The Nest's Guide to Taranaki
Opunake
Opunake is a the closest urban area from the Nest being a short 10 minute drive away. Although small, there are a number of local spots worth visiting.
The cutest little coffee and culture stop. Serving up the organic goods; IncaFe coffee and NZ Forage and Bloom tea with a friendly face. You’ll also find walls adorned with art and pottery by owners Ashleigh & Ruby. Look out for the pink [māwhero] studio on the Tasman street strip. Stop by and feel like a local.
Māwhero Studio
The cutest little coffee and culture stop. Serving up the organic goods; IncaFe coffee and NZ Forage and Bloom tea with a friendly face. You’ll also find walls adorned with art and pottery by owners Ashleigh & Ruby. Look out for the pink [māwhero] studio on the Tasman street strip. Stop by and feel like a local.
Perfect for a hearty brunch or coffee and cake. No better place to blend in with the locals.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Sugar Juice Cafe
42-44 Tasman StPerfect for a hearty brunch or coffee and cake. No better place to blend in with the locals.
Modest from the outside, delivering the best hearty pies in Taranaki. We’ve been known to stop for a bridge pie or two!
6 personas locales recomiendan
Arty Tarts Cafe
90 Tasman StModest from the outside, delivering the best hearty pies in Taranaki. We’ve been known to stop for a bridge pie or two!
Surf, swim or just soak up the sun on this wide open beach under the watchful gaze of experienced lifeguards. Treat yourself to a rolled ice cream at the Beach Dairy and enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.
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Opunake Beach
Surf, swim or just soak up the sun on this wide open beach under the watchful gaze of experienced lifeguards. Treat yourself to a rolled ice cream at the Beach Dairy and enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.
An easy walking track circles this man-made lake. Keep an eye out for the historic cemetery and for the sharp eyed observer you may be able to spot the fighting trenches from the Taranaki Land Wars between the British and Maori in the 1860s.
Opunake Lake
An easy walking track circles this man-made lake. Keep an eye out for the historic cemetery and for the sharp eyed observer you may be able to spot the fighting trenches from the Taranaki Land Wars between the British and Maori in the 1860s.
This has to be one of the most unusual boutique cinemas in NZ. A wide variety of films from Blockbusters to Art House are shown several nights a week. Created and operated by locals, one adult ticket is only $10 and the seating consists of mostly donated retro armchairs and couches.
9 personas locales recomiendan
Everybody's Theatre
72 Tasman StThis has to be one of the most unusual boutique cinemas in NZ. A wide variety of films from Blockbusters to Art House are shown several nights a week. Created and operated by locals, one adult ticket is only $10 and the seating consists of mostly donated retro armchairs and couches.
Pop in for a great coffee and wide selection of surf and street wear. If the waves are calling you, stop in to hire a board or get advice on the best local breaks. Note - may be closed if the swell is pumping.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Dreamtime Surf Shop
102 Tasman StPop in for a great coffee and wide selection of surf and street wear. If the waves are calling you, stop in to hire a board or get advice on the best local breaks. Note - may be closed if the swell is pumping.
The best fish and chips in Taranaki. Amazingly fresh fish from the Tasman Sea and one of the few places that still cuts their own chips on site.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Opunake Fish, Chips and More
61 Tasman StThe best fish and chips in Taranaki. Amazingly fresh fish from the Tasman Sea and one of the few places that still cuts their own chips on site.
The Opunake Four Square is closest supermarket to The Nest. If you’re wanting a larger supermarket, depending on which direction you are coming from, we’d recommend stopping at either a super market in New Plymouth (North), Stratford (North, inland) or Hawera (South).
6 personas locales recomiendan
Four Square Opunake
59 Tasman StThe Opunake Four Square is closest supermarket to The Nest. If you’re wanting a larger supermarket, depending on which direction you are coming from, we’d recommend stopping at either a super market in New Plymouth (North), Stratford (North, inland) or Hawera (South).
You can do as little or as much as you choose. In total it is 7km. See the track here..
Search for Opunake Loop Trail
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Cliff Top Garden Opunake Walkway
Bowen CrescentYou can do as little or as much as you choose. In total it is 7km. See the track here..
Search for Opunake Loop Trail
Order takeaway pizza to take back to The Nest and enjoy on the deck or down by the river with a beverage.
