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Runs annually for about 8 weeks in December and January. The beautiful Pukekura Park in the centre of New Plymouth is lit up, with live entertainment and activities for all ages. A winter festival of lights is sometimes held in the CBD in June, but this is not happening in 2026. The next summer festival is 19 December 2026 to 24 January 2027.
Museum, library, visitor information centre, restaurant and cafe.
One of New Zealand's finest collections of Modern Art. Has a very good cafe and gift shop. Attached to it is the Len Lye Centre, which opened in 2015 in a shiny new extension and houses a collection of works by kinetic artist Len Lye.
The city's botanical gardens. Excellent and well worth walking around. There are themed garden areas, small ponds and "lakes", attractive bridges and wonderful trails. This park was filmed as the Imperial Army Parade area and Palace in The Last Samurai. Attached to the park is Brooklands a further large park, with concert stage and a small zoo.
A kinetic sculpture designed by Len Lye. It is a 45m pole, with a soft red light on top at night, that moves in the wind.
The world's only lawn bowls museum.
The World of Music, Arts and Dance festival.