If you’re looking for a destination in New Zealand that blends coastlines, culture, gardens, and volcano-shaped adventure, New Plymouth and the Taranaki region of New Zealand is one of the most underrated places you can visit as a family. Sitting on the west coast of the North Island beneath the perfectly symmetrical Mount Taranaki, it’s the kind of region where you can ride an eBike beside the ocean in the morning, hike under the shadow of a dormant volcano in the afternoon, and finish your day exploring world-class museums or wandering landscaped gardens.

This guide covers how to get there, the weather you can expect, the best things to do in New Plymouth and the surrounding Taranaki region, plus where to stay and some handy FAQs for families planning their first trip.

Where is New Plymouth, New Zealand?

New Plymouth is the main city of the greater Taranaki region, and you’ll find it on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s tucked between rugged surf beaches and the dramatic slopes of Mount Taranaki, a dormant volcano approximately one hour’s drive from New Plymouth.

The wider Taranaki region includes charming small towns like Oakura, Hawera and Opunake, all easily explored via the iconic Surf Highway 45.

Interesting facts about New Plymouth & the Taranaki region

• Mount Taranaki is one of the most symmetrical volcanoes in the world and has the same legal rights as a human.
• New Plymouth has more sunshine than most cities in New Zealand with around 2,250 hours of sunshine each year.
• Shaped like a breaking wave and a whale skeleton, the Te Rewa Bridge is a global icon.
• Surf Highway 45 has more surf breaks per kilometre than almost anywhere else in the world.
• You can see both sunrise and sunset over the ocean (in the right spots).
• Locals say that Taranaki Mountain has its own “weather bubble” – clear one minute, moody the next.
• Featuring thousands of hand-crafted models, Tawhiti Museum in the Taranaki region is one of the country’s most unusual museums.

How to get to New Plymouth

There are two easy options starting from Auckland (which is where most international flights will land):

By air (fastest)

Flying from Auckland to New Plymouth takes around 50 minutes, with Air New Zealand offering multiple flights per day. It’s the quickest and most convenient option for families – especially if you’re tight on time. It’s also the most expensive option when buying multiple plane tickets for a family.

By car (most scenic)

Driving from Auckland takes roughly 4.5–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. It’s a smooth and easy drive, with plenty of places to break up the journey.

Tip: If you’re doing a wider North Island road trip, New Plymouth fits beautifully between Auckland and Wellington, or as a loop pairing with Waitomo Caves and Taupo.

Weather in New Plymouth and the Taranaki Region

The weather in New Plymouth is fairly mild, thanks to its coastal location. The predominant westerlies make it one of the windiest regions in New Zealand.

Season	What to expect
Summer (Dec–Feb)	Warm and sunny, average daytime highs of 20-25°C – perfect for beaches, cycling, and the coastal walkway.
Autumn (Mar–May)	Average daytime highs of 17-21°C – mild, crisp days with beautiful colours in the gardens.
Winter (Jun–Aug)	Cooler with average daytime highs of 13–16°C. Mount Taranaki will have snow. Great for walks and museum time.
Spring (Sep–Nov)	Lush and green with occasional showers. Average daytime highs of 16–19°C. Pukeiti is incredible in bloom.

Being New Zealand, you can expect “four seasons in one day” at any time of year, so you’ll still need to pack layers. Layers are non-negotiable if you plan to visit Mount Taranaki, where conditions can change quickly.

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Things to do in New Plymouth and the Taranaki region

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There’s no shortage of adventures in this part of New Zealand, and honestly, it’s hard to pick favourites. These aren’t in any particular order, but here are 10 great things to do in New Plymouth that families will love.

#1. Cycle the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

One of the best coastal pathways in New Zealand, this 12.7km walkway hugs the Tasman Sea with wide, flat paths perfect for families.

We hired eBikes from King and Queen Hotel Suites and rode along the coastal pathway towards the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. You don’t need to be staying there to hire the eBikes. Then, we turned around and rode in the opposite direction to Kawaroa Park for a quick play before returning the bikes. The ride is easy, scenic, and totally kid-friendly.

Why families love it: safe riding, ocean breezes, playgrounds, sculptures, cafés, and unbeatable views.

#2. Explore Puke Ariki Museum

Before the kids groan, rest assured that New Plymouth and the Taranaki region does not feature any boring museums. Right in the city centre, Puke Ariki Museum blends natural history, Māori culture, and Taranaki’s local stories. It’s hands-on, beautifully designed, and FREE – all of which are a huge win for families.

#3. Visit Govett-Brewster Art Gallery & Len Lye Centre

If you love art or architecture, this is unmissable. The Len Lye Centre’s mirrored exterior alone is worth stopping for, and inside you’ll find kinetic art, film works, and exhibitions that even kids find mesmerising.

