• Pukekura Park: 52 ha botanical garden featuring lakes, Poet’s Bridge, and summertime Festival of Lights.
• Te Rewa Rewa Bridge & Wind Wand: Iconic Coastal Walkway features framing Mt Taranaki and a 48 m kinetic sculpture.
• Puke Ariki: Waterfront museum and library showcasing Taranaki’s heritage and interactive exhibits.
• Tūpare Garden: Historic Arts & Crafts homestead and internationally significant garden.

Shopping

Discover local gems in boutique stores, galleries and makers’ markets across the city.

• Govett Brewster shop – Art-inspired gifts and design books.
• Waterfront stalls – Featuring local crafts, jewellery and regionally made wares.
• Westown retailers – Home to artisan brews and Manganui pottery outlets.

Photography

Capture the city’s striking contrasts, from volcanic backdrops to coastal sunsets.

• Coastal Walkway at sunrise/sunset – Dramatic waves, Wind Wand and mountain backdrops.
• From Pouakai Tarns – Reflective alpine lakes with Mt Taranaki mirrored.
• Poet’s Bridge in Pukekura Park – Scenic lake vistas framed by lush greenery.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring–Summer (Sept–Mar): Ideal for coastal walks, gardens in bloom and Festival of Lights.
• Autumn (Apr–May): Crisp mountain air, vibrant foliage and fewer crowds.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Crisp alpine vistas, quieter trails – ideal for mountain hikes.

Explore Nearby

• Egmont National Park – Gateway to Mt Taranaki tracks like Dawson Falls & Wilkies Pools.
• Ōakura – Surf beach, cafés and surf-school options south of the city.
• Stratford – Base for the scenic Forgotten World Highway and country villages.