I’ll say it, I LOVE where we live. We are super lucky to live where we do, right here in beautiful Taranaki. We moved here from Auckland almost 9yrs ago when our son was 1yr old, looking for wide open space, community and some fresh mountain air. Well, we got all that in spades. We love it even more than we thought we would and I love showing it off to people on Facebook and Instagram.

This has prompted a lot of messages over the years of people coming to visit and asking for my recommendations, so I thought this summer - the summer of 2020 / 2021, why not put together a little ‘where to go’ which includes MY favourite places to visit, eat, drink, escape and hike. This is a guide primarily for families, but definitely applies to couples or if you’re visiting on your own.

Come see us this summer, there is no better time to get out and explore our beautiful country. I often hear New Plymouth is ‘not near anything’ or ‘too far out of the way’ - indeed, it’s true. But that’s part of it’s charm and you won’t regret coming here.

Fave Local Scenic Spots in - New Plymouth

The Coastal Walkway - anywhere!
The Coastal Walkway is hard to miss, it hugs the coastline in the city and heads out in both directions. If you’re staying in the city, head to the infamous Wind Wand and start walking towards East End Beach. The walkway is for walking, cycling, skateboarding - you name it. More info under walks and hikes.

Pukekura Park
Hands down my favourite park anywhere, Pukekura Park is stunning. There are a lot of walkways all around the park, an awesome playground for the kids, a fernery (don’t miss it!) a gorgeous lake and teahouse. You can easily spend a few hours here. It’s so beautiful, full of amazing flora, giant natives and lots of locals.

Fitzroy Beach
We are super lucky to have awesome surf beaches right in the city, Fitzroy is my fave. The Coastal Walkway goes straight past so you can walk here (carry on from East End and you’ll be there in a jiffy) or drive and park there.

Regional Gardens: Tupare Gardens in New Plymouth are really beautiful, especially in Autumn. It is well worth the visit, pop right down to the river flat to explore.
Pukeiti (approx 30 mins from New Plymouth) is also great with lots of walking paths, beautiful plants, trees and a really neat kids treehouse trail. It’s a spectacular garden. There is also a cafe there for lunch.

Back Beach
Iconic by day or night, not to be missed for a sunset and walk along the beach. Dog friendly!

Lake Mangamahoe
This lake is absolutely stunning and offers amazing views of the mountain from about half way down the road. There is a lovely little walk in the redwoods from the first carpark, or others longer walks if you’re up for it. See more about the loop walking track in the Walks & Hikes section!

Mount Taranaki
OF COURSE! While you’re here, you have to make a trip up the mountain. The drive up through native rainforest is gorgeous, and when you arrive there are plenty of walks and viewing points. The two primary visiting spots are the North Egmont Visitors Centre, or the Dawsons Falls visitors centre (Stratford side).
See more about our favourite walking tracks under the Walks & Hikes Section.

Places nearby not to be missed!

Oakura - epic little seaside town with an amazing beach and awesome summer vibes. Grab an ice cream from the 4 Square and head to the beach. Plenty of places to eat too.

Ahu Ahu Beach - Just a few more mins along the coast from Oakura is one of my fave spots, Ahu Ahu Beach.

Surf Highway / Cape Egmont Lighthouse - If you have time, head around the coast a little further to the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. A beautiful spot, rugged, isolated and unique.

Three Sisters - See more in the Walks & Hikes section, a special spot an hour from New Plymouth.

Walks & Hikes

These are just a few of my favourite walks in New Plymouth and surrounds. There are literally hundreds. If you’re up for some mountain walks, head to the North Egmont visitors centre for some recommendations. I’ve listed a few of our faves below.

The Coastal Walkway
It’s more than likely you have heard about our iconic walkway, it spans 13kms so you can choose whether you want to start from the City and walk towards East End, or you can head out to Bell Black and come the other way. My favourite sections are The Terewa Rewa Bridge to the Boardwalk, or the Wind Wand to East End Beach Return.

Te Henui Walkway
This is an easy grade walk alongside the Te Henui river. Do as much or as little as you like, fantastic walk. I start at East End back and walk inland about 3kms before turning back.

Lake Mangamahoe Loop Track
My favourite walk, starts with two uplills and not small child friendly. This walk is around 1.30mins, it will take you along the lake, through the redwoods and back along the road, fantastic walk.