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Surf Inn Bar, Restaurant ,accomodation And Bottle Store
28 Tasman StOrder takeaway pizza to take back to The Nest and enjoy on the deck or down by the river with a beverage.
Okato & Oakura
These two coastal towns are the last stops north from The Nest before you reach New Plymouth. Definitely worth a stop if you are passing through on a nice day.
Those who live there will always claim Oakura is the best beach in Taranaki, which is a big ask in a region that literally encircled by the sea. Oakura beach is very popular thanks to its surf breaks and shelter from the southerly winds.
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Oakura
Those who live there will always claim Oakura is the best beach in Taranaki, which is a big ask in a region that literally encircled by the sea. Oakura beach is very popular thanks to its surf breaks and shelter from the southerly winds.
Best coffee in Oakura. This tiny cafe serves great breakfast and lunch and is very popular with the locals.
16 personas locales recomiendan
High Tide Cafe
1136b South RdBest coffee in Oakura. This tiny cafe serves great breakfast and lunch and is very popular with the locals.
Our favourite little spot for dinner for two. Beautifully curated food matched with the gorgeous Italian vino. We love the degustation for a slower dining experience. Niko is a great host. Definitely worth the drive from Pihama.
Toret Cucina Italiana
Our favourite little spot for dinner for two. Beautifully curated food matched with the gorgeous Italian vino. We love the degustation for a slower dining experience. Niko is a great host. Definitely worth the drive from Pihama.
Pizza right on the beachfront. Enough said.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Black Sand Pizzeria and Bistro
1 Tasman ParadePizza right on the beachfront. Enough said.
A vegan cafe, popular with the locals. Recently reopened in Okato. Known for their scones, deconstructed coffee, fresh breads and vegan nachos.
Lemonwood Eatery
69 South RdA vegan cafe, popular with the locals. Recently reopened in Okato. Known for their scones, deconstructed coffee, fresh breads and vegan nachos.
A sprawling Rhododendron garden set it native bush between the Kaitake and Pouakai Ranges. Entry is free. A nice place to get into nature without too much effort.
51 personas locales recomiendan
Pukeiti
2290 Carrington RdA sprawling Rhododendron garden set it native bush between the Kaitake and Pouakai Ranges. Entry is free. A nice place to get into nature without too much effort.
New Plymouth
New Plymouth is Taranaki's biggest town (technically a city but pretty small). Famous for the Coastal Walkway and gigantic Pukekura Park, New Plymouth is quickly becoming a tourist hot spot in NZ. (Note - If travelling from the North, New Plymouth is last stop for major supermarkets)
New Zealand's most courageous contemporary art museum and home to the collection of modernist filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye (the man behind the "Wind Wand"). If not for the art at least check out the magnificent curved mirrors that make up this amazing building.
125 personas locales recomiendan
Len Lye Centre
42 Queen StNew Zealand's most courageous contemporary art museum and home to the collection of modernist filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye (the man behind the "Wind Wand"). If not for the art at least check out the magnificent curved mirrors that make up this amazing building.
Stretching the length of New Plymouth foreshore, the Coastal Walkway is the pride and joy of locals. Whether you walk, run, bike or skate the walkway is a must do on a sunny Taranaki Day.
If you’re after a stop along the foreshore, we recommend Paris Plage during the summer months, an outdoor container cafe serving the goods in the sunshine, situated just on the New Plymouth side of the East End surf club. Or Little Easy container cafe on the New Plymouth side of Te Rewa Rewa bridge. You won’t miss either.
46 personas locales recomiendan
Coastal Walkway Foreshore
Stretching the length of New Plymouth foreshore, the Coastal Walkway is the pride and joy of locals. Whether you walk, run, bike or skate the walkway is a must do on a sunny Taranaki Day.
If you’re after a stop along the foreshore, we recommend Paris Plage during the summer months, an outdoor container cafe serving the goods in the sunshine, situated just on the New Plymouth side of the East End surf club. Or Little Easy container cafe on the New Plymouth side of Te Rewa Rewa bridge. You won’t miss either.
On the Northern End of the Coastal Walkway, the Te Rewa Rewa bridge is lined up perfectly to capture the mountain under it's wave. Great spot for a photo on a clear day.
50 personas locales recomiendan
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
On the Northern End of the Coastal Walkway, the Te Rewa Rewa bridge is lined up perfectly to capture the mountain under it's wave. Great spot for a photo on a clear day.
