- Take 5, relax and enjoy a read...
Flexible dates

Bella Vista's Blog

Check-in on our New Zealand travel blog for latest news, events and updates - along with a splash of personality from the whole team at Bella Vista!  

#TrustBellaVista

New Plymouth’s top attractions


Posted by on


When staying in a new city, especially for just a short time, it’s well worth researching the most
popular attractions to make sure you get the best out of your visit. Our list of the four must-do
things to do in New Plymouth has something that will appeal to everyone - couples, families with
children and those travelling solo…

Mt Taranaki
As far as New Plymouth attractions go, Mt Taranaki has to be at the top of the list! For those who
are used to seeing mountains as part of a group or within huge stretches of alps, the conical Mt
Taranaki standing solo near the coast almost looks surreal. Ski season on Mt Taranaki is at
Manganui ski field from around June to October—and at only $50 per person it’s among the
cheapest in the country. And if you’re looking for places to visit in New Plymouth outside of these
months, Mt Taranaki and the surrounding Mt Egmont National Park still have plenty to offer…
Stroll through the lush Pukeiti Gardens, chase nearby waterfalls and explore more hiking tracks
than you can shake a walking pole at.


Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre
You can’t drive past the building that houses the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre
without doing a double-take, but there’s so much more to be seen inside. Behind the shimmering
mirrored façade lies a collection of contemporary art including film, sculpture, painting and
photography. An entire wing is dedicated to the work of local artist Len Lye—the legend behind the
famous Wind Wand on the Coastal Walkway. The major exhibitions change out every four months,
so it’s one of those things to do in New Plymouth that you can experience more than once and
enjoy something new and different every time. Bonus: It’s just a couple of doors down from our
New Plymouth motel!

Todd Energy Aquatic Centre
The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is one of the best places to visit in New Plymouth if you have
children or you’re looking something to do on a rainy day. Kids will have hours of fun zooming
down the hydroslides and frolicking in the wave pool. There are also inflatable toys, tarzan ropes
and a toddler pool indoors—and a diving board, picnic areas and a playground outside. When
you’ve had enough of swimming, relax in the spa pool or hit the sauna for a good sweat session.
And if you really want to burn some energy, you can leave the car behind… The Todd Energy
Aquatic Centre is only a ten-minute walk from our New Plymouth motel.


Brooklands Zoo
Looking for more New Plymouth attractions that cater to children? Well, what child (or adult)
doesn’t love watching cute animals go about their daily business? The animals at Brooklands Zoo
are mainly of the lovable and furry variety.. Think meerkats, squirrel monkeys and friendly
farmyard animals. There’s also a playground on site and a delicious ice cream shop to sustain you
as you browse the exhibits. Entry to the zoo is free but if you can make a donation, you’d be
supporting a very good cause! The Zoo rehabilitates injured or orphaned native and protected
birds and has on-site breeding programmes for their cotton-top tamarins and capuchin monkeys.