Discover winter magic in Taranaki. From the snow-capped peak of Taranaki Maunga to rich cultural experiences, captivating art festivals and events, and cosy retreats.
Here’s your ultimate guide to a winter getaway, like no other.
A wonderland of winter events
Warm up your winter with our sizzling event-line up packed with spectacular light shows and live entertainment.
Shake off your winter woes and revel in the magic of the Right Royal Cabaret from 12 - 15 June. Taranaki comes alive with four nights of dazzling world-class entertainment, including cheeky burlesque, powerful theatre, soulful live music, and side-splitting comedy.
The award-winning TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up is set to return over Matariki/Puanga weekend from 19 - 22 June, illuminating central Ngāmotu New Plymouth and the Coastal Walkway with stunning lighting displays and free live entertainment each night.
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run for a great cause. The Cape Egmont Half Marathon is back on 13 July 2025, kicking off in Ōkato and finishing by the sea at the Cape Egmont Boat Club. Runners, walkers, or teams of two can sign up for this scenic on-road route that promises unbeatable views and fresh sea air all the way.
Celebrate 10 years of the Len Lye Centre
Step inside a living artwork this winter as the iconic Len Lye Centre celebrates its 10th anniversary with a powerful new exhibition, Direct Bodily Empathy – Sensing Sound. This immersive experience turns sound into sculpture, and architecture into music, with kinetic works that hum, pulse, and resonate through the iconic mirrored space.
Highlights include A Score for the Len Lye Centre by Mia Salsjö, a sonyfied interpretation of the building itself which will be brought to life by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, live on 30 August. The score continues as a sound installation in the gallery from 6 September.
Other must-see moments include Len Lye’s own kinetic masterpiece Wand Dance, and First Sound, Last Sound by Mel O’Callaghan, a choreographic performance at 11am every Saturday from 17 May – 23 August 2025, with towering tuning forks that vibrate through the body.
Explore Taranaki Maunga
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a family looking for fun in the snow, Taranaki Maunga is your winter playground.
The little-known Manganui Ski Field is a local favourite, featuring a range of open bowls, gentle intermediate and steeper runs for skiers and snowboarders, along with space for families to enjoy sledding in the snow.
Prefer to take a scenic walk? Take a short stroll across the striking Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge, which offers beautiful views across the plateau and to the Maunga. Remember to always check the weather conditions, and dress appropriately before you go. Find more up to date information on the DOC website.
For a birds eye view, Skywork Helicopters offer spectacular scene flights around the region showcasing the maunga and endless coastline.
Warm up with a distillery tour
Enjoy a tasting tour at the boutique Juno Gin, where you can discover the art of botanicals while sipping on delicious cocktails in their bespoke tasting room.
For something a little bit different, head to Fenton Street Distillery, one of the smallest distilleries in New Zealand. Set in a heritage building, this unique space is an art gallery, espresso bar, and distillery all in one, specialising in hand-crafted small batches of gin.
Looking for more? Discover our vibrant array of award-winning breweries and cosy wine bars to enjoy an evening night-cap. Head to Three Sisters Brewery, The Hour Glass, Itch Wine Bar, Shining Peak, or the Vineyard Bistro at Okurukuru.
Cosy Winter Stays
You’re spoilt for choice when looking for a winter retreat. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and decadent fireside meals at the luxury Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, or head to Mangorei Heights for a peaceful escape nestled into the lush landscape, complete with an outdoor bath.
Relax at a luxury cabin retreat like The Unwind, River Belle Glamping, or the Kaitake Kabana, where you can unwind with the soothing sound of native birdlife.
Mountain Biking at Lake Mangamahoe
Whatever your adventure or skill level, an exhilarating mountain bike trail awaits you at the Lake Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park. The park offers over 30km of trails catering from beginner-friendly through to double-black advanced, all set against stunning natural scenery.
Families can explore popular trails like Kiwi Kids or the Fantail, while more extreme thrill seekers will love ‘Track the Ripper’, plus discover the New Plymouth Mountain Bike Clubs' regular events and trainings.
Indulge in decadent winter flavours
Come for the winter adventures and stay for the decadent flavours. Fuel your day with locally roasted coffee at Proof and Stock, or Ozone Coffee Roasters. Pick up fresh sourdough at The Good Score Food Store in Hāwera, or delicious freshly baked goods at Public Kitchen.
Indulge in a shared dining experience at Social Kitchen, sip mulled wine at the West End Precinct, or enjoy a soul-warming meal at Wild Pear Kitchen or The Burnt Place. For a casual surf pub meal, head around the Surf Highway 45 to the iconic Butlers Reef.
Taranaki has something to suit all tastes with a humming dining scene that features fresh seasonal produce.
Coastal Arts Trail
Art enthusiast? Don’t miss road tripping around the Coastal Arts Trail, a scenic self-drive journey that guides you through galleries, museums, street art, open studios, and creative communities along the West Coast of the North Island.
Get hands on with a paint and sip evening at Pinot and Picasso, discover local and New Zealand artists at Koru on Koru gallery, or mesmerising layered glass work at Richard Landers Glass Gallery.
There is so much to explore along the trail, leave with a full cup and some new additions to your collection.
Relax and rejuvenate
Unwind at the Flotation Sanctuary, these tranquil Epsom salt float pods offer a unique weightless experience where you can drift away and relax both the mind and body. The Flotation Sanctuary also offers infrared saunas, an oxygen bar, and cryo-compression systems to aid recovery and promote healing.
Rejuvenate at the Sauna Project which overlooks the sea, or discover traditional Rongoā Māori healing at Mihi’s Place, offering a range of traditional and contemporary healing treatments to release tension and enjoy some much needed me-time.
If you’re an active relaxer, why not take a swing at one of our many well-known golf courses. There’s a range of courses to suit all levels and preferences, from off the beaten path courses like Waverley Golf Club, to the central Ngāmotu Links, one of New Zealand’s golfing jewels.