Translating as ‘Hill of Chiefs’, Puke Ariki was once a pā (fortified village) site, and is now home to the i-SITE, a fab regional museum, a library, a cafe and Arborio restaurant. The excellent museum has an extensive collection of Māori artefacts, plus colonial, mountain geology and wildlife exhibits. We hope the shark suspended above the lobby isn't to scale.
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Puke Ariki
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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Nearby attractions
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Developed in the 1980s, Puke Akiri Landing connects the city centre with the foreshore. The grassy area in front of Puke Ariki features a large, carved…
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The wonderfully eccentric Wind Wand at Puke Ariki Landing was designed by Len Lye – the artist who has put this town on the map in modern times. This 45m…
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An appropriately austere stone New Plymouth landmark that presides over the Coastal Walkway and a public playground.
4. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
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