At the start of a year there’s no better time to plan a trip or two so that you have plenty to look forward to. Whether it’s a short but sweet weekend getaway or a North Island road trip, New Plymouth, Taranaki is always a worthwhile visit.
New Plymouth is considered by locals as one of New Zealand’s hidden gems, and it’s easy to understand why from the moment you enter the Taranaki region. With black sand beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, and vibrant festivals, you can experience it all from New Plymouth. If we haven’t persuaded you already, here are a few reasons why you should visit New Plymouth in 2024.
Explore the Great Outdoors
There are plentiful options of activities to do in the region, as we have a bit of everything on our doorstep!
This year, you could complete the Pouakai Hut and Tarn hike to get one of the best views of the beautiful Mount Taranaki. The hike is an out-and-back trail with a mostly covered track and takes approximately 4 hours, including the return. Although the track is accessible year-round, the best time of year to do this is September through April. For shorter walks, you could head into the national park on the slopes of Mount Taranaki and visit a breathtaking waterfall, Dawson Falls, meander around the Goblin Forest, or perhaps take a dip at Wilkies Pool.
Taranaki is also a surfer’s paradise, with 180 degrees of coastline and world-class surf breaks. Fitzroy Beach, a stone’s throw from New Plymouth city centre, is famous for “hollow waves and hailed as one of the best mid-city surf spots in the world”, according to 100% Pure New Zealand.
For more outdoor adventure ideas, read more on the Taranaki website.
Dance the Night Away
New Plymouth is the home to many music events, especially during the summer.
Throughout 2024, New Plymouth will have an array of fantastic musicians coming to town. Take a look at upcoming music events throughout the year to secure your tickets and join the party in New Plymouth!
Of course, we can’t talk about music events without mentioning WOMAD. The festival takes place every year at Pukekura Park and should be on every festival lover’s itinerary. WOMAD is a celebration of cultural diversity and, as shared on the WOMAD website, “some of the world’s best musicians, artists, dancers, storytellers and speakers come to Taranaki, including a fine line-up from Aotearoa.” To read more, click here.
Optional extra: you can help to get your dancing shoes on with a visit to one of our many local breweries in town.
Immerse Yourself in the Taranaki Trails
New Plymouth is lucky to host a diverse range of events throughout the year, from garden to tattoo festivals.
If you’re interested in art and culture, then you must visit the Taranaki Arts Trail, typically during October/November. Over two weekends, visitors have access to homes and galleries of incredible local artists using a trail map. Some artists exclusively sell pieces during this event too, meaning you could go home with an exceptionally unique souvenir! Galleries and venues in New Plymouth also have workshops available during this time for a more “hands-on” experience.
Another notable option is the Taranaki Taste Trails, offering a guided and behind-the-scenes food tour featuring top local food and beverage producers. Simply choose a trail and enjoy the tastes of Taranaki! Dates are yet to be announced for 2024, so keep an eye on the official website.
When you do come to town, there’s no better place to stay than the State Hotel. Our stylish boutique hotel will be sure to keep you rested after a day of activities, with the benefit of a fantastic central location and free CBD parking. Remember, book direct to save!