Known for its sunny clime, the Taranaki city is a mecca for art lovers, foodies and adventure seekers
New Plymouth is a very well-endowed city. It has amazing public gardens as well as private ones to visit, international festivals (that would be Womad), a world-class art gallery and public sculptures, a brilliantly long coastal walk for walkers, cyclists and runners to share, as well as natural beauty in the form of beaches and the great Mt Taranaki and, if that isn’t enough, some very good shops. Yes, we do love a good shop.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, 42 Queen Street
The stainless steel of the Len Lye Centre (a built-on extension of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery) is a real highlight of the city. Seeing yourself reflected in the exterior is every bit as enchanting for adults as children. While film-maker and kinetic artist Len Lye was born in Christchurch and died in New York, New Plymouth entered into a Deed of Gift at the end of his life, with his extensive archive to be held at and protected by the art gallery. You’re in for an immersive experience into his pioneering art. Of course, an art gallery shop is always worth a visit and this one is particularly good.
Monica’s Eatery
Monica’s Eatery, Corner King & Queen streets
Handily located next door to the Govett-Brewster, this breakfast and lunch spot is always busy. If you’re indecisive you could be some time ordering given the menu options, which include homemade crumpets, an open omelette with baby peas, zucchini, caramelised onion and ricotta; or the eggs Florentine with a stellar cast of field mushroom, and spinach potato rosti on the plate.
Kina Gallery
Kina Gallery, 101 Devon Street West
If you’re after some arty bits for the house, you’ll find plenty here. Local potter, Janeen Page, who is very much a potter’s potter, has some fantastic teapots and mugs to give your kitchen an instant facelift.
For the walls, Patsy Fletcher’s colourful paintings or Kirsty White’s etchings inspired by Māori whakairo, Fijian masi cloth and Samoan tapa would be sensible. Rebecca Heap’s Tiny Bunny cast glass and Michele Irving’s felt werewolves would also be great buys.
Cool & Collected
Cool & Collected, 58 Liardet Street
This is our wonderful stylist and photographer Gina Fabish’s shop. She has a great eye and has curated some of the most interesting vintage and new homewares and furniture you’re likely to turn up – and the prices aren’t prohibitive. It’s worth planning your visit around a trip to this shop, which is open on Friday or Saturday. You could always try phoning ahead for an appointment outside of these hours.
The Virtue
The Virtue, 44 Brougham Street
Step inside this moody fragrance shop and you could be in Paris – it’s so beautifully put together. Dark wood, heavy velvet curtains and brilliant styling are the backdrop to The Virtue’s glorious fragrances, incense and candles.
You could be there a while deciding between Iris, Holy Smoke, Back Beach, Castro or Mary Mary I. Me, I’m a Narcosis lover through and through.
Other New Plymouth experiences:
- Tempt Concept Store and Home Love & Mette K for more homewares
- Take a Taste of Taranaki food-tasting tour
- Stay at The Devon Hotel for the super comfortable rooms, Greco-styled swimming pool and free bike use to have a morning cycle across the road on the Coastal Walkway
- Experience true bliss with a massage, facial aromatherapy bath and high tea at Beautiful Hush
- Stop for coffee and a croissant at Paris Plage, a container cafe and take in the sea views
Text Fiona Hawtin
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