What to do and see in New Plymouth, North Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

March 2, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

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

Liardet Street, New Plymouth New Zealand +64 6-759 6060 [email protected] http://www.newplymouthnz.com
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,777 reviews

Pukekura Park

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

New Plymouth New Zealand +64 6-759 6060 http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-plymouth-coastal-walkway
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,675 reviews

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

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

New Plymouth New Zealand http://www.newplymouthnz.com/OurDistrict/Attractions/Walkways/TeHenuiWalkway.htm
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 96 reviews

Te Henui Walkway

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. Chaddy's Charters

Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 66 reviews

Chaddy's Charters

We are primarily a wildlife boat tour attraction where we head out of the Port of Taranaki towards the Sugar Loaf islands to look at the seal colony. We also provide SUP, Kayak and bike hire and SUP lessons upon booking request. We cater for groups, events, schools, kids, adults, individuals, couples etc. We are run and managed by a former All Black and the fastest woman to solo row the Atlantic and there is also a museum of old nautical memorabilia, live cam of the local little blue penguins and seahorses to look at. Please check times when booking as Mondays are sometimes closed. Hours may vary depending on tides and weather. Sunset cruises are also available. Check website booking system for more details

5. Cycle Inn

133 Devon Street East, New Plymouth 4310 New Zealand +64 6-758 7418 http://cycleinn.co.nz/
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Cycle Inn

Reviewed By C8544KErichardr

We walked in on a sunny afternoon. It was really busy and they said all their rental bikes were out. But, no problem. We've got some new bikes they said and in no time the bikes were retrieved, checked over, tires pumped and we were out the door with a helpful map and instructions on how to get to the waterfront walk/cycleway. Very good value. Excellent service.

6. Puke Ariki

1 Ariki Street Private Bag 2025, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand +64 6-759 6060 [email protected] http://pukeariki.com
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 537 reviews

Puke Ariki

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.

7. Back Beach

New Plymouth New Zealand
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Back Beach

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

8. Pukeiti

2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth 4374 New Zealand +64 800 736 222 [email protected] http://www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/pukeiti
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Pukeiti

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.

9. Port Taranaki Walkway

New Plymouth New Zealand
Excellent
69%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 140 reviews

Port Taranaki Walkway

Reviewed By Marg47

Total asset to the city a must to visit easy walking good parking great sculptures along the way. Offer something for everyone!

10. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Coastal Walkway, New Plymouth New Zealand http://www.newzealand.com/au/article/te-rewa-rewa-bridge
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Reviewed By Beeceedee37

Definitely a must-see when you visit New Plymouth. We didn’t do the whole 11km walkway, but did parts of it, so drove to the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. It is a stunning piece of architecture- best visited on a fine day when you can take amazing photos. Lake Rotomanu was pretty too.

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