Location: Taranaki Region
Top Things to do in Taranaki Region
10 Free Things to do in Taranaki Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand including Pukekura Park, New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, Te Henui Walkway, Oakura Bay, Pouakai Crossing, Te Henui Cemetery, Fenton Street Art Collective, Dawson Falls, Puke Ariki, Back Beach.
Restaurants in Taranaki Region
1. Pukekura Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,777 reviews
Pukekura Park covers 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of New Plymouth, Taranaki 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. With a diverse range of landscapes, the park features bush walks, formal gardens, lakes, children's play areas, a sports area and a Tea House. 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 Bank Festival of Lights. The park is free to enter and can be accessed from various streets including Liardet Street, Brooklands Road, Fillis Street, Rogan Street, Kaimata Street and List Street.
Reviewed By Nutputter
Just a gorgeous valley of native nz bush and flowers and water features.We were taken by surprise ...first that it is free and very large so allow plenty of time ..and there is a lovely old fashioned tea rooms in the middle ...with Pukeiti ,New Plymouth is certainly blessed with lovely gardens and parks .
2. New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,675 reviews
Utterly spectacular 11km long walkway along the seafront in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Walk, ride skate or scoot from Bell Block in the north to Port Taranaki to the south taking in the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, three swimming beaches, a golf club, rolling farm land, rivers and various accessways to residential and shopping areas.
Reviewed By 562grahamb - Napier, New Zealand
The New Plymouth Costal Walkway is a pedestrian and cycleway goes for miles and miles...8 miles to be exact. It’s easy to walk manageable pieces, there are numerous parking lots and public washrooms along the way. There are lots of delights along the way, including surfers, friendly Kiwis walking their dogs, a golf course, the famous Len Lee’s “Wind Wand” sculpture and the spectacularly shaped Te Rewa Rewa Bridge crossing Waiwhakaiho River at the northern end. We had several wonderful excursions during our stay. New Plymouth is to be commended for making exercising, the easy choice.
3. Te Henui Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By picturepaints1000wds
On a hot day, this is a lovely walk around the city - away from the cars and shopping area winding its way along the stream.
4. Oakura Bay
5. Pouakai Crossing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Jenny9876543210 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Loved this walk. Not many people doing it despite the beautiful, sunny day, so it was very peaceful. Good range of tracks through low-lying lush native bush to alpine grasslands to alpine rock vegetation. The tracks are well defined and marked. I heard that some of the tracks are going to be upgraded but we found them in good condition anyway, probably because the weather had been very dry. Having said that, you would want to be wearing decent hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers. Despite the beautiful weather, we definitely needed jackets at times - there are some exposed areas and the wind can pick up very suddenly. The short detour to the tarn was well worth it. Initially it looked very disappointing and then I realised that the reflections changed with every little light shift and it really did make for gorgeous photos. There's very little birdsong as you hike and we learned that predators have eradicated much of the bird life. There are pest traps (particularly for rats) at the sides of the tracks so we hope that this program is working and the mountain will be full of native birds again in years to come.
6. Te Henui Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By shonaglenys - Beachlands, New Zealand
This is an absolute must visit. Wonderful informative chat with Susan one of the fabulous volunteers. Every town & city should do this. So beautiful with all the flowers, shrubs & statement trees among the grave sites. The hard work of the volunteers is evident in every aspect. So much respect for all their hard work.
7. Fenton Street Art Collective
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By CaroleP258 - Wellington, New Zealand
Wonderful host. Entertaining and informative. Delicious gins. Great cafe and food with an excellent vibe. Interesting local art works on display for sale.
8. Dawson Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By john_mills_nz - Wellington, New Zealand
Very cool trees. Feels like the setting of a fantasy movie/novel. It’s well worth going down the steep steps to the base of the waterfall.
9. Puke Ariki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Welcome to Puke Ariki - an integrated knowledge hub comprising museum, library, research centre, museum store and i-SITE for a visitor experience that is like no other. Puke Ariki is a place where people come together and where there is a place for everyone. Sited in New Plymouth, between the majestic Mount Taranaki and the wild Tasman Sea, Puke Ariki is a place of wonder, of excitement, of discovery and adventure. "Te hiringa ā rangi, te hiringa ā nuku, te hiringa o Puke Ariki, kia tupu te toiora, kia tupu te toi auaha o te tangata, pupū mai ai i a Taranaki o mua ki Taranaki o nāianei, honohono ake te hunga kāinga, te motu me te ao ki ngā aronga hou, ki ngā ara huhua o tikanga kē, o iwi kē." "At Puke Ariki we aim to inspire creativity and enrich lives by promoting the heritage of Taranaki and connecting local people and visitors to new ideas and other cultures from around the world."
Reviewed By Marloid2 - Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
I found Puke Ariki to be an excellent local/regional museum and attraction covering, history, geology, marine etc. Very well presented, very open and modern. Also has an excellent gift shop. Next time in New Plymouth I shall return.
10. Back Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By RowanT113 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Well worth a visit. Run, slide down the North end sand dunes, (take cardboard or a boogie board) on the black sand beach or just watch the local surfers. Sunset is the best time but cooler
