New Plymouth Things to see and Do
Archaeological
Sites
There are many Pa sites throughout the province. Ask at the Information
Centre or Taranaki Museum
Back Beach, Centennial Drive, Bell Block, Mangati Rd, Bell Block,
East End Reserve & Beach, Nobs Line, Fitzroy Beach, Beach St, Ngamotu
Beach, Ocean View Parade, Oakura, Messenger Tce, Oakura, Opunake,
Beach Rd, Opunake, Waitara, Centennial Avenue, Waitara. There are
most more beaches on the Taranaki Coast, ask at the Information
Centre.
Blue Rata Scenic Reserve
Situated on the banks of the Stony River, Okato. Scenic, picnic
area, fishing and walkway.
Brooklands Park
Brooklands Park Drive, New Plymouth. One of the finest reserves
of its kind in the country. Visit the zoo, see capuchin monkeys,
the cotton-top tamarins, otters and much more. Visit the farmyard
to see the collection of young and curious animals feeding or at
play. The zoo is open 8.30 am - 5 pm, open daily. Free admission.
Also beautiful English style gardens adjacent to Pukekura Park,
open daily.
Burgess Park and Burgess House
State Highway 3. 6.5km south of New Plymouth. The reserve consists
of 1 hectare of well appointed grounds together with a further 4.2
hectares of beautiful native bush. Burgess House is a wedding and
conference centre, also open for Sunday lunch. For bookings and
more information, phone 06 758 0660 or email info@burgesshouse.co.nz.
Canoe and Kayak
cnr McLean Street and West Quay, Waitara, ph 754 8368, mobile 025
608 3844. Kayak hire, guided tours, courses. Large range of kayaks
and accessories.
Cultural Adventures
Combo adventure tourism - 4WD waka (features 4WD vehicles, quad
bikes, a waka experience, logging tracks, native bush and history).
Dam Droppong (white water sledging including a drop over a 5 metre
high dam). Mt Taranaki Adventures (cultural tour from Kaponga to
Dawson Falls with a downhill cycle tour and alpine walks). Bookings
are essential phone 755 2068, 025 579 285. www.4wdwaka.com
Dam Dropping
Waingongoro River, South Taranaki. Kaitiaki Adventures, phone 021
461 110. It's unique, it's a buzz. Other tours available.
Diving
New Plymouth Underwater, 16 Hobson Street, ph 758 3348. Dive charters
and shop. www.newplymouthunderwater.co.nz
Everett Park
Everett Road, Inglewood. Situated on the banks of the Manganui River.
Picturesque picnic and swimming spot. Open daily.
Fishing
Allure Charters phone 0800 255 873 Chaddy's Charters, phone 06 758 9133.
Taranaki Fishing Charters phone 06 752 0731. Fishey Business phone
06 758 8095, mobile 025 627 4199. Reel Game Fishing, phone 06 764 6661
or 027 245 6065
Flights
Fixed Wing, phone 06 755 0500 or 06 755 0691 after hours. Beck Helicopters,
Eltham, phone 06 764 7073.
Four Wheel Drive Waka
A unique Maori cultural eco experience. Includes paddling a 12 metre Waka (Maori canoe), driving 4WD Suzukis or riding Suzuki quad bikes through native bush viewing historic Iwi sites, phone 06 755 2068, mobile 025 579 285. www.4wdwaka.com
Gliding
6km up Alfred Rock Road, Egmont Village. Flying available weekends and public holidays, phone Les 06 753 4227
Golf
There are most golf courses throughout Taranaki. Ask at the Information Centre for a list. New Plymouth Golf Club (Ngamotu) is an International Golf Course. One of the top five in New Zealand.
Gumboot Gully - Horseriding
Piko Road, Okoki, telephone 06 752 3467. If it's an adventurous experience you are looking for, our treks are for you! We have access to most central Taranaki hill country stations. We are able to offer a variety of rides and overnight venues ranging from half day to one week treks. Treks include river crossings, old stock routes, native bush tracks, pine forests, high ridge tops with spectacular views and quiet misty gullies. Our team of horses are a combination of station and standard breeds. We ride in Australian and NZ stock saddles. All meals catered for on overnight treks. Season: November - May for overnight treks, year round for day rides.
Hempton Rose Garden
Hempton Street. Set in peaceful bush surrounds. Best viewed between October and April. Open daily.
Heritage Trails
There are two heritage trails in Taranaki. One includes the costal State Highway 45, the other travels through the eastern hill country from Stratford to Taumaranui. There is also the Inglewood Walkway and the New Plymouth City Heritage Walkway. For further details contact the Information Centre.
Hikurangi Gardens
Newall Road, Okato, phone 06 752 4058. Open 1 November - 30 April by appointment.
Hollard Gardens
Manaia Road, 3 km north of Kaponga, phone 06 764 6544. 45 minutes drive from New Plymouth. A 3.8 hectare heritage garden divided into the old and new. Open daily 9 am - 5 pm. Adults $5, children free. Closed Christmas Day.
