Bella Vista's Blog

When staying in a new city, especially for just a short time, it’s well worth researching the most popular attractions to make sure you get the best out of your visit. Our list of the four must-do things to do in New Plymouth has something that will appeal to everyone - couples, families with children and those travelling solo. The best place to stay to enjoy everything in this lovely city is our New Plymouth motel accommodation.

Mt Taranaki

As far as New Plymouth attractions go, Mt Taranaki has to be at the top of the list! For those who are used to seeing mountains as part of a group or within huge stretches of alps, the conical Mt Taranaki standing solo near the coast almost looks surreal. Ski season on Mt Taranaki is at Manganui ski field from around June to October—and at only $50 per person it’s among the cheapest in the country. And if you’re looking for places to visit in New Plymouth outside of these months, Mt Taranaki and the surrounding Mt Egmont National Park still have plenty to offer… Stroll through the lush Pukeiti Gardens, chase nearby waterfalls and explore more hiking tracks than you can shake a walking pole at.
 

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre

You can’t drive past the building that houses the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre without doing a double-take, but there’s so much more to be seen inside. Behind the shimmering mirrored façade lies a collection of contemporary art including film, sculpture, painting and photography. An entire wing is dedicated to the work of local artist Len Lye—the legend behind the
famous Wind Wand on the Coastal Walkway. The major exhibitions change out every four months, so it’s one of those things to do in New Plymouth that you can experience more than once and enjoy something new and different every time. Bonus: It’s just a couple of doors down from our New Plymouth motel!

Todd Energy Aquatic Centre

The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is one of the best places to visit in New Plymouth if you have children or you’re looking something to do on a rainy day. Kids will have hours of fun zooming down the hydroslides and frolicking in the wave pool. There are also inflatable toys, tarzan ropes and a toddler pool indoors—and a diving board, picnic areas and a playground outside. When you’ve had enough of swimming, relax in the spa pool or hit the sauna for a good sweat session. And if you really want to burn some energy, you can leave the car behind… The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is only a ten-minute walk from our New Plymouth motel.

Brooklands Zoo

Looking for more New Plymouth attractions that cater to children? Well, what child (or adult) doesn’t love watching cute animals go about their daily business? The animals at Brooklands Zoo are mainly of the lovable and furry variety..Think meerkats, squirrel monkeys and friendly farmyard animals. There’s also a playground on site and a delicious ice cream shop to sustain you as you browse the exhibits. Entry to the zoo is free but if you can make a donation, you’d be supporting a very good cause! The Zoo rehabilitates injured or orphaned native and protected birds and has on-site breeding programmes for their cotton-top tamarins and capuchin monkeys. Its only 6 minutes from your New Plymouth accommodation so its a must see.