New Plymouth

Day Trips

Head to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge at dawn to watch the sun rise over the Kaitake Range. The graceful arches frame the orange and pink sky, creating perfect photo opportunities. A quiet stroll along the adjoining coastal path brings you closer to the lapping waves and morning breeze.

Grab a rental bike near the New Plymouth waterfront and cycle the Coastal Walkway towards Tiromoana. Stop for fish and chips at East End, savoring the salty air with each bite. Continue past sculptural installations and hidden beaches as you explore the scenic coastline.

Dine at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the harbour, sampling freshly caught snapper and local wines. After dinner, wander the lit-up Pukekura Park trails in search of glow worms. End the night with a craft beer or coffee at a cosy cafe near the inner harbour.

Begin your day with a guided botanical tour of Pukekura Park, discovering native and exotic plant species. Listen to bird calls echoing through the lush valleys as you wander the Fernery and Lake Rotokare. A scenic lake cruise offers a peaceful perspective on this urban oasis.

Enjoy lunch at the park’s boathouse cafe, sipping artisanal coffee by the water’s edge. Rent a rowboat or paddleboard to glide across the glassy lake and spot koi fish beneath the surface. Explore hidden walking tracks that weave through ancient oaks and towering pines.

Experience the nightly outdoor concert at the Bowl of Brooklands when in season, with lights dancing around the trees. If there’s no performance, join a lantern-lit stroll to discover illuminated sculptures. Conclude your evening with a dessert at a nearby patisserie before heading back to town.

Visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre to immerse yourself in contemporary art and kinetic sculptures. Marvel at the world’s largest permanent Len Lye collection and interactive installations. Grab a coffee at the onsite cafe to discuss your impressions.

Walk along the rugged coastal cliffs to Wills Gallery, stopping at Tay St Surf Spot to watch surfers carve the waves. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy fish and chips on the beach while feeling the sea breeze. Continue your art trail with street murals and hidden community galleries.

Book a table at a chic bistro on Egmont Street for a modern Kiwi dinner featuring locally foraged ingredients. Afterwards, head to a craft brewery to sample flagship ales and seasonal brews. Wrap up your night with live music at a bustling pub in the West End district.

Set out early towards Egmont National Park to begin the iconic Pouakai Circuit hike. Trek through moss-covered forests and alpine meadows, ascending towards the cloud-pierced summit of Mount Taranaki. Pause at Miranda Flats for a snack while gazing at the mountain’s perfect symmetry.

Continue the trail to Pouakai Tarn and behold the reflection of Mount Taranaki in crystal-clear water. Enjoy a packed lunch beside the tarn before retracing your steps back through native kamahi and rata forest. Keep an eye out for kūkupa (wood pigeons) and mischievous weka.

Return to New Plymouth and unwind with a dip in the natural hot pools at a nearby eco-retreat. Soothe your muscles with a mud wrap or outdoor spa. Conclude the day with a hearty mountain lodge–style dinner by the fire.

Drive to a nearby organic farm for a hands-on experience of sheep shearing and cheese making. Meet the friendly farm animals and learn about sustainable farming practices from local hosts. Sample homemade yoghurt and cheeses paired with freshly baked bread.

Embark on a scenic drive along Surf Highway 45, stopping at quaint coastal villages like Ōakura and Ōkato. Browse craft galleries and continue to the lookout above Oakura Beach for panoramic sea views. Enjoy a seaside lunch at a family-run cafe known for its seafood chowder.

Check in to a coastal cottage with ocean vistas and breathe in the salt-kissed air. Cook a simple dinner using local produce or dine at a nearby taverna. Spend the night star-gazing on the beach or listening to waves from your deck.

Begin the day with a surf lesson at Fitzroy Beach, learning the basics from experienced instructors. Feel the rush as you catch your first wave against the backdrop of the Tasman Sea. Return to the sand for a stretch and fresh coconut water.

Relax on the black sand beach or join a beach volleyball game with friendly locals. Wander to nearby sand dunes for a picnic under sun umbrellas. Stop by the Fitzroy Café for light bites and smoothies.

Enjoy a beachfront sunset yoga session as the sky transforms into a palette of warm hues. Feast on fresh poke bowls and seafood tacos from a beachside food truck. Cap off the day with live acoustic music under twinkling fairy lights.

Set out early for the Kaitake Range trailhead and begin the bush-clad ascent. Pass giant rimu and nikau palms on narrow ridgeline tracks in the shadow of Mount Taranaki. Stop at a high point to enjoy morning tea with panoramic views of the Tasman Sea.

Descend into a hidden valley to find a cascading waterfall perfect for cooling off. Spread out a picnic blanket and savor local charcuterie and cheese washed down with crisp regional cider. Explore fern-filled groves and photograph native wildlife.

Return to the coast for a sunset swim at Back Beach, named for its dramatic volcanic backdrop. Warm up in a rustic beach hut and watch passing ships on the horizon. Dine at a surf champion–owned café specializing in poke and fresh salads.

Drive inland to the charming town of Stratford, passing rolling dairying country en route. Explore the Tudor-themed clocktower and quaint cafes lining Broadway. Sip a latte while locals share stories of the town’s Edwardian heritage.

Board the Forgotten World Railway for a scenic journey through tunnels, farmland, and historic settlements. Enjoy onboard commentary that brings early settler tales to life. Break for a picnic on the old platform at Tangarakau Gorge.

Return to New Plymouth and unwind at a farm-to-table restaurant backdropped by lantern-lit gardens. Sample seasonal dinner specials paired with award-winning local Pinot Noir. Share highlights of the day over a warming dessert.

Climb Paritutu Rock at first light to witness panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline. Spot surfers at Fitzroy Beach and fishing boats drifting near Sugar Loaf Islands. Take your time to soak in the vista before descending.

Follow the coastal walkway south to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, admiring public art installations along the route. Pause at Alchemy Center for coffee and handmade chocolates. Continue past Oakura Beach for a brief swim and beachcombing.

Dine at a seaside eatery in Oakura, sampling crayfish ravioli or green-lipped mussels. Return to New Plymouth for a guided nocturnal forest walk in Pukekura Park. Listen for kiwi calls and marvel at luminescent fungi under torchlight.

Take a scenic drive to an Egmont Village winery for a sunrise tasting of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Learn about the volcanic soils that give the wines their unique minerality. Walk the vineyard rows while the morning dew glistens on the grapes.

Visit Puke Ariki museum to delve into Taranaki’s cultural and natural history through interactive exhibits. Enjoy lunch at the museum cafe overlooking the harbour. Browse the artisan market stalls showcasing local recycled art.

Join a kapa haka performance at a historic marae, feeling the power of Māori song and dance. Feast on a communal hangi dinner cooked in an earth oven beneath the stars. End your immersive 10-day journey with shared songs and laughter by the fire.