Discover Taranaki and New Plymouth's best place to eat, drink, shop and explore with our guide.

Jutting out on the west coast of Te Ika-a-Maui, Taranaki is a nature’s playground. Wild coastlines and creative locals collide in this spectacular region blessed with majestic maunga, black sand beaches, beautiful parks and pumping surf (more than 12 world-class surf breaks, no less)!

Located halfway between Wellington and Auckland, the port city of New Plymouth has emerged as the cool cousin of the former, whose laidback charm resonates with friendly locals and visitors alike. The city has rightly become a burgeoning metropolis of excellence; bespoke microbreweries, artisan producers, generous hospitality and world-class art and culture melt together here in harmonious splendour.

New Plymouth boasts an impressive 13.2km serpentine-shaped coastal walkway that undulates its way from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to the sprawling eastern beach, Bell Block offering an award-winning public space for the whole community to enjoy.

12 Hours New Plymouth

Baristas making coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters.

Your guide to the best things to do in New Plymouth

Neat Picks for Taranaki's Spiegel Fest 2024

Red lights lighting up a stage in Taranaki.
New Plymouth & Taranaki

Taranaki continues to turn up the volume with its celebration of the arts and this November, locals and visitors to the region can enjoy the spoils of Spiegel Fest. The 11 day festival produced by the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT) showcases something for everyone from family shows to music, DJs and comedy to the hero circus act Rouge. Alongside this diverse programme of performances, the venue itself promises to be quite the spectacle. To say the Pacific Crystal Palace Spiegeltent is impressive would be an understatement; drawing inspiration from the Belgium-designed Spiegeltent of the 19th century, the lavish performance space blends European style and Kiwiana culture. Look out for the New Zealand ferns on the ornate mirrors, paua carved into the wood pillars and gorgeous stained glass windows featuring harakeke. We’ve deep-dived into the Spiegel Fest programme and picked seven of our highlights to help you curate your festival experience. And as we’re in the business of all things neat, we’ve paired these performances with some of the finest art, shopping and dining in Taranaki so that you can make the most of your Spiegel Fest days.

New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations

A massive red 'HOTEL' sign on a wall.
Auckland

Forget the stale hotel stereotypes; New Zealand's staycation scene is flourishing with bold character and unrivalled charm.

The Best Cafés and Restaurants in New Plymouth

A group of customers dining at tables inside Monica's Eatery with green plants dangling overhead.
New Plymouth & Taranaki

For a smaller city, New Plymouth’s hospitality scene punches well above its weight.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Taranaki

A man and woman standing outside their cafe Proof and Stock.
New Plymouth & Taranaki

Taranaki is a mecca for artisan bakers, brewers, coffee roasters, gin distillers and ice cream makers.

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The Collaboration

A counter inside a retail store in New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

On first glimpse, The Collaboration in New Plymouth could be passed off as just another beautiful space showcasing and selling artwork.

House Wine

The black exterior of House Wine Bar New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Bars key icon.

Let’s be honest. The world of wine can have its exclusive, and shall we say, somewhat snobby pockets.

The Ōkato & Slippery Bill’s

The exterior of Ōkato & Slippery Bill’s, Okato.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Accommodation key icon. Restaurants key icon.

At first glance, it might not seem like a lot is going on in the small rural town of Ōkato in the Taranaki region.

The Hour Glass

The exterior of The Hour Glass in New Plymouth at dusk.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Tucked away on Liardet Street, The Hour Glass is a beloved restaurant and tapas bar that has fed and watered New Plymouth people since 2013.

Toret Cucina Italiana

A close up of a staff member holding three plates of food.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Restaurants key icon.

Located in Ōakura, a charming seaside village 20 minutes out of New Plymouth, Toret offers a dining experience that is as authentically Italian as they come.

The Burnt Place

Bench seating at The Burnt Place, Taranaki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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The Burnt Place is quickly coming home away from home for Hāwera locals with its cosy neighbourhood vibes.

Fenton Art Collective

Landscape on an easel at Fenton Art Collective, Taranaki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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What do you get if you put art, history, gin and espresso under one roof? An eclectic melting pot like Fenton Art Collective in Taranaki.

Kina NZ Design + Art Space

Colourful tumblers and greeting cards at Kina NZ Design + Artspace, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

Anyone wanting to take a memento of Taranaki home with them should spend some time browsing the curated art and design pieces at Kina NZ Design + Artspace in New Plymouth.

Juno Gin

Dave looking at still at Juno Gin, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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The origins of New Plymouth’s boutique gin distillery, Juno, is a compelling tale of relentless passion and a scientific approach.

Kingsroy Gallery

Wide angle of the gallery space at Kingsroy Gallery, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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New Plymouth’s burgeoning art scene is vibrant and exciting and Kingsroy is a notable addition to the swathe of galleries opening in the coastal city.

Liardet Street Projects

Two food caravans sitting next to each ohter.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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A cohort of cool hospitality vendors come together to create Liardet Street Projects in New Plymouth; an open air foodhall that boasts a variety of authentic street food and...

Bleached Coffee and Crystal Cylinder

The inside of Bleached Coffee cafe.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Editor's Pick
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Shimmy yourself into Bleached and Crystal Cylinder, an industrial coffee shop slash lifestyle store tucked behind Devon Street West that’s oh so sunny.

Nice Hotel and Restaurant

The colourful and luxurious living room inside Nice Hotel.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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At the top of a hill, on the cusp of the green Pukekara...

Shining Peak Brewing

The blue and white exterior of Shining Peak Brewing in New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
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Drink beer, do good. That’s what Shining Peak Brewing Company boldly encourages patrons to do when they enter their New Plymouth microbrewery.

The Jewel and the Jeweller

Interior view of The Jewel and The Jeweller, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Editor's Pick
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For the art lovers amongst us, The Jewel and The Jeweller in New Plymouth’s Quarter Bank Prencinct is a treasure trove of delights.

Wild Pear Kitchen

Woman holding a smoothie at Wild Pear Kitchen, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Cafes key icon.

Wild Pear Kitchen in New Plymouth is a haven for lovers of vegan and vegetarian cuisine, a welcoming and award-winning café that specialises in fresh and tasty...