CELEBRATING TARANAKI ANNIVERSARY

Whether you are a local or a visitor, Taranaki is a province with a lot to discover.  Its unique landscape is dominated by the beautiful and legendary Mt. Taranaki and its coast is home to some of the best surf spots in New Zealand.  Add to this a flourishing arts scene, intriguing museums and world-renown festivals, it’s certainly a province worth a visit. Taranaki is also home to some stunning restaurants using locally grown produce and serving up award-winning cuisine.  We are delighted to point you in the direction of our top picks to enjoy in Taranaki this coming long weekend.

1. Stony River Boutique Hotel, Okato

Situated 25 minutes out of New Plymouth, Stony River is a unique destination in its own right.  They offer accommodation so you can stay a while to enjoy the hospitality and award-winning cuisine of chef and owners Heimo and Renate Staudinger.  Originally from Austria they love to make their guests feel welcome with European inspired food with a kiwi twist.  Check out their website for their events including schnitzel night every Wednesday and their annual Harvest Festival on April 1st. stonyriverhotel.co.nz

2. Bella Vita Restaurant & Café, New Plymouth

For Italian inspired cuisine you cannot miss a meal out at Bella Vita Restaurant & Café. Their motto is “mangia bene, mangia italiano” – “eat well, eat Italian” – and exemplifies their approach towards a great dining experience.  With an extensive menu offering everything from pizza to bolognaise and herb crusted lamb rack to tender beef carpaccio, you will have an enjoyable dining experience here. bellavita.co.nz

3. Gusto Restaurant, New Plymouth

New to the restaurant scene is Gusto situated right on the waterfront.  Along with an award-winning menu they have plenty of deck space for outdoor dining on fine days or warm and cosy waterfront dining indoors on cooler days or nights. gustotaranaki.co.nz

4. Salt Restaurant, The Waterfront Hotel, New Plymouth

Dine at Salt Restaurant and let head chef Freddie Ponder inspire you with his amazing cuisine.  With his twin brother Richard as sous chef and the rest of his talented kitchen team, Freddie has a great platform to be creative and produces amazing dishes for Salt’s surprise degustation menu that changes daily.  Freddie is currently a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ambassador chef which is a top accolade for a chef to receive. waterfront.co.nz

5. Juliana’s Restaurant, Auto Lodge Motor Inn, New Plymouth

Serving quality steaks cooked to your liking, Juliana’s is newly renovated and open seven nights a week for a la carte dining.  If it’s accommodation you are also after, the Auto Lodge Motor Inn is central to all the wonderful activities there are to do in New Plymouth. autolodge.co.nz

6. The Orangery Restaurant, Quality Hotel, New Plymouth

For restaurant dining at The Quality Hotel, The Orangery is open seven days a week.  With its surroundings inspired by 16th century Tuscan citrus gardens, you can enjoy traditional dishes from their a la carte menu or try something from their specialty Flambé menu such as Steak Dianne or Chateaubriand served for two. plymouth.co.nz

7. Arborio Restaurant Bar & Café, New Plymouth

Arborio is situated within the Puke Ariki Museum, noted for its stunning architecture and outstanding sea views.  Without a doubt the food is delicious and the service warm and welcoming so after a stroll around the museum this is a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy some award-winning cuisine.  arborio.co.nz

8. Meat and Liquor, King Street, New Plymouth

For the steak lovers, this is a must visit if you are in New Plymouth.  Meat and Liquor specialise in prime cuts of meat from sustainable farms which are carefully selected for flavour and texture.  The chefs know the best methods for preparing and cooking your meat, so sit back, relax and let the experts do all the work while you enjoy the eating experience.  meatandliquor.co.nz