Panda Peeking

Taranaki & Whanganui


Plenty of timber, foliage and conical straw light fittings lend a tropical feel to this Asian fusion restaurant. Owned by the same people behind Hour Glass and Polpetta, this time steamed bao buns, dumplings and other delights are on the menu. We love the outdoor area at the front, boxed in by wooden slats.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Taranaki & Whanganui attractions

1. Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park

4.86 MILES

About 1km offshore, these rugged islets (Ngā Motu in Māori) are eroded volcanic remnants, offering refuge for 10,000 sea birds and a colony