Things to do

  • Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre

    Address:
    42 Queen St, New Plymouth 4310 .

    The Len Lye Centre is an international destination for experimental film and kinetic art. It houses the collection and archive of Len Lye, one of the most original artists of the twentieth century. Pioneer filmmaker, sculptor, painter and poet, his extraordinary body of work gives us a unique view into Modernism and offers a rich vein for inspiration and insight.

  • Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

    Address:
    Fitzroy, New Plymouth 4312 .

    Where functionality meets fine art - New Plymouth's Te Rewa Rewa pedestrian/cycle bridge is an impressive illustration of innovative local engineering.

    The tied arch bridge has a clear span of almost 70 metres and is part of the award-winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.

    Spanning the Waiwhakaiho River, its iconic form represents the sacred relationship between the land, sea and wind with the Ngati Tawhirikura tribe.

  • Pukekura Park and Brooklands Zoo

    Address:
    10 Fillis St, New Plymouth 4310 .

    Often described as the jewel in New Plymouth's crown, Pukekura Park covers 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of the city and is one of New Zealand's premier botanical gardens.

    The park has an international Green Flag award and is a Garden of National Significance.

    The park includes the Fernery and Display Houses as well as the adjacent garden estate area of Brooklands, home to the acclaimed TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Zoo.

    As a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Pukekura Park lights up over the summer as the backdrop for the annual TSB Festival of the Lights

  • New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

    Address:
    New Plymouth CBD Coastline .

    The award-winning Coastal Walkway is a 12.7km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki all the way to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach with numerous pedestrian access points dotted along the way. 
     
    The walkway is ideal for walking, running, cycling or skating, or simply enjoying the view of the dramatic west coast.

    Road user rules apply on our walkways so cyclists must wear helmets. 

    Dogs are allowed on the walkway but must be on a leash. 

  • Paritutu Rock and Sugar Loaf Islands

    Address:
    Centennial Dr, Spotswood, New Plymouth 4310 .

    The Sugar Loaf Islands, off the coast of New Plymouth, are the eroded stumps of an ancient volcanic crater. Above the water you can see seven islands and several reefs. Below the surface, there are spectacular cliffs, canyons, boulder reefs and sand expanses. The "sugar" is actually bird guano.

    The waters around the islands are home to at least 89 species of fish, 33 species of encrusting sponges, 28 species of bryozoans and 9 nudibranchs. The area is a mixing place for both cool and warm water species. Seals and oceanic seabirds breed here; dolphins and whales regularly pass through. The islands, both above and below water, have been protected since 1986.

    Guarding the eastern end of New Plymouth's harbour is Paritutu Rock, another volcanic remnant. There's a track up the rock, beginning on the northern side. It's a scramble to the top but the views are spectacular & you can see the entire New Plymouth coastline, city, port and the Sugar Loaf Islands.

    Charter companies tour the Sugar Loaf Islands, and there are diving operators who can make it possible to see the underwater sights.

  • North Egmont Visitor Centre

    Address:
    2679 Egmont Rd, Egmont National Park 4386 .

    Just a 30 minute drive from New Plymouth, the North Egmont Roadend has:

    • Lush native forest and stunning views
    • A variety of walking opportunities
    • The Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre with comprehensive displays, a small café, a retail area, and DOC staff to help with track information and weather updates.

    The roadend is at the top of Egmont Road, 29 km from New Plymouth. The road winds for 6 km through dense podocarp/broadleaf rainforest, with large rimu and rata trees on the lower slopes of the mountain. It climbs steeply through the wetter and cooler montane forest with kamahi, mosses, liverworts and ferns.

    Know before you go

  • Puke Ariki Museum

    Address:
    65 St Aubyn St, New Plymouth, New Zealand, 4310 .

    Puke Ariki is an integrated museum, library, museum store and visitor information centre, located opposite Len Lye's Wind Wand in central New Plymouth. Puke Ariki’s (Hill of Chiefs) site holds historical significance for both Maori and Pakeha. It was an original 1700 pa site of the great Maori Chief, Te Rangi Apiti Rua and also the landing place for colonial settlers. Explore Puke Ariki’s three permanent galleries showcasing life in Taranaki, its unique geology, flora and fauna, and the museum’s Maori taonga. There are also two temporary galleries that house a wide range of changing exhibitions. The i-site provides information on other things to do in the region and don’t miss the museum store’s unique Puke Ariki range. New Plymouth Historic Walk - listen to the stories and experience the history on New Plymouth's early European settlers. 

  • Todd Energy Aquatic Center

    Address:
    1-8 Tisch Avenue, New Plymouth, New Zealand .

    The New Plymouth aquatic centre is an indoor/outdoor swimming complex. Great for the whole family - warm, safe and fun! Enjoy the wave pool, sauna, spa, fitness centre and other facilities all year round. Indoor features Main pool - Wave machine, water features, eight training lanes, tarzan rope, inflatable toys, temperature 28 degrees. Spa pool - Temperature 37 degrees. Tots pool - Temperature 32 degrees. Fitness centre - Free and fixed weights, cardio equipment and instructors. Sauna and steam room - An additional cost and feature available to customers over 14 years. Café - Open daily 9am–5pm. Outdoor features - open from Labour Weekend (late October) until mid April Main pool - Length 50 metres, seven lanes, depth 1.1–1.4 metre