Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dominated (in the best possible way) by Mt Taranaki and surrounded by lush farmland,
New Plymouth is a vibrant small city, with a bubbling arts scene, good hospitality and shop-
ping, and a rootsy, outdoorsy vibe humming along between the national park and some fab
beaches.
4
Sleeping & Eating
Devon St is the place to head for food and drink.
HOLIDAY PARK$
Belt Road Holiday Park
( 758 0228, 0800 804 204;
www.beltroad.co.nz;
2 Belt Rd; campsites from $18, cabins $65-125)
This
environmentally attuned, pohutukawa-covered holiday park sits atop a bluff overlooking the
interesting Lee Breakwater area, about a 10-minute walk from town. The half-dozen best
cabins have million-dollar views.
HOSTEL$
Seaspray House
( 759 8934;
www.seasprayhouse.co.nz;
13 Weymouth St; dm/s/d $30/50/74; )
A big old
house with gloriously high ceilings, relaxed and affordable Seaspray features retro and an-
tique furniture. Fresh and arty, it's a rare bunk-free backpackers with no TV (conversation is
encouraged). Closed July and August.
MOTEL$$$
Fitzroy Beach Motel
( 06-757 2925;
www.fitzroybeachmotel.co.nz;
25 Beach St; s/d $130/150, units $190; )
This
quiet, old-time motel (just 160m from Fitzroy Beach) has been spruced up beautifully with
quality carpets, double glazing and lovely bathrooms. There are free bikes, too. Beaut!
Petit Paris
(
www.petitparis.co.nz;
34 Currie St; lunches $8-15; 7.30am-3.30pm)
Flying the tricolor with
pride, this boulangerie and patisserie turns out crispy baguettes and
tart au citron
(lemon
tart), alongside the likes of omelette and
croque monsieur
.
BAKERY$
MEDITERRANEAN$$$
Arborio
(
www.arborio.co.nz;
Puke Ariki, 1 Ariki St; mains $13-34; breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Housed in Puke
Ariki, the region's museum, this airy, arty modern restaurant boasts sea views and smart ser-
vice. The menu ranges from pork-belly pizza to pasta, risotto and barbecued-chilli squid.
Quality NZ wine selection.
