3 Best Hotels in New Plymouth, North Island's West Coast

A place for travelers rather than party animals, Ducks and Drakes offers character, color, and modern accommodations within walking distance of shops, cafés, and Pukekura Park. Rooms come in all shapes and sizes, each scrupulously clean. Those in the main building (singles, twins, doubles, and dorms for up to six people) share bathrooms, but there are plenty to go around. Guests also share an outdoor veranda, communal kitchen, cool dining area, sun porch, two cozy, warm lounges, and full laundry facilities. Five self-contained motel units with kitchenettes open to gardens and have off-street parking.

Stylish and modern, central New Plymouth's only waterfront lodging is handily placed next to the Puke Ariki Museum. Each room has sea or city views and superking or queen beds; configurations range from studios with showers (no tubs) to elite studios with individual whirlpool baths and penthouse suites with separate bedroom, double whirlpool bath, shower, full laundry, and kitchen facilities. Salt, the hotel's popular restaurant-bar, feels minimalist—all the better to appreciate the view of Len Lye's 148-foot Wind Wand statue across the road.

Personable owner Terry Parkes has transformed this 19th-century heritage building into an opulent city retreat decorated with eclectic furnishings and contemporary art by leading Taranaki artists. The hotel's stylish, individually designed accommodations blend luxury amenities (double whirlpool baths or massage showers) with its heritage features. Adjacent to the hotel are four suites, three with kitchen facilities. Table at Nice, the hotel restaurant, is considered one of New Plymouth's finest.