Mount Taranaki
From North Egmont there are some amazing walks, here is a link to the doc guide for you.
Our faves are the Ngatoro Loop Track and the Veronica Loop. The Ngatoro Loop is accessed right from the visitors centre and is known as Goblin Forest, truly magical! The Veronica loop is more challenging with a lot of uphill but it’s worth it. If you want more of a challenging day hike, head up the Maketawa track!

We also really like the York Road Loop which is accessed not far from Statford. It’s an interesting walk that goes through an old quarry, passes some lovely streams etc too.

Another track up the mountain not to be missed is the Wilkies Pools Walk - head around to the Stratford side (Dawson Falls Visitors Centre) of the mountain for this awesome walk and maybe a cheeky swim at the pools. Great family walk.

Three Sisters
An awesome 1hr road trip North from New Plymouth will take you to the Three Sisters walk at Tongaporutu. You have to check the tides before going as this walk can only be done at low tide, but it’s well worth the roadie if you love a good beach walk and some amazing beach scenes!

Whitecliffs Walkway
Another great little roadie to this walk, it’s not an easy one, I found it hard, but so so worth it! Epic views on a good day.

EATS

There are so many amazing places to eat in New Plymouth - these are just SOME of them. These are the places we frequent, but quite honestly I still haven’t tried everywhere. We don’t get out a lot for dinner, but when we do we tend to go back to our faves!

Jetcharm Barbershop
(Lunch of snack) So know it doesn’t sound like you’d get food here - but this little barbershop has a street window serving smoothies and smoothie bowls and they are DELICIOUS. My fave smoothie bowls in NP in fact. Grab one to take away and walk down to the walkway to enjoy.

Arborio
(Anytime) I love the vibe and the food at Arborio. Right on the waterfront, Arborio are open all day. My latest fave there for lunch is the Chicken Burger Bowl (salad) and dinner the Pork Belly is to die for. Very good food and service! Also great cocktails.

Wild Pear Kitchen
(Lunch) New Plymouths Plant Based Wild Pear offers a small buffet during the day that is super yummy and good value plus made to order food that is made with love. Lots of yummy bowls on the menu plus they have raw cakes, smoothies, slices available in the cabinet. The staff are always lovely and the food always good.

Social Kitchen
(Dinner) Anyone from New Plymouth will tell you that Social Kitchen is amazing - every, single, time. Incredible food, yummy cocktails and killer desserts. Amazing vibe. Some of the best food you’ll ever have I reckon!

Fork & Knife
(Dinner) Another special occasion spot - this little restaurant offers a fab environment and incredible food. Everything I’ve ever had there has been great.

West End Precinct - Monicas, Public Catering, Snug Lounge, White Heart
The West End Precinct is the coolest little spot in town IMHO. The Govett Brewster Gallery stands proud here (our infamous building made of glass is pretty cool, you need to see it!) and there are so many cool little spots.
If you head into the White Heart Building you will find Public Catering open by day (think cabinet food, great coffee, doughnuts, cool vibe in an atrium) and by night Snug Lounge and White Heart (Pizza & beers) are pumping. Snug Lounge (a Japanese inspired cocktail lounge) have AMAZING food & cocktails, another fave spot for dinner. The cocktails are soooo good and all the appys are great for sharing, a very social spot.
Monica’s on the other side of the road has a gorgeous decor and yummy food as well. I prefer it here for lunch over any other time, but it’s good for dinner too.

Shining Peak Brewery
(Dinner or Happy Hour) The beer is great (so hubby tells me), it’s laid back and the food is great. We like sitting out the back in the enclosed patio where kids can with some of the lawn games and the atmosphere is casual and cool. Top Tip - the baked brie is killer!

Casual Eats / Takeaways /COFFEE
Who doesn’t love takeaways? Our fave takeaways / casual eats include burgers, amazing salads and poke bowls - something for everyone.

Liardet Street Project, 21 Liardet Strett
Make sure you head to Liardet Street and just take your pic from this awesome outdoor eatery with a bunch of different vendors including Gamma Rays who make the most amazing burgers. Kahakai Poke Bowl is right next door and have amazing poke bowls! Plus, amazing vibes

Bleached Coffee / Crystal Cylinder
My fave coffee spot in town! Hidden gem, amazing coffee and pastries plus a super cool shop to peruse. Keeping it coastal.

Arizona is located on Devon Street on the West End Precinct fringe, the supersede salad is amazing, as is the buddha bowl. Also killer burgers and fries!

ACCOMMODATION

Of course I’m going to recommend our very own cabin, The Unwind. Bookable via www.canopycamping.co.nz