What are the major events and festivals held in New Plymouth?
Festival of Lights
Taking place from mid-December to early February, New Plymouth’s Festival of Lights is a 50 day festival held in the grounds of Pukekura Park. Throughout the festival period, fascinating light installations illuminate the park after dark, with a number of events and activities held throughout the day for children and senior citizens. A popular annual event, the Festival of Lights attracts locals and visitors alike who flock to discover this year’s captivating installations. If the idea of the Festival of Lights takes your fancy, be sure to book your flights from Palmerston North to New Plymouth to arrive in time to attend the festival.
Farmers Market Taranaki
Every Sunday, local farmers and artisans gather in the heart of New Plymouth for the Farmers’ Market Taranaki. Held on Currie Street during summer and in Huatoki Plaza throughout the winter months, the markets are a great place to head for fresh seasonal produce, locally baked goods and an assortment of dips, speads and more. Enjoy the live music featured onsite every weekend, have a chat with the farmers and growers who man the stalls and fill up a basket with goodies for a picnic lunch.
WOMAD
In March, the World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival, affectionately known as WOMAD, takes place in New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park. Considered to be one of New Zealand’s largest festivals, the popular three day event not only attracts fantastic local artists, but also a host of great performers from across the world. Celebrating all genres of music, you’ll find performances of jazz, indie pop, African grooves and just about everything in between across each of the festival’s stages. With WOMAD taking place just once a year, it’s important to book your flights from Palmerston to New Plymouth well ahead of time to find the best flight deals.
What’s the best way to get around New Plymouth?
If you’re wanting to explore New Plymouth at your own pace following your Palmerston North to New Plymouth flights, set out on day trips from the city or spend time discovering the surrounding region, hiring a car can be a good option. Hire a car for the days that you need a vehicle and enjoy the freedom to visit attractions that may be out of range of the local bus service. Be sure to book your hire car ahead of time, if possible, as it may be difficult to secure the type of car you want during school holidays or close to popular local festivals and events.
The city’s local bus service, Citylink, operates a number of bus routes across New Plymouth, making it easy to navigate the city centre and its surrounding suburbs. Bus fares for journeys within New Plymouth are typically quite cheap, averaging at around $3.70 for a one-way adult journey. It is important to note, however, that while the buses do offer decent coverage of the city, some attractions may not be accessible by bus.
What are the top tips for first-time travellers to New Plymouth?
If you’re planning a trip to New Plymouth and are wanting to travel on a budget, you’ll be glad to know that the city is home to a wide selection of free things to do. From lovely parks and great outdoor activities to museums and art galleries, there are plenty of ways to spend a day in New Plymouth without having to splurge on expensive attraction entry fees. Visit the animals who call the Brooklands Zoo home, set out on a walk along the scenic Coastal Walkway or settle in for a picnic lunch at Pukekura Park.
New Plymouth experiences quite a few rainy days each month. With each month averaging between seven and 13 rainy days, there’s a good chance that it’ll rain during your stay in the city. Be prepared for sunshowers, sudden downpours and almost everything in between by packing an umbrella and a pair of waterproof shoes before you leave home on your Palmerston North to New Plymouth flights.
Before you board your flights from Palmerston North to New Plymouth, it’s important to note that there are no public transport services between New Plymouth Airport (NPL) and the city centre. To reach downtown New Plymouth, you’ll need to catch a taxi, book a spot on an airport shuttle bus or hire a car. If you plan to spend more than a couple of days in New Plymouth, hiring a car could be a good choice, allowing you to explore the city in your own time. Think about booking your hire car as early as possible, as the number of vehicles available may be limited when the city’s top events take place.
Throughout the year, the weather in New Plymouth is typically quite cool, reaching just 22℃, on average, at the height of summer. To pack appropriately for your stay in the city, your best bet is to choose clothing items that are easy to layer. Not only will you be prepared for cooler days, but also have the option to remove layers if the weather warms up.
FAQs
Are there direct flights from Palmerston North to New Plymouth?
Direct flights from Palmerston North to New Plymouth are currently not available.
How many airports are in New Plymouth?
There is currently one airport serving New Plymouth. It is the New Plymouth Airport (NPL).
When is the best time to visit New Plymouth?
The best time to visit New Plymouth is between December and February. Coinciding with New Zealand’s summer, this time of the year sees the city experience its warmest average temperatures and fewest rainy days. Several exciting events, including the Festival of Lights also take place during this period.
