Road Trip Ready: Best Summer Stops in New Plymouth Taranaki
- Nadine
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Plan your summer stay in New Plymouth
Summer in New Plymouth is a brilliant mix of surf, sunshine, and events - and Flamingo Motel puts you right in the middle of it. Whether you’re planning a family Christmas holiday, a New Year escape, or a short business trip, our comfortable, affordable rooms and central location make exploring Taranaki easy and relaxed. Here’s how to get the most from a summer stay in New Plymouth and why Flamingo Motel should be your base.
Why New Plymouth for a summer break
New Plymouth’s compact city centre sits between a beautiful coastline and the dramatic backdrop of Taranaki Maunga. The Coastal Walkway stretches for kilometres along the waterfront, linking beaches, parks, public art, and cafés. Summer brings markets, outdoor concerts, and festival energy - perfect for families wanting sandy days and low-stress evenings, or for travellers who like an active, walkable base for exploring. From surfing near Back Beach to evening strolls on the promenade, New Plymouth offers variety within a short distance of town.
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Why choose Flamingo Motel
Central location: Flamingo Motel is an easy walk or short drive from the Coastal Walkway, Yarrow Stadium and the city’s best cafés and restaurants, which keeps driving to a minimum during busy holiday periods.
Family-friendly facilities: Spacious two-bedroom units and studios mean you can stay with the kids comfortably; heated pools and a games room give everyone something to do after a day outdoors.
Practical extras: Free Wi‑Fi, an EV charging station and handy proximity to the hospital, stadium, CBD, and local services make Flamingo Motel a sensible pick for family and business travellers alike.
Value: Comfortable, well-appointed rooms without the premium big city price - ideal for longer stays over Christmas and New Year.
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New Plymouth - Summer highlights and local events
Beaches and Coastal Walkway: Spend mornings on the sand and afternoons cycling or walking the Coastal Walkway. Pack a picnic and catch the sunset near the Wind Wand for an unforgettable summer night.
Local festivals: December and January often host community events, outdoor markets, and live music. These pop up across town and are great for sampling local food and crafts. What’s on this Summer?
Family activities: Parks, playgrounds and family-friendly cafés make exploring with young children easy. For a wet day, the motel’s indoor pool and games room provide a relaxed option close to your room.
Day trips: Use New Plymouth as a base for quick trips into Taranaki - think gardens, art galleries, and scenic drives around the coastline and into the foothills.
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Practical tips for booking over Christmas and New Year
Book early: Summer is peak season in Taranaki. Rooms at popular motels fill fast, especially for Christmas week and New Year’s Eve.
Choose the right room: Families should consider the two-bedroom unit for space and flexibility; couples or business travellers might prefer a studio or one-bedroom unit.
Plan for events and transport: Allow extra travel time around large events at Yarrow Stadium and popular summer markets.
Pack for variety: Even in summer, evenings can be cool near the coast - bring a light jacket for sunset walks.
A stay that works for both families and business travellers
Flamingo Motel is a tidy fit for mixed groups. Families love the pool, easy access to beaches and the space of the two-bedroom units; business travellers appreciate reliable Wi‑Fi, short drives to local businesses and the simplicity of an affordable, central stay. The motel’s location also makes it straightforward to combine work and leisure - catch a morning meeting, then head out for an afternoon on the Coastal Walkway.
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Sample itinerary for a 3-night summer stay.
Day 1: Arrive, settle into Flamingo Motel, walk the Coastal Walkway, have dinner at a nearby café, watch the sunset at Back Beach.
Day 2: Morning coffee on Ngamotu Beach; late morning visit to a summer farmers market; afternoon at the Puke Ariki or local galleries; explore the CBD and choose a great place for dinner; Wine and Dine.
Day 3: Short drive to a scenic lookout along the Surf Highway 45, picnic lunch at Oakura Beach; relaxed swim back at the motel or down at the beach; evening Motel barbecue or another great local eatery.
Departure day: After a leisurely breakfast, check out some of the nearby coastal towns and places of interest. Taranaki is full of stunning beauty – consider an easy drive to some of these amazing locations before heading “home”: Cape Egmont, Ōpunake, Urenui, and Ōkato.
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Final note
If you’re planning Christmas holidays in Taranaki or a New Year trip to New Plymouth, Flamingo Motel offers a comfortable, central, and family-friendly base to enjoy summer in the region. Book early to secure the best rooms and start shaping a summer that balances beach time, local flavour, and easy access to everything New Plymouth has to offer.