Horseriding Activities
Windyglen Farm, Bertrand Road, Waitara, phone 06 752 0603 (refer separate listing). Tuahu Quarter Horses, Upper Kaipikari Road, Urenui, phone 06 752 3400. Anne's Riding School and Treks, Tikorangi, phone 06 754 8424. Winterland Riding Centre, Inglewood, phone 06 756 7707. Gumboot Gully, Piko Road, Okoki, phone 06 752 3467 (refer separate listing). Tranquil Trekking, Surf Highway 45, ph 763 8422.
Kawaroa Park
Tisch Avenue. Children's playground situated on the foreshore. Open daily. Located adjacent to the Aquatic Centre.
New Plymouth Parks, Taranaki Parks
Things to see and do
Lake Rotorangi
Off Ball Road, near Patea. 90 minutes drive from New Plymouth. 46 km
long lake, boat ramp, hydro dam, walkway and fishing.
Lookouts (City)
Churchill Heights, Cutfield Road; Marsland Hill, Robe Street; Mt Moturoa,
Scott Street; Paritutu Rock, Centennial Drive.
Lucy's Gully
State Highway 45, 3 km south of Oakura. Picnic area and trails in dense ferns and redwoods.
Maori Experiences
Two day Taranaki marae stay at the beautifully situated Maniaroa Marae in Mokau (minimum 20 people). Other options available. For further information and bookings contact Kiwi Tours Ltd ph 755 1525, 0800 868 754.
Marine Adventures
Dolphin and shark watching, diving. Wild West Tours phone Don 025 474 532.
Meeting of the Waters
5 minutes south of New Plymouth on State Highway 3. Picturesque reserve on Waiwhakaiho River. Attractive picnic area, walking tracks, canoeing and swimming.
Merrilands Domain
Mangorei Road. Riverside picnic area suitable for swimmers. Barbeque facilities.
Mount Bryan Domain
Octavius Place. Lawns and rockery gardens overlooking foreshore.
Mount Taranaki Adventures
Guided alpine bush walk and bicycle tour all in one, phone 06 764 6585, mobile 027 414 0304. www.mttaranaki-adventures.com
Mount Taranaki/Egmont and Egmont National Park
Contact the New Plymouth Information Centre or the Department of Conservation if planning to climb, hike etc. DAWSON FALLS Manaia Road, Kaponga. Public display, lodge, waterfall, lookout, trails and picnic area. Public display open Wednesday - Sunday 8 am - 4.30 pm. Open public holidays and 7 days during summer school holidays. Dawson Falls Tourist Lodge - restaurant, accommodation and refreshments. EAST EGMONT Pembroke Road, Stratford. Trails, lookout, picnic area, ski field, Mountain House Lodge and restaurant. NORTH EGMONT VISITORS CENTRE Egmont Road, Egmont Village, phone 06 756 0990. 25 minute drive from New Plymouth. Geological and botanical displays related to the park on permanent display. Trails and picnic area, historic "camphouse" acommodation. Closest mountain access to New Plymouth. Centre open 7 days - 8 am to 4.30 pm . Extended hours during Easter and peak summer periods. Cafe.
Mountain Guide
Mountain Guides Mount Egmont - Chris Prudden. Website - www.mountainguides.co.nz Email - mguide@voyager.co.nz Mobile - 025 474 510. 5 day mountaineering programmes.
Mountain Guide
Top Guides - Ross Eden. Website - www.topguides.co.nz Email - info@topguides.co.nz Mobile - 021 838 513. Phone - 0800 448 433.
Ngamamaku Gardens
1521 Surf Highway 45, Oakura, phone 06 752 7873. One of Taranaki's premier landscaped gardens, blending formal and informal, native and exotic. Open by appointment.
Paritutu Rock
Centennial Drive. A track leads to the top of this prominent landmark. Adjacent to Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park.
Personal Tours
Eco walks, farms, gardens, golf, culture, holistic retreats. A top quality, unique and personal experience awaits you in an unspoiled, undiscovered part of New Zealand - Taranaki. First class guided tour packages customised to your preference for groups of up to 7 people. Door to door luxury transport. Email malcolm@personaltoursnz.com. Contact Malcolm phone 06 7522534 www.personaltoursnz.com
Pukeiti - A Garden for All Seasons
Carrington Road, New Plymouth, ph 752 4141. 30 minutes drive from New Plymouth and world renowned for an amazing collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Restaurant, souvenirs and plant sales. Open 1 April - 31 August 10 am - 3 pm, 1 September - 31 March 9 am - 5 pm. Adults $8, seniors $7, children free.
Pukekura Park
Fillis Street, New Plymouth. World renowned gem of 20 hectares offering in-season splashes of azaleas and rhododendrons amongst native floral and lakes. Open daily. Tea house open daily except Tuesday. Display Houses open daily 8.30 am - 4 pm except Excellent Friday and Christmas Day.
Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve
Off Cowling Road. Picnic area. Round trip walk through a magnificent bush area.
Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park
Cruise the Sugar Loaf Islands and Marine Park Reserve and view the seal colony in its natural habitat - weather permitting. Contact Chaddy's Charters, boatshed ph 758 9133. Sea kayaks available for hire. Cafe.
Tandem Surfing
Surf Highway 45. Contact Greg phone 06 752 7734. The only tandem surfing opportunity in NZ. We guarantee you will stand up. Fun for all ages.
Tangaroa Adventures
Taranaki Surf Tours. Contact Doyle Harris ph 06 278 1285 or 021 701 904.
Taranaki Outdoors Adventures
New Plymouth Things to see and do
Taranaki Coastal Surf Charters
Personalised guided trips with Allan Gargan, phone 06 751 2483.
Taranaki Ecological Experiences
Introductions to the geology and ecological background of the area. A
coastal cruise around the islands, or kayaking, visiting the marine conservation
out doors area, with views of Mt Taranaki and New Plymouth from the sea.
See seals, blue penguins, sea-bird colonies and occasional dolphins.
Take a trip to the northern slopes of Mt Taranaki, with short walks to
interesting areas. Stay in the national park and reach remote places.
Go north to the dramatic Whitecliffs Conservation area. Visit Stratford
and discover how the power industry and dairying affect the local ecology
... and much more. Contact Elise phone 06 753 5493, mobile 025 440 249,
email essmith@taranaki.ac.nz
Taranaki Motorcycle Adventure Tours
Day tours of the eastern back blocks of Taranaki. Bike supplied. Bookings ph 06 756 8338, 025 842 429, 06 754 4211, 025 241 2827.
Taranaki Outdoor Adventures (TOA)
offers a professional service in: outdoor pursuits tuition, adventure training programmes, adventure tourism in kayaking, rock climbing, tramping, mountaineering, caving, rafting, kayak surfing, kayak dam dropping, guided kayak fishing and sea kayaking. Taranaki Outdoor Adventures also offers: corporate team development, event and conference management. Using local knowledge of operators and venues we will make your conference or event an absolute success. Contact Tran or Belinda, phone 06 752 1150. Email: taranakioutdooradventures@toa.co.nz Website: www.toa.co.nz
Taranaki Windsurfing
Ngamotu Beach, New Plymouth, phone 0508 946376. From cruising to wave sailing and crazy jumps ... freestyle tricks to straight line speed. There is something for everyone. Get sailing today with a taster session from $30 pp. We provide professionally qualified instruction for beginners to advanced levels using the latest gear. We also provide equipment hire. Beginner package $180 pp (6 hour course), advanced lessons (2 hour session) $60 pp. 10% discount for group bookings. School and club group enquiries welcome. Hire (including board and complete rig) beginner kit $25 per hour or $75 per day, advanced kit $115 per day or $450 per week.
Tawa Glen Gardens and Cafe
450 Mountain Road, Lepperton, phone 06 752 0809, open daily 9 am - 5 pm. Four acre garden, nursery and cafe open 10 am - 4 pm. Garden entrance $4. Bus tours catered for.
Three Sisters
Tongaporutu. For spectacular views of the three ( now two and a half sisters due to errosion )25 metre towering rock formations on the beach known as the "Three Sisters". To access the "Three Sisters" drive down Clifton Road on the southern side of Tongaporutu Bridge, park at the riverside reserve and walk around the point (about 15 - 20 minute walk). Check the tides first, and only walk around on a low, outgoing tide. There are several very old Maori rock drawings in nearby caves.
Tikorangi - The Jury Garden
591 Otaraoa Road, RD 43, Waitara, phone 06 754 6671. Home of the internationally renowned Jury hybrids. Large private garden and boutique nursery open daily during springtime. Nursery open until November 2003 only.
Tranquil Trekking - horseriding
Holiday fun and all year group bookings. 2 hour plus treks or bring your own horse for a day out. Phone Dee for bookings 06 763 8422. Come and ride the beautiful coastline. Surf Highway 45.
Tupare Gardens
Mangorei Road, New Plymouth, phone 06 764 6544. A 3.6 hectare heritage garden in the English style is one of the finest landscape gardens in New Zealand. Open daily 9 am - 5 pm (closed Christmas Day). Entry by donation. Cottage accommodation. Functions centre available for group bookings.
Walkways
The city, district and region has a fine system of walkways which often follow the swift mountain streams and include various parks and scenic picnic spots. Stroll along our dramatic coastal walkway 7 km from Lake Rotomanu to Port Taranaki. Detailed information available from the New Plymouth Information Centre.
Windyglen Farm - Horseriding
Bertrand Road, RD 43, Waitara, telephone 06 752 0603. Guided 1 hour and 2 hour horse treks, full day and overnight treks, bush walks Farm visits by prior arrangement. Bookings must be made at least 2 hours before any activity.
