WHERE I’D RATHER BE

New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a town that deserves more of your time. Surrounded by a stunning landscape of valleys, surf breaks and the Maunga Taranaki itself, this small town has beautiful gardens and walks, a fantastic local history museum (Puke Ariki), and the acclaimed Len Lye Gallery.

EATING

Social Kitchen is a stylish joint -—with Chesterfield-esque bench seats, chandeliers and game heads mounted on the industrial concrete walls. It offers a meaty menu of Spanish sausage and scotch fillets, cooked over charcoal (social-kitchen.co.nz).

Chaos is a good stop to refuel. Great coffees, a cabinet stuffed full of massive scones and sandwiches, and a builda-breakfast menu that features potato latkes. Perfect sustenance for travellers (chaoscafe.co.nz).

DRINKING

There are several quality local brewing spots to spend a long afternoon. Mike’s prides itself on being New Zealand’s first craft brewery (they’ve been knocking out batches since 1989), and offers a huge space with room for the kids (mikesbeer.co.nz).

Shining Peak (pictured below) is a modern bistro with excellent dining (soft-shell fish tacos and beef cheek burger, hello you) and a brewery that’s right on site — we quizzed the head brewer as he worked. And you can grab some of his offerings to go as you leave (shiningpeakbrewing.com). Plus 5 per cent of anything you spend on beer is given to local charities each month.

STAYING

Nice Hotel is a sweet boutique joint, with a popular restaurant attached. In a heritage building (built in 1870), Nice offers quirky decor, a small library where you can enjoy complimentary sherry, the elegant Table Restaurant, and charming rooms stuffed to the brim with character (nicehotel.co.nz).