Taranaki is the perfect getaway. Known for its magnificent gardens, west coast beaches and Mount Taranaki. This region doesn’t just host stunning landscapes, it has quickly remoulded itself into a capital of art, culture and cuisine.
The city of New Plymouth is well known for its stunning mountain views and seaside setting. Its centrepiece 13km Coastal Walkway connects beaches, cafes and sculptures (including Len Lye’s iconic Wind Wand) and attracts thousands on foot or bike every day.
However, the city’s cultural beating heart is undoubtably the West End Precinct—the hive of bars, restaurants and businesses that surround both the eye-catching Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre and the beautifully restored White Hart Hotel (1887).
White Heart HotelThe Govett-Brewster Gallery celebrates 50 years this year and is arguably New Zealand’s spiritual home for contemporary art. Len Lye Centre opened in 2015 and has regularly changing displays of Lye’s work. Both venues offer complementary and contrasting programmes featuring the most provocative, audacious and confident pieces.
The White Hart, just across the road, has you sorted with everything from your morning coffee fix through to evening cocktails and endless craft beer and wine selections. This is where New Plymouth comes to re-fuel and celebrate.
West End Precinct (westendprecinct.nz) offers the traveller perfect opportunities to indulge, stay, love, play and work. It’s the ideal base from which to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Meat & LiquorINDULGE
Social Kitchen
The award-winning Social Kitchen should be the first restaurant on your radar in Taranaki. With shared dining and eclectic décor the space is energetic and hip. And, as far as the food goes, you certainly won’t want to pass on anything that emerges from the Mibrasa charcoal oven.
West End Precinct’s Courtyard (in the White Hart), with communal dining tables, hanging baskets of plants and an impressive array of dining options, feels more like you’re in Melbourne than on the North Island’s west coast. Ms White Pizza, Snug Lounge, Public Catering and Itch Bar all share the courtyard. From 8am till late daily tantalise your taste buds and take your pick from any of these great establishments.
Meat and Liquor is Taranaki’s finest steakhouse. Their exceptional chefs hand-pick the very best locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Found next to Frederic’s Egmont Street.
King & Queen Hotel SuitesSTAY
King and Queen Hotel Suites offers luxury accommodation and is superbly located next to the White Hart and its famous courtyard.
PLAY
New Plymouth has a vibrant events calendar, with festivals like WOMAD held each summer. TSB Showplace, together with TSB Bowl of Brooklands, ensure a jam packed schedule of musicals and concerts throughout the year.
LOVE
Ozone Coffee Roasters
New Plymouth is a town that takes coffee seriously. Ozone Coffee Roasters have led that charge having started here in the 90s and now has expanded to London and Grey Lynn. Get your espresso hit right from the source at Ozone’s New Plymouth Bean Store.
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