15 Things to Do in New Plymouth: a Guide to New Plymouth, New Zealand
15 of the very best things to do in New Plymouth, New Zealand from art installations to multi-day hikes.
New Plymouth is the beachy city you didn’t know you needed to visit in New Zealand. A gem of the Taranaki region, New Plymouth (Ngāmotu in Maori) is slathered in street art, surrounded by gorgeous views, and home to great eateries and fun museums. I’ve compiled the most fun things to do in New Plymouth to guarantee you have the best time in the Taranaki region (which Lonely Planet called “the second best region in the world to visit”).
New Plymouth was once an agricultural hub known only for its good surf. However, over the last 10 years, New Plymouth has emerged as the jewel of the Taranaki region; a city where fine dining and world-class art are set against a beachy backdrop with a casual atmosphere.
I made my way to New Plymouth after hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and it was the perfect destination to refresh and refuel. I spent my days indulging in good food, strolling through art galleries, and completing some of the many beautiful hikes in the area. I cannot recommend adding New Plymouth to your New Zealand itinerary highly enough!
Read this guide with 15 things to do in New Plymouth and plan your own trip to the North Island’s most underrated city.
how to get to new plymouth ↴
As far as New Zealand goes, New Plymouth is pretty accessible. It has its own regional airport with daily flights from Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. However, getting to New Plymouth is easiest, in my opinion, with a car.
Driving is the best way to see the country, and while public transport exists in certain metropolitan areas (you can get around Auckland just fine via bus, for instance), travel from city to city via bus is very limiting. You’ll also find that without a car, you have almost no access to hiking trailheads. My top recommendation for anyone heading to New Zealand is to rent a car or a campervan. It will allow you so much more freedom to amend your itinerary as you travel!
🚗 Reliable car rental companies I’ve used include:
where to stay in new plymouth ↴
As with most beach towns in New Zealand, New Plymouth has a variety of accommodation options varying from self-contained cabins and beachside stays to beautiful hotels and
🛏️ nearby new Plymouth
Inglewood Shared Home BnB - the owner, Mary, has fantastic local recommendations
how long to spend in new plymouth ↴
I recommend spending 2-3 days in New Plymouth. This duration of stay is optimal for getting acquainted with the city. With 3 days, you can dedicate one day fully to the beach (surfing, paddle boarding, etc.), one day to museums and art galleries, and one day to some of the trails around Taranaki. Of course, if you have more time, there is plenty to see in and around New Plymouth to keep you busy for longer.
where to eat + drink in new plymouth ↴
My promise to you is this: you will not go hungry in New Plymouth. Here are some of my tried and true favourites.
Siam Thai Restuarant - amazing green curry
Snug Lounge
Billow - bakery
Knead Bakery - famed for their donuts
Proof + Stock - exceptional coffee
The Public Catering
Elixir Café
Holy Guacamole (Oakura) - Mexican food
Monica’s Eatery - limited veggie brunch options
Ms. White - great pizza
The Federal Store
Bleached - delicious coffee + bagels
Arranged Marriage - Southern Indian cuisine
Ozone Coffee Roasters
State Pasta
Social Kitchen
15 things to see + do in new plymouth ↴
spot the street art
One stroll around the city center and you’ll come to know that New Plymouth is a very artsy town. Murals abound and graffiti features regularly on alleyway walls.
walk the Coastal Walkway
The Coastal Walkway is a must-do when visiting New Plymouth. The coastline here is truly stunning, and the Coastal Walkway is a free and fun way to see nearly 13 kilometres of it. Cyclists, runners, and walkers share this pathway along the water’s edge. The trial itself is very manageable and a lovely way to spend some time in the sunshine.
shop at Quarter Bank
Quarter Bank, a collective of artisans and bakers, is a retail experience housed in shipping containers. It’s the perfect place to grab a few trinkets to take home for you to remember your time in the Taranaki region. Salvaged antiques, signature perfumes, and beautiful jewellery is just the tip of the iceberg.
