New Plymouth

Emma von Veh
Nov 30, 2017
4 min read

Highlights: Tramping, food, parks, coastlines, art and culture

Length: A weekend (at the least!)

Where: A 4.5 hour drive from Wellington, or a much shorter flight

What to bring: Other than the usual weekend necessities, don't forget tramping gear, some nicer clothes for an evening out, and your camera!

New Plymouth punches well above its weight for a small New Zealand city. While it has some of the best natural scenery in the North Island, it doesn't rest on its laurels - with incredible architecture and street art throughout the city, it's a place that is constantly pleasing on the eye, wherever you look. Add to that the thriving food scene, excellent wine and cocktail bars, cool cafes and one of New Zealand's best galleries, and you have a weekend line-up to rival cities ten times its size!

Saturday morning

Begin your day with breakfast at Emmalou Macaron and Coffee House. While most well known for their macarons, they also have a small but delicious brunch menu. It's a beautiful, light-filled space, perfect for people gazing out the window while you fuel up for the day ahead. Grab a couple of macarons on your way out - you'll be grateful for them during the next activity...

Based on our Instagram feed, we suspect that the Pouakai tarn in Mt Egmont National Park may just be the most photographed spot in the North Island. While there are plenty of longer walk options (including the well known Pouakai Circuit), a weekend trip to the region does not allow for such luxuries. Our preferred approach is the (relatively) quicker direct trip to and from the tarn - which, let's be honest, is the photo you are there for anyway. In order to do this, park up at the top end of Mangorei Road. From there, the incredibly well-maintained track is clearly signposted to Pouakai Track and Pouakai Hut. Expect plenty of steps, and a bloody good work out, over the next two hours as you make your way up to the hut.

From the hut, follow the path up around the back, across the sparse and rocky outcrop, and down into the wetlands. Be careful to follow the path, as the wetlands can be pretty deep and a wrong step could see you covered in mud. The path leads to the surprisingly small tarn, which, on a clear day, serves as an excellent mirror for the mountain and a guaranteed triple figure like on the gram. Once you've got your shot, go enjoy those macarons in the hut (additional supplies may also be appreciated at this point). Return the way you came, which shouldn't take longer than an hour.

Saturday afternoon

A shower will no doubt be the first thing in order upon your return to town. However, depending how early you got started in the morning, the day may not be quite over yet! If you have time, we recommend any of the following for your Saturday afternoon:

a stroll through Pukekura Park
a wander along the coastal walkway
a drive to watch the waves crashing along Back Beach, possibly combined with a clamber up Paritutu Rock (if you have any strength left in your legs)

Saturday evening

No doubt the day's activities will have worked up quite the appetite, and you will need it for dinner at the renowned Social Kitchen. Often mention in lists of top New Zealand restaurants, Social Kitchen not only has delicious food, but an extensive drinks list and great atmosphere for large groups and intimate diners alike. While it is heavily meat based, there are also a number of delectable smaller plates and sides for those who don't partake (I'm looking at you, flaming halloumi). So, settle in for a couple of hours and share as many dishes as you can!

Your next step after dinner should depend on what you are drinking. If it's wine or craft beer you're after, The Hour Glass is the perfect, cosy wine bar to indulge in an after-dinner drink. If it's cocktails, Snug Lounge, a Japanese inspired cocktail lounge, is the perfect spot to while the rest of the night away while enjoying a tipple or two from their innovative cocktail menu.

Sunday morning

Begin your day by sweeping away any dust from the night before with a fresh, seasonal brunch at Monica's. With industrial-chic décor that could give Loretta and Prefab a run for their money, beautiful food, and excellent coffee, Monica's is one of those places you could always spend a bit more time in. However, time is sadly of the essence, and so, once you have finished your brunch, you'll need to get back on your feet to wander to the conveniently located Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, right next door.

Accurately self-proclaimed as "New Zealand's most courageous contemporary art museum", the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre is something to behold, both inside and out. While technically two separate galleries, the Len Lye Centre, which is dedicated to the work of Len Lye, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, which has both a significant permanent collection of works and changing feature exhibitions, the two flow seamlessly, and make for an immersive and thought-provoking experience of modern New Zealand and international art.

Sunday afternoon

It would be rude to head home without having done a spot of shopping. So, spend the rest of your day wandering the interesting and beautiful boutiques of the city. Other than the excellent store at the gallery, some of our favourite shops include Et Vous, +EMP+, Lushington, and Junk and Disorderly.

Finally, grab a sandwich and/or doughnut from the cabinet of The Public Catering Company to fuel your journey home.

More photos in the gallery below.