Location: New Plymouth
Top Things to do in New Plymouth
10 Nature & Parks in New Plymouth That You Shouldn't Miss
Botanical gardens, coastal walkways, golf courses peppered with sheep—what’s not to love about New Plymouth? The New Zealand city is an ideal spot for laid-back leisure. Explore the postcard perfect landscape of the beaches, parks and stone cottages. For more of a challenge, a climb up Paritutu Rock will leave you breathless but humbled by the surrounding beauty.
Restaurants in New Plymouth
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. 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.
3. 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
4. Pukeiti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
Explore a wonderland of rhododendrons planted within 360 hectares of rainforest, located between Mount Taranaki and the coast, just south of New Plymouth. Established in 1951, Pukeiti is an internationally recognised garden with one of the most diverse collections of rhododendrons on display anywhere in the world. Take a short garden walk or a more challenging adventure and with either, sense another world and time. Feel the spiritual significance of Pukeiti to local tangata whenua and learn some of the language, knowledge and stories which are part of the land. Find out about pioneering Europeans, passionate plant-collectors and garden-makers. Discover the property whilst doing a fun activity or make use of the facilities for a private or community event. Pukeiti is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Share Pukeiti – a truly unique part of Taranaki’s heritage.
Reviewed By gracelA258PT
For those who both love connecting with nature - this lovely garden is a certain stunner - recommended visit is from July to October to witness the beauty of this world-class rhododendron collection.
5. Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By JamieA579 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Paritutu Rock wasn't really on our agenda to climb, but you know ! We three aged 71, 62 and 27 decided to climb the wooden steps. Well the looks between us meant lets go ! It was a reasonable challenge, though not at all unsafe. With a few more puffs we were able to get to the top and enjoy the magnificent views.
6. Brooklands Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Brooklands Zoo is a FREE, family focused zoo which is home to a variety of farmyard animals, amphibians, reptiles, oriental small-clawed otters, meerkats, a brolga, Bolivian squirrel monkeys and both capuchin and cotton-top tamarin monkeys, as well as a selection of exotic parrots housed inside a walk-through free-flight aviary.
Reviewed By Oneil5star
Great place for kids and family a 5 star experience in the heart of New Plymouth and what more it’s free. Ample parking available.it is great to spend half a day for hosting a party
7. Tupare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Experience the beautifully restored garden and Chapman-Taylor home. Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, this is a premier landscaped garden. Sense the prestige, lifestyle and stories of the property's original developer, the prominent businessman Sir Russell Matthews, and his family. Enjoy a game of tennis, make use of the free barbeque on the River Flat, find a quite spot to read a book or just appreciate the beauty of Tupare. Owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Enjoy it - it's yours.
Reviewed By mykiwitrip - Wellington, New Zealand
Beautiful garden and easily accessible. It amazes with every turn and detailed spaces. Enjoyed the swing and the grass meadows. A must see in New Plymouth.
8. Lake Mangamahoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By OzDi - Castle Hill, Australia
Beautiful views of lake, trees and mountain in the distance. The lake has ducks and swans on it which makes a scenic photo. Go for a wander through the forest. Very peaceful. Unfortunately the day we visited there was a drone buzzing around. I recommend at least a drive here for a quick photo stop if you have limited time.
9. Huatoki Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By 75fayec
A beautiful walk in the middle of city quiet and relaxing walking along a well kept pathway with bush and a river running alongside