eat your fill
New Plymouth has a foodie scene with restaurant quality on par with bigger cities like Auckland. There are enough eateries to spend fill entire days hopping between, but my favourites are listed above. Coffee culture is famously good in New Zealand, and there are a number of high-calibre cafés across the city that are worth a stop at for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-up.
head to Fitzroy beach
New Zealand boasts some of the best coastlines in the world, and New Plymouth’s beaches are no exception. Fitzroy Beach is a popular spot for locals that has surf, swim, and space to relax in the sand. Make sure you wear your SPF! New Zealand sunshine is no joking matter.
explore exhibits at Puke Ariki
Puke Ariki is a free museum with multiple exhibitions that explore topics including local marine life and Maori history. If you’re in New Plymouth on a rainy day OR if you need some reprieve from the sun, Puke Ariki is a great way to kill a few hours while learning about the local area. It’s also a fantastic activity for families and those with young ones, as many of the exhibits are interactive.
visit Len Lye Gallery
Len Lye is considered a visionary by most art enthusiasts. The Len Lye Gallery is an exploration of contemporary art that features both New Zealand and international artists.
hike around Taranaki
The Taranaki region has some of the most scenic trails on the North Island. Here are a few hikes and walks, varying in length and physicality that I recommend checking out:
Dawson Falls
Pouakai Tarns Circuit
Mt. Taranaki Summit
Paritutu Rock, Back Beach Loop
Ōpunakē Loop Trail
Gin tasting at Juno Gin
Gin lovers rejoice! This boutique gin distillery in New Plymouth offers gin tastings and tours! It’s the perfect way to unwind after a full day of exploring. Juno prides itself on using materials from the local environment— water from Taranaki and botanical elements from the surrounding area. Their guided tours take you through gin distilling processes, offering you behind-the-scenes access to how they make their superb gin.
dive AROUND THE SUGAR LOAF ISLANDS
Off New Plymouth’s coast are the seven sugar loaf islands, surrounded underwater by reefs and sea life. Because of the vibrant underwater activity, diving is popular here. Charter companies (like the one mentioned below) tour around the Sugar Loaf Islands. There are also diving operators who can help you see the magnificent sights below the sea surface. The islands are remnants of volcanic activity in the region and are protected by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
TOUR WITH CHADDY’S CHARTERS
If kayaking, paddle boarding, or island hopping is your thing, then booking a day with Chaddy’s Charters is simply a must. This small business has been around since 1993 and is considered one of the oldest attractions in the Taranaki region. I highly recommend booking a wildlife cruise with them to see New Zealand’s most northern fur seal colony! Chaddy’s has a great reputation amongst locals for their commitment to the Taranaki community and the environment, so you can rest assured booking with this company is a responsible tourism choice.
visit Pukekura Park
Pukekura Park is a centrally located park covering 52 hectares in New Plymouth that is freely accessible to the public. Manicured lawns and curated gardens make Pukekura Park an idyllic green space for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
take a day trip to Oakura
Just a 20-minute drive from New Plymouth’s city center is the lovely seaside village of Oakura. It’s known for its fabulous surf and its view of Mt. Taranaki. There are lots of good eateries in Oakura too, so a day trip here is plenty worth it.
See the Meeting of the Waters Scenic Reserve
The Water Scenic Reserve was recommended to us by our Bed and Breakfast host. It’s a unique spot along the Waiwhakaiho River where the water splits in two. Native trees line two walking tracks, which lead to the split-off. You might wander upon locals having a swim in the water, or bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it!
CATCH VIEWS from Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge connects the banks of the Waiwhakaiho River for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s known for its unique design and shape. The bridge has become a popular landmark for tourists to stop by due to its spectacular framing of Mt. Taranaki on a clear and sunny day.
bonus
TSB Festival of Lights
For two months every summer, the Festival of Lights takes over Pukekura Park in New Plymouth. During the festival, the park transforms into a labyrinth of light installations. Crowds from all over ascend to New Plymouth to see the art exhibits made out of light. The best part is it’s entirely free to attend!
map ↴
Find all the best things to do in New Plymouth, New Zealand on the map below.
