What are the top things to do and see in New Plymouth?
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
For a great introduction to New Plymouth’s natural beauty, there’s arguably no better place to start than the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. Covering a total of 12.7 kilometres, the walkway leads walkers, runners and cyclists from Ngamotu Beach to Bell Block Beach, offering fantastic views of the ocean, Mount Taranaki and more. If you don’t have time to complete the entire walk before heading home on your Tauranga to New Plymouth return flights, there are plenty of places to stop or start along the route, but be sure to check out the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Perfectly framing Mount Taranaki, the bridge’s interesting design stands out from the surrounding landscape.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
Considered to be one of New Zealand’s best regional art galleries, New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery showcases contemporary art works originating from across New Zealand, the South Pacific and beyond. Housed within an old theatre, the gallery features an assortment of permanent and temporary exhibitions, and is also home to the first institution in New Zealand dedicated to a single artist, The Len Lye Centre. From paintings to films, there’s plenty to explore throughout its galleries once you arrive on your flights from Tauranga to New Plymouth.
Pukekura Park
Covering 52 hectares, New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park is a great place to head to reconnect with nature, enjoy a picnic with friends or stretch your legs following your flights from Tauranga to New Plymouth. Featuring a number of gardens, ponds, playgrounds and more, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the park, from rowboating in summer to motorised buggy tours. Just moments from the centre of New Plymouth, stop by for a morning stroll, lunch with a view or a fun-filled day of activities.
Brooklands Zoo
Free to enter, New Plymouth’s Brooklands Zoo is home to an assortment of animals, from reptiles and amphibians to monkeys, meerkats and birds. Opened to the public in 1965, the family-focused zoo provides a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages. Take a walk through the free-flight aviary and watch on as colourful birds fly overhead or enjoy the opportunity to see farmyard animals up close, just moments from the city centre. The zoo is located next to Pukekura Park, so why not make a day of it and relish in some quality time outdoors?
What are the major events and festivals held in New Plymouth?
Festival of Lights
Held over 50 days and nights from mid-December to early February, the Festival of Lights is one of the major annual events in the city’s festival calendar. Each night at 8.30pm, regardless of the weather, the festival’s enchanting light installations are illuminated within the grounds of Pukekura Park, offering a great way to spend an evening. During the day, the celebrations continue, with live music and an assortment of activities held for senior citizens and children. If you’re interested in seeing why the Festival of Lights is one of New Plymouth’s most popular events, book your flights from Tauranga to New Plymouth to coincide with the festival period.
WOMAD
One of the largest music festivals held in New Zealand, the World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival (WOMAD) descends on New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park in March each year for three days of incredible music, great food and more. With a lineup of acts originating from across New Zealand and the globe, you’ll find an interesting mix of genres represented across the festival’s stages, from African grooves and indie pop to jazz, gospel and innovative fusion sounds. To enjoy all the sights and sounds of the festival, plan your Tauranga to New Plymouth flights to arrive in time for the festival weekend.
What should you pack when visiting New Plymouth?
If you’re thinking of booking your flights from Tauranga to New Plymouth to arrive in summer, you should be fine packing just a few t-shirts and a couple of pairs of shorts. At this time of the year, the city experiences its highest average temperatures, with daily highs sitting at around 22℃. After dark, however, temperatures do tend to drop, so be sure to add a jacket to your packing list.
During autumn and spring, the weather in New Plymouth is typically quite cool. At these times of the year, temperatures hover between 15℃ and 21℃ during the day, with cooler weather experienced early in the morning and after dark. If you’re planning to visit with Tauranga to New Plymouth flights in autumn or spring, pack clothing that can be easily layered, such as t-shirts, jumpers and jackets.
Winter in New Plymouth can be rather cold, with temperatures hitting an average of 13℃ during the day and lows of around 7℃. If your flights from Tauranga to New Plymouth are due to land in June, July or August, be sure to pack a coat, long pants and clothing items that can be easily layered. If you plan to spend time outdoors at this time of the year, consider also adding a beanie, a scarf and a pair of gloves to your bag.
There’s plenty to see in New Plymouth on foot, from coastal walks to inner city green spaces, so be sure to also pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes when you visit.
FAQs
How far is Tauranga to New Plymouth?
New Plymouth is less than 240 kilometres from Tauranga.
How long is the flight from Tauranga to New Plymouth?
Flights from Tauranga to New Plymouth take more than 3 hours and 30 minutes, including a stopover in either Auckland or Wellington.
