12 Hours New Plymouth

Backing on to the White Hart precinct, King and Queen Hotel Suites is the place to stay if you want to be in the thick of the action. Expect beautiful rooms with Moroccan-style decor and excellent service at this New Plymouth hotel. Food from nearby establishments such as Monica's Eatery and coffee from Ozone make the room service offerings here one of the best in the country. 

Established in 1998, and now with cafés in Auckland and London, Ozone Coffee Roasters is a New Plymouth success story. Ozone's HQ on King Street is the best spot in town for coffee. Start your day with an espresso or two from their flagship café and coffee roastery, and take home a bag of their beans as a momento from your trip.

Once fully caffeinated, pop around the corner to your first meal of the day. Located next door to the Govett-Brewster Gallery and Len Lye Centre, Monica’s Eatery is a spectacular example of an art gallery restaurant.

The inspirational space has been designed with the adjourning gallery and museum in mind. With its light-filled space and vast ceiling, Monica’s is a true beauty.  Choose from a menu of breakfast favourites (think omelette, benedict, and free-range eggs on sourdough), or take your pick from a kedgeree with house-smoked fish, baby pea, mint and ricotta fritters or a breakfast bolognese with a poached egg on sourdough.

'The gallery is split into two distinct parts; Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the Len Lye Centre. Although adjoining, these two buildings couldn’t be more diametrically opposed in architectural style. Len Lye was a pioneer of kinetic art; a visionary before his time. Transitioning over to the Govett-Brewster gallery is simple (in the form of a bridge walkway) and will take you into the wide world of contemporary art. With large white walls and generous spaces for contemplation, the gallery exhibits an exciting roster of both New Zealand and international artists.

Shimmy yourself along to Bleached and Crystal Cylinder, an industrial coffee shop slash lifestyle store. Bleached serves hot coffees and bagels on repeat alongside their affable neighbours, Crystal Cylinder, who dabble in covetable getups and homewares.

Hidden down a garlanded alleyway, you'll discover 'Quarter Bank', a collective of artists, makers and bakers housed in former shipping containers. The Jewel and The Jeweller is a treasure trove of delights that is the vision of practising jewellers Jennifer Laracy and Sam Kelly.

Billow, a petite bakery making quite the impression since opening its doors in 2018, uses a 100-year-old culture from France, which is left in the dough to ferment for up to 36 hours (as natural yeasts take longer to rise). There are, of course, ridiculously good pastries too, as well as a handful of other delicious and highly coveted goods.

Elixir Café in New Plymouth is a classic in every sense. Named after a magic potion, the place does operate with a special kind of alchemy. The food is humble and delicious, the portion sizes are generous, and so is the service. Friendly and attentive, you really feel like you’ve been welcomed into the fold.  

There's a trail of unique retail for anyone wanting to take a memento of Taranaki home with them. Some top picks include; Vintage Industries is a beacon - twofold in fact - for its salvaged antiques from across the globe and golden exterior.

There's nothing remotely ordinary about The Virtue. The perfumery's flagship store is an otherworldly experience; stepping inside is like being invited to dance with hedonism. All perfumes are carefully displayed with evocative imagery and detailed fragrance notes helping the novices learn more. They can be purchased as incense, perfume, candles or room sprays. Located in a heritage building, Kina's shelves and walls are bursting with an accessible and affordable selection of art with everything from ceramics to glassworks to paintings to handcrafted jewellery. 

A quick 10-minute walk East and you are at the Coastal Walkway. No visit to New Plymouth is complete without time spent on the stunning coastline. Once railway tracks and inaccessible, locals and visitors are now fortunate to have access to 12.7 km of seaside walking and cycling space. Walking the entire Coastal Walkway is very manageable. In summer, bikes are available to hire and be sure to get a good look at the city's famous Wind Wand by kinetic artist Len Lye.

The shining light of the New Plymouth beer scene, Shining Peak is a recent addition to the city. A popular brewery and eatery, kick back, and try one of their house-brewed beers (5% of beer revenues to local charities and organisations). If you are in New Plymouth for longer than 12 hours, then a brewery tour is a must-do.

Social Kitchen is found inside the refurbished Salvation Army building, now fitted out with a hip and charming interior. The communal dining and sharing plates add a nice community feel while you dine on impeccable food. They are big on meat here, so it would be rude not to try their famous lamb shoulder or angus scotch fillet. Along with incredible meat dishes, you will find some even more delicious vegetarian options on the menu: eggplant parmigiana, housemade gnocchi, and polenta fries.

Time for a night cap. 

Every town deserves a late-night wine bar as good as Itch. The friendly bartenders are poised ready to make you a memorable drink on arrival. Watch them razzle-dazzle as they pluck the bottles from the extensive range of spirits and wines that sit neatly on shelves behind them.

Itch Wine Bar: Website I Instagram