Location: New Plymouth
Top Things to do in New Plymouth
Countries
Things to do in New Plymouth, North Island: The Best Museums
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. 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.
2. Taranaki Aviation Transport and Technology Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By kaylas2204 - Auckland, New Zealand
It doesn’t look like much from the outside but this place is an amazing treasure trove! Absolutely packed to the brim with old machinery and technology, including a few interactive pieces. Amazing value for money, we will be back to further explore the nooks and crannies
3. The Gables (Colonial Hospital)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By picturepaints1000wds
Loved the gardens around this house. It is right next door to the zoo. Artists have some interesting work for sale in the house itself.
4. Hillsborough Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Hillsborough Holden Museum is a stunning new facility purposely built for the preservation and display of a private collection of Australian Holden cars and memorabilia. The cars range from well preserved early models, meticulously restored models through to late model new cars. There is also a mini putt golf course inspired by the famous Mount Panorama track at Bathurst. Cafe available.
Reviewed By 837graemeb - Auckland, New Zealand
What a Gem! Very impressed with the immaculate Holdens on display and the effort put into this museum by the owner.
5. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 812 reviews
Welcome to a place of art and ideas. Expect the unexpected at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, showing contemporary art since 1970. Exhibitions change out every four months so there's always something new to experience. The new wing of the Govett-Brewster, the Len Lye Centre, showcases New Zealand-born artist Len Lye's ideas and artworks in film, sculpture, painting and photography. It also shows work by artists whose practice is related to Len Lye's. The boutique 60-seat cinema screens international film festivals, experimental, arthouse and cult movies, as well as a New Zealand cinema, symposia and lectures. Open seven days, 10am – 5pm (+ Thursday night films), the entrance to the art gallery is on Queen St. Entry is $15. Be sure to save some time for the Govett-Brewster Shop where you can find unique gifts of books, stationery, homewares, jewellery and cool kids’ stuff.
Reviewed By Sus1952 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
This is an amazing building containing a magnificent collection of Len Lye’s kinetic structures. The guide was helpful in turning on these structures so that we could experience the incredible movements. If you live outside New Plymouth, you have to pay, so use your Gold Card, if you’re over 65, for a reduction.
6. Real Tart Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Real Tart is one of New Zealand's leading community art galleries showcasing the best of Taranaki art. Visitors to the gallery enjoy a variety of high calibre works which are both original and affordable. Many of Taranaki's top artists show their works in the restored and edgy former warehouse which is home to a impressive selection of paintings,sculptures,pottery,photography,jewellery and craft. Real Tart can be found just behind Puke Ariki museum.
