The scenery is incredibly diverse with beaches, picturesque gardens and a volcano awash in untamed forest. As for activities, you’ll find that New Plymouth’s adventure, cosmopolitan and relaxation activities are inexpensive making it easy to stick to your honeymoon/romantic-weekend budget.
SUNSET LOCATIONS
- Te Rewarewa Bridge, part of the coastal walkway in New Plymouth, the whalebone design beautifully frames Mount Taranaki.
- Pukekura Park in summer at the Festival of Lights
- Mount Bryan Reserve, locally known as Pig Out Point with your fish n chips, the sunset and the view from the small elevated reserve
- Three Sisters sandstone cliffs and rock forms
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WHERE TO TAKE A SELFIE TOGETHER
- Goblin Forest, short walk in the Mount Egmont National Park. The mossy trees and dappled green light is very flattering and otherworldly.
- The Coastal walkway will spoil you with choices where to grab the best selfie. There is over 13.5 km of seaside promenade to pick your special spot with kinetic sculptures attracting your attention. TIP Port to the Wind Wand: 3.4km, Len Lyle masterpiece of creative sculpture.
- Dawson Falls is a beautiful half hour drive from Stratford. Enjoy the drive and the short walk to the waterfalls. Check here for more details about Egmont National Park walks and attractions
ROMANTIC STUFF TOGETHER
HAWERA ROAD TRIP
Go for a road trip to Hawera and get amazing views of Mt Taranaki from the top of the water tower. For more things to do check What’s so great about Hawera, what to do and best things to see. Hawera is an interesting small settlement with a surprising diverse range of attractions nearby.
OAKURA NIGHTLIFE
Enjoy a summer night in Oakura. The surfing culture is very evident with the huge surfboard gracing the street. One of the world’s biggest surfboards graces the entrance to Vertigo surf shop and sets the laid back beach vibe. Choose a uy a burger from one of the many pop up foodie trucks in town and enjoy the beach. The town has an interesting art trail, a shipwreck and is satisfying close to the urban heart of New Plymouth for a night on the town.
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MINERAL POOLS INDULGENCE
Indulge and soak away the cares of the world in the historic Tarawhata Mineral Pools. The pools are situated in Moturoa New Plymouth. Water is sourced from an aquifer supplying a privately owned artesian well. The water is heated to a temperature of the guest’s choice (37 – 30c) with a pool filled on arrival. Massage and other wellness treatments are available. The complex is part of Pure One mineral water.
Chaddy’s Charter sums the day beautifully. An adventure waiting to happen. The vintage 1953 wooden rescue boat Rescue III is your host for a Wildlife Tour around the culturally important Sugar Loaf islands where you will see the seal colonies. Your skipper will tell you about some local history, information on the port and the Taranaki marine environment.
Chaddys is your go-to operator for the hire of SUP, kayaks and bikes. A convenient one stop shop in New Plymouth.
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WHERE TO STAY
New Plymouth accommodation ranges from luxury hotels, glamping to motels. There are several holiday parks with stunning locations. For camping options check out Camping in Taranaki.
PREMIUM
Perhaps your New Plymouth weekend is a special event, an anniversary or celebration for couples. Then King and Queen Hotel Suites offers a magical place to build memories. The location is very convenient as it is in the heart of the town.
The hotel is linked to the Nice Hotel and Table Restaurant through a lush tropical garden making it a great place to linger watching the world go by.
Issey Manor is about character with each room Issey Manor having its own identity. The Manor is centrally located, one minutes’ stroll to the centre of New Plymouth. There are private suites, all with well appointed bathrooms featuring sustainable products.
The two storey property has a backdrop of native trees and the picturesque Huatoki Stream. For the romance or visitors who enjoy the ambiance of the heritage aspects of the manor it is a great choice.
NOTE: There is no lift to the second floor.
MID RANGE
Plymouth International Hotel is a perfect location as The Orangery restaurant part of the hotel complex making the walk to dinner exceptionally easy. A comfortable consistent hygiene standard with attention to detail is a hallmark of the STAY.
If LOCATION is important then this is ideal. The hotel is between New Plymouth’s two major one-way systems – so driving across town in either direction is super-easy.
The Coastal Walkway is a short stroll from the front front desk and great swimming at East End Beach is less than five minutes from there, the CBD (where you can shop, eat and visit the Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki museum) is 750 metres away and you can jump in the car and be at Fitzroy Beach’s world-class surf break in five minutes.
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