Bella Vista's Blog

New Plymouth is one of those great cities where the best things to do are free! The unique natural surroundings play a big part in this; personally, we think that all the best free things to do in New Plymouth are in the outdoors. So if it’s a cold day, just make sure you rug up for your Taranaki activities. And if you need any more tips or ideas, just come and see us at the Bella Vista New
Plymouth Motel reception – we’re always happy to help!

Coastal walkway

The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is so good that it has won countless awards for its functionality and innovation. The 10-kilometre-long walk and cycle path passes through farmland and along the coastline, offering incredible views of rugged rocks, powerful waves and the striking Mt Taranaki looming in the distance. The walkway is home to the famous Len Lye Wind Wand—a
48 metre sculpture that bends with the wind and is lit up in the evenings. Seeing the Wind Wand is one of the best free things to do in New Plymouth in its own right. If you’re short on time, skip straight to the middle section of the walkway to check out the New Plymouth icon. This coastal walkway is only a hop, skip and a jump from your New Plymouth motels

Surfing

If you’re an avid surfer, you’ll know all about New Plymouth’s reputation for great breaks. Surfers flock to New Plymouth from all over the country to experience the waves—and it’s not just Fitzroy Beach in the city where you’ll find swarms of surfers. There’s Back Beach, Kumera Patch, the Rockies and Stent Road too. Or travel a bit further to Oakura or Ahu Ahu for some more great
spots. You can hire a board if you didn’t come prepared or take a surf lesson if you’re just starting out. Anyone who has been lucky enough to experience the surf here on a good day will tell you it’s definitely one of the best New Plymouth things to do!

Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park is one of the best free things to do in New Plymouth for families. In a prime position in the middle of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is a lush 52-hectare space featuring lakes, gardens, playgrounds and more. It’s a great place for children to burn some energy—they’ll love running over the arched bridges, spotting different wildlife and barreling down the flying fox. There are also other New Plymouth activities hosted here intermittently throughout the year – concerts, sporting events, festivals and art installations. We suggest checking the events calendar regularly to see if there are any Pukekura Park activities in New Plymouth that coincide with your visit. The park is only 6 6-minute drive from your motel accommodation in New Plymouth.

Egmont National Park

We know it’s not technically in New Plymouth, but it’s so close that it definitely deserves a mention in our list of free activities in New Plymouth. Egmont National Park is where you’ll find the spectacular Mt Taranaki. Experienced hikers can make their way to the top and there are kilometres upon kilometres of other walks for less ambitious explorers to wander. There are 13 entrances to the national park, eight huts to sleep in and hundreds of photo opportunities—from roaring waterfalls to quiet swamps and dense rainforests.