#4. Ride the luge and play mini-golf at The Hideaway

The Hideaway is a hidden gem and one of the best things to do with kids in the New Plymouth and Taranaki region.

Here you’ll find:

• A fun 240m luge track.
• A mini golf course modelled on the famous Mount Panorama track at Bathurst.  
• The Hillsborough Holden Museum – a private collection of Holden cars and memorabilia.
• A fully licensed on-site cafe with a large deck area.
  

#5. Climb Paritutu Rock

This is one for adventurous families. The climb up Paritutu Rock is is short but steep, with chains to assist near the top. The reward? 360-degree views of the city, coastline, Sugar Loaf Islands, and Mount Taranaki. Go slow with kids and choose a clear day.

#6. Explore Pukeiti Gardens

Set between rainforest and mountain, Pukeiti is one of the most beautiful gardens in New Zealand. You can stroll on your own or join a guided tour. There are play areas, a treehouse trail for kids, fitness trails, short and longer walks, and vibrant seasonal colours.

If you visit in spring – the rhododendrons are spectacular!

#7. Visit Tawhiti Museum

Located in Hawera, about an hour south of New Plymouth, Tawhiti Museum is world-class and worth the drive. Featuring incredibly detailed historical displays, dioramas, a boat ride through a tunnel with animatronics, and a cafe where everything is made onsite, many families say it’s the best museum in New Zealand. Allow a few hours.

#8. Drive Surf Highway 45

Drive Surf Highway 45, a 105-kilometre coastal route that connects New Plymouth in the north to Hawera in the South. Between the two, you can expect to experience:

• Dozens of surf breaks
• Sweeping ocean views
• Small town beaches
• Cute cafés
• Points of historic and cultural interest
• View of Mount Taranaki

#9. Visit Taranaki Maunga (Mount Taranaki)

Mount Taranaki is the dramatic, cone-shaped volcano that sets the backdrop for the entire New Plymouth and Taranaki region. Often compared to Japan’s Mount Fuji for its perfect symmetry, it’s one of the most photographed peaks in New Zealand – when it decides to come out from behind the clouds.

Culturally, the mountain is deeply significant to local Māori iwi and was granted legal personhood in 2025, recognising it as an ancestor and ensuring it’s protected for future generations.

Families don’t need to tackle the summit to enjoy Taranaki. There are plenty of easy, scenic walks in Egmont National Park, including the Dawson Falls Waterfall Walk, Wilkies Pools Loop Track, and the enchanting Kamahi Loop Track through mossy, “goblin forest”-style bush. Just remember the golden rule: the mountain makes its own weather, so always check conditions before heading up.

#10. Visit the Taranaki Pioneer Village

Experience history come to life at Taranaki Pioneer Village, 4 hectares of open-air heritage museum with plenty to do for families. The kids can grab an activities clipboard on the way in and answer questions as they walk around and all ages will love hopping aboard the Pioneer Express mini train, which loops the village a few times per day.

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Where to stay in New Plymouth

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Here are excellent options for families (reviews coming soon):

Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki

A modern 4.5-star hotel close to the CBD and just a short walk from the coast. Families love the spacious rooms and apartments, under-cover parking, and on-site Haukai Bistro & Bar, which showcases local Taranaki produce. It’s a comfortable, well-located base with everything you need for an easy family stay.

We particularly liked the restaurant which had a great buffet breakfast and options for kids’ meals.

King and Queen Hotel Suites

A boutique luxury stay right in the heart of New Plymouth, directly opposite the Len Lye/Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and just steps from cafés, shops and restaurants. Rooms come with mini-bars, with some offering fireplaces, kitchenettes or sea-view balconies. Guests receive free access to Jetts Gym, and the coastal walkway and Fitzroy Beach are only minutes away. Families especially love the location, rating it 9.8 on Booking.com for a stay with kids.

Stratford Mountain House

A cosy, family-friendly retreat under the watchful eye of Mount Taranaki, offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi. The on-site restaurant serves European cuisine with a kids menu and plenty of dietary options, and the property features gardens, outdoor seating, and picnic spots. With easy access to Mount Taranaki and local attractions like Hollard Gardens, it’s a peaceful base families love – earning a 9.9 rating for location for a stay with kids on Booking.com.

We stayed in a family room here and with a gas heater, plenty of room, and family-friendly walks departing less than 100-metres away – this was a favourite for the region.

If you’re travelling with a campervan or just want extra space, New Plymouth has excellent holiday parks with playgrounds and family cabins.

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FAQs about visiting New Plymouth, New Zealand

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Where to next?

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