Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.festivaloflights.co.nz
)
Complete with live music and costumed characters roaming the
undergrowth, this colourful display lights up Pukekura Park from late December to late
January.
WOMAD
MUSIC, CULTURAL
(World of Music Arts & Dance;
www.womad.co.nz
)
A diverse array of local and international
artists perform at the Bowl of Brooklands each March. Hugely popular, with music fans
trucking in from across NZ.
Taranaki International Arts Festival
ARTS
(
www.taft.co.nz/artsfest
)
The regional big-ticket arts fest happens in August: theatre, dance,
music, visual arts, parades and plenty of food and wine.
Taranaki Garden Spectauclar
HORTICULTURAL
(
www.taft.co.nz/gardenfestnz
)
A long-running NZ flower fest, held in early November each
year: more rhododendrons than you'll ever see in one place again.
Sleeping
Seaspray House
HOSTEL $
( 06-759 8934;
www.seasprayhouse.co.nz
; 13 Weymouth St; dm/s/d $31/54/74; closed Jun-
Aug; )
A big 100-year-old house with gloriously high ceilings, Seaspray has had a
recent makeover inside but remains relaxed, spacey and affordable, with well-chosen
retro and antique furniture. Fresh and arty, it's a rare bunk-free backpackers with no TV
(conversation encouraged).
Ariki Backpackers
HOSTEL $
( 06-769 5020;
www.arikibackpackers.com
;
cnr Ariki & Brougham Sts; dm $27-30, d $70-90;
)
Upstairs at the old Royal Hotel (Queen Liz stayed here once!), welcoming Ariki of-
fers downtown hostelling with funky carpets, a roomy lounge area with retro couches,
and a fantastic roof terrace looking across the park to Puke Ariki. Most rooms have their
own shower and toilet. Bikes and surfboards for hire.
Ducks & Drakes
HOSTEL, HOTEL $
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