This extinct volcanic plug dominants the New Plymouth skyline. The very steep climb (almost vertical in parts) is worth it for the views. Despite some locals being known to climb it in jandals, sturdy footwear is recommeded.
Also visit Back Beach while you’re there where many do the infamous slide down the sand dune. Catch & Co fish and chips is also nearby if you feel like a picnic with a view.
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Paritutu Rock
Centennial DriveThis extinct volcanic plug dominants the New Plymouth skyline. The very steep climb (almost vertical in parts) is worth it for the views. Despite some locals being known to climb it in jandals, sturdy footwear is recommeded.
Also visit Back Beach while you’re there where many do the infamous slide down the sand dune. Catch & Co fish and chips is also nearby if you feel like a picnic with a view.
Great coffee, cabinet food and of course the doughnuts! Just across the road from the Govett Brewster Art Gallery
14 personas locales recomiendan
The Public Catering Company
43 Queen StGreat coffee, cabinet food and of course the doughnuts! Just across the road from the Govett Brewster Art Gallery
Casual pizza and craft beer bar. Perfect for a quiet drink and snack in the indoor/outdoor space. Just across the road from the Govett Brewster Art Gallery.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Ms White
47 Queen StCasual pizza and craft beer bar. Perfect for a quiet drink and snack in the indoor/outdoor space. Just across the road from the Govett Brewster Art Gallery.
An iconic, retro cafe in New Plymouth. Just out of the main centre so mostly frequented by the locals. It boasts some of the best cabinet food on offer in Taranaki.
36 personas locales recomiendan
Federal Store
440 Devon St EAn iconic, retro cafe in New Plymouth. Just out of the main centre so mostly frequented by the locals. It boasts some of the best cabinet food on offer in Taranaki.
The newest addition to New Plymouth's growing food and beverage scene. With an onsite brewery and ever changing menu Shining Peak is closer to fine dining than pub food.
18 personas locales recomiendan
Shining Peak Brewing
59 Gill StThe newest addition to New Plymouth's growing food and beverage scene. With an onsite brewery and ever changing menu Shining Peak is closer to fine dining than pub food.
Next door to the iconic Govett Brewster Art Gallery, Monica's is easily one of New Plymouth's best eateries. Bonus - they also have a BYO night on Wednesday.
17 personas locales recomiendan
Monica's Eatery
42 Queen StNext door to the iconic Govett Brewster Art Gallery, Monica's is easily one of New Plymouth's best eateries. Bonus - they also have a BYO night on Wednesday.
Dinner for two or dinner for twenty, Social Kitchen serves delicious food and cocktails. Best to go on a very empty stomach!
47 personas locales recomiendan
Social Kitchen
40 Powderham StDinner for two or dinner for twenty, Social Kitchen serves delicious food and cocktails. Best to go on a very empty stomach!
Snug is perfect for a romantic night out. An intimate setting coupled with great food and wine, you can't go wrong.
30 personas locales recomiendan
Snug Lounge
124 Devon St WSnug is perfect for a romantic night out. An intimate setting coupled with great food and wine, you can't go wrong.
The Mangorei Track is perfect for experienced hikers or Sunday Strollers. The walk to the Hut up the Pouakai Ranges takes around 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down, with board walk most of the way. This is the shortest route up to the Tarn. If you're lucky enough to have a clear day, Mt Taranaki will be mirrored in the shallow waters. Make sure to wear sensible footwear and take warm clothes with you, the Top of the Pouakai Ranges can be much colder than at the bottom.
Mangorei Track
The Mangorei Track is perfect for experienced hikers or Sunday Strollers. The walk to the Hut up the Pouakai Ranges takes around 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down, with board walk most of the way. This is the shortest route up to the Tarn. If you're lucky enough to have a clear day, Mt Taranaki will be mirrored in the shallow waters. Make sure to wear sensible footwear and take warm clothes with you, the Top of the Pouakai Ranges can be much colder than at the bottom.
Pukekura Park is iconic to Taranaki. Set right in the middle of town, the park is a hub for recreation. If you are lucky enough to be staying during the TSB Festival of Lights (mid December to the end of January) it is an absolute must. Take a picnic and bottle of wine and listen to the free live music events on almost every night of the festival.
If you’re after a bite to eat while you stroll through the park, there are tearooms just up from the cricket oval accessed by the main entrance.
