7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in New Plymouth

New Plymouth, a coastal city on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, is a haven for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and adventure. With its vibrant arts scene, beautiful parks, and the iconic Mount Taranaki as a backdrop, New Plymouth offers a unique lifestyle. But when the weekend rolls around, the urge to explore beckons. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven weekend getaways that promise to rejuvenate any weary traveler.

Mount Taranaki/Egmont National Park

Just a short drive from New Plymouth, Mount Taranaki/Egmont National Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The park offers a range of activities from leisurely walks through lush rainforest to challenging ascents up the majestic Mount Taranaki. The symmetrical volcano is a hiker's dream, and the surrounding park provides picturesque trails that cater to all fitness levels. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the variety of birds and the unique alpine vegetation.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Mount Taranaki/Egmont National Park is by car. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from New Plymouth to the North Egmont Visitors Centre.

Travel Tip: Be sure to visit the Goblin Forest, an enchanting section of the park where the trees are covered in thick moss, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Where to Stay: The Camphouse offers historic accommodation with stunning views of the mountain, while the Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge provides a cozy stay closer to the waterfalls.

Where to Eat: The Mountain House Café at Stratford Plateau is known for its hearty meals and panoramic views, perfect for refueling after a day of exploring.

Forgotten World Highway

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Forgotten World Highway is a 150-kilometer stretch of road that takes you through rugged terrain, lush native forest, and past historic sites. This scenic route offers a glimpse into New Zealand's pioneering past, with opportunities to explore abandoned towns, intriguing tunnels, and picturesque bridges. It's a journey that combines natural beauty with a sense of mystery and history.

How to Get There: The Forgotten World Highway starts in Stratford, about a 40-minute drive from New Plymouth. The route is best experienced by car or motorcycle.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Moki Tunnel, also known as the "Hobbit's Hole," and the nearby Joshua Morgan's Grave, a poignant reminder of the area's history.

Where to Stay: Whangamomona Hotel is a must-stay for its historic charm and the chance to get a passport stamp from the self-declared Republic of Whangamomona.

Where to Eat: Lauren's Lavender Farm offers a quaint café experience with the added bonus of lavender-infused products and picturesque surroundings.

Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are a world-renowned attraction, famous for their stunning limestone formations and glowworm displays. A visit here can include a range of activities from boat tours under the starry wonder of glowworm-studded ceilings to thrilling black water rafting adventures. The caves are a testament to nature's artistry, with stalactites and stalagmites creating an otherworldly underground landscape.

How to Get There: The Waitomo Caves are approximately a 2.5-hour drive from New Plymouth. The journey itself offers beautiful countryside views.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, try the glowworm cave abseiling (rappelling) tours, which combine adventure with the magical glowworm spectacle.

Where to Stay: Waitomo Caves Hotel provides a historic stay with a touch of the supernatural for those interested in ghost stories, while the Woodlyn Park offers unique accommodation options like a hobbit motel.

Where to Eat: Huhu Cafe is a local favorite, offering delicious contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Whanganui National Park

A bit further afield lies the Whanganui National Park, a place of immense natural beauty and cultural significance. The Whanganui River, the longest navigable river in New Zealand, is the heart of the park. Visitors can paddle down the river on a canoe or kayak journey, taking in the deep gorges, lush rainforests, and Maori historical sites. The park also offers a variety of walking tracks for those who prefer to explore on foot.

How to Get There: Whanganui National Park is about a 3-hour drive from New Plymouth. The park is vast, so entry points vary depending on the chosen activity.

Travel Tip: The Bridge to Nowhere is a must-see – an abandoned bridge in the middle of the forest, accessible by boat or during a hike.

Where to Stay: The Flying Fox offers unique riverside accommodation with handcrafted huts and a tranquil setting.

Where to Eat: The Yellow House Café in Whanganui town provides a cozy atmosphere and tasty meals, perfect for refueling after a day of adventure.

Whitecliffs Boulders

For a truly unusual day trip, the Whitecliffs Boulders are a hidden geological wonder. These large spherical boulders, similar to the more famous Moeraki Boulders, are nestled in a private farm and can be visited by arranging access with the landowner. The boulders are a fascinating sight, with some split open to reveal hollow centers. It's a quiet, off-the-grid spot that offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to ponder the mysteries of nature.

How to Get There: The Whitecliffs Boulders are located near the small town of Mimi, about an hour's drive from New Plymouth. Access is by permission only, so it's essential to contact the landowner in advance.

Travel Tip: Bring your camera and a picnic to enjoy the serene environment and the unique photo opportunities the boulders provide.

Where to Stay: There are limited accommodation options in the immediate area, so consider staying in a nearby town like Urenui or back in New Plymouth.

Where to Eat: Mike's Brewery & Bistro in Urenui offers great craft beers and hearty meals, a perfect stop after exploring the boulders.

Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve

Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. This predator-free sanctuary is home to a thriving ecosystem, with a serene lake surrounded by native bush. Walking tracks allow visitors to explore the area and spot various bird species, while the lake itself is perfect for a quiet kayak or paddleboard session. The reserve is a testament to successful conservation efforts and provides an opportunity to connect with New Zealand's natural heritage.

How to Get There: The reserve is about a 45-minute drive from New Plymouth, making it an easy day trip or weekend destination.

Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for the rare tieke (saddleback) bird, which has been successfully reintroduced to the reserve.

Where to Stay: Accommodation options are limited near the reserve, so consider staying in the nearby town of Eltham or returning to New Plymouth.

Where to Eat: The Carriage Café in Eltham offers a unique dining experience inside a refurbished train carriage, complete with delicious homemade treats.

Tawhiti Museum

The Tawhiti Museum is an unusual and captivating destination that brings history to life through detailed dioramas and life-size exhibits. Created by artist Nigel Ogle, the museum's displays cover the Taranaki region's history, including Maori and European settlement. The museum also features the Traders and Whalers attraction, a boat ride that takes visitors through a series of dramatic scenes depicting early interactions between Maori and European traders and whalers.

How to Get There: Located in Hawera, the Tawhiti Museum is about an hour's drive south of New Plymouth.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Bush Railway, a miniature train ride that offers a charming perspective of New Zealand's pioneering past.

Where to Stay: The Mount View Motel in Hawera offers comfortable accommodation with lovely mountain views.

Where to Eat: The Gelato Caffe is a local favorite in Hawera, known for its delicious gelato and casual dining atmosphere.

Whether you're a digital nomad based in New Plymouth or just passing through, these weekend getaways offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and a deep dive into the heart of New Zealand's North Island.