Your complete New Plymouth packing list will depend on the time of year you plan to travel, but as a start, be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes. New Plymouth is home to some of the most beautiful parks and trails in New Zealand and ain’t nobody got time for blisters. If you’re planning on spending some time beachside, throw in some swimmers, a hat, towel and sunscreen. Last, but not least, New Plymouth is known for its delicious local cuisine, so be sure to bring your appetite.

First up, head to Pukekura Park for a leisurely stroll amongst the manicured gardens or roll out a rug for a picnic. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre is a must for culture vultures, and for a taste of New Plymouth's history, take a trip to the Tawhiti Museum. Of course, no visit to New Plymouth would be complete without checking out Mount Taranaki. This majestic mountain offers some seriously good hiking and skiing opportunities, as well as breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Last but not least, New Plymouth is home to plenty of great cafes and restaurants, so be sure to dedicate some serious time to eating and drinking, for research purposes, of course.

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If your ideal vacation vibe involves sunshine and balmy days by the beach, the best time to visit is during the summer months (December to February). If you're a fan of cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage and hiking, consider visiting in March or April. For those who love chasing powder (aka fresh snow), the colder months (June to August) are the perfect time to visit as Mount Taranaki, located just outside of New Plymouth, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Let's not forget about spring! The months of September to November are arguably the most beautiful as the region's gardens and parks are alive with colour.

Hit the beach, have a cocktail, have two, go skiing (if the season permits), or hiking if it doesn’t, eat seafood, take in the breath-taking views, go for a bike ride, roll out a rug in Pukekura Park and enjoy a picnic, learn about the history and culture of the Taranaki region, eat yourself into a food coma before walking it off and doing it all again, sip cocktails at sunset – the list is endless!

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