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Pukekura Park
10 Fillis StPukekura Park is iconic to Taranaki. Set right in the middle of town, the park is a hub for recreation. If you are lucky enough to be staying during the TSB Festival of Lights (mid December to the end of January) it is an absolute must. Take a picnic and bottle of wine and listen to the free live music events on almost every night of the festival.
If you’re after a bite to eat while you stroll through the park, there are tearooms just up from the cricket oval accessed by the main entrance.
A secret favourite of ours in the city centre for a leisurely brew and flick through the racks. Casual street wear for the guys and girls plus a collection of boards if you’re in the market for a new surfing pal. Situated in a car park just off the Main Street. You’ll also find Billow the bakery across the car park if you’re after a fresh loaf of bread.
Bleached Coffee & Company
109 Devon St WA secret favourite of ours in the city centre for a leisurely brew and flick through the racks. Casual street wear for the guys and girls plus a collection of boards if you’re in the market for a new surfing pal. Situated in a car park just off the Main Street. You’ll also find Billow the bakery across the car park if you’re after a fresh loaf of bread.
Well renowned great coffee and a spot to park up for wifi to get some work done.
12 personas locales recomiendan
Ozone Coffee Roasters
47 King StWell renowned great coffee and a spot to park up for wifi to get some work done.
Stop in for a beautiful sensory shopping experience. An indulgent perfumery and florist with a collection of vintage where you can purchase a gift, a treat for yourself or just a browse. You’ll leave feeling inspired.
The Virtue
44 Brougham StStop in for a beautiful sensory shopping experience. An indulgent perfumery and florist with a collection of vintage where you can purchase a gift, a treat for yourself or just a browse. You’ll leave feeling inspired.
Mt Taranaki
On a cloudy day, many visitors struggle to believe Mt Taranaki even exists! But when it's clear, the Mountain is visible from almost everywhere in the region. The great walks around and across this beautiful national park are a must for the adventurous.
If you are looking for a quick day trip up Mount Taranaki, Dawson Falls is perfect for all ages and capabilities. Amazing views, beautiful native flora and fauna and of course the waterfall itself. Tip - On a clear day see if you can work out where The Nest is from the viewing platfom.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Dawson Falls Visitors Centre
1980 Manaia RdIf you are looking for a quick day trip up Mount Taranaki, Dawson Falls is perfect for all ages and capabilities. Amazing views, beautiful native flora and fauna and of course the waterfall itself. Tip - On a clear day see if you can work out where The Nest is from the viewing platfom.
Best known as the access point to the summit, the North Egmont Visitor's Centre is the starting point for many of the great walks on Mt Taranaki.
22 personas locales recomiendan
North Egmont Visitor Centre
2679 Egmont RdBest known as the access point to the summit, the North Egmont Visitor's Centre is the starting point for many of the great walks on Mt Taranaki.
Hawera
Brunch, Doughnuts and Coffee. Perfect stop off for a quick bite if you are coming from the south.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Someday Cafe
90 Princes StBrunch, Doughnuts and Coffee. Perfect stop off for a quick bite if you are coming from the south.
Widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, the museum uses life size exhibits and scale models to present NZ's heritage in a series of super realistic and engaging displays. It is hard to believe this is all the work of one man, local artist Nigel Ogle.
37 personas locales recomiendan
Tawhiti Museum
401 Ohangai RdWidely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, the museum uses life size exhibits and scale models to present NZ's heritage in a series of super realistic and engaging displays. It is hard to believe this is all the work of one man, local artist Nigel Ogle.
Bar and kitchen with great food. The Yorkshire puddings are a crowd favourite.
The Burnt Place Bar & Kitchen
Bar and kitchen with great food. The Yorkshire puddings are a crowd favourite.
Consejos para la ciudad
Cómo moverse
ebike hire New Plymouth
King & Queen Hotel suites has a small electric bike fleet which consists of five pedal-assist bikes, ensuring your cycling experience is effortless. Rent a bike for 2 hours at $40 or enjoy a full day for $60. Helmets and locks are provided, and rentals are available during daylight hours.
Ready for a ride? Visit the staff at reception—They are here for you every day, seven days a week. While pre-booking is recommended, it's not mandatory. Located at the corner of King & Queen Street.
Cómo moverse
NP Airport > The Nest
As it is over an hours rural drive to The Nest we recommend hiring a rental car, as public transport isn’t very advanced in Taranaki and it without your own vehicle it would be difficult to get around, not to mention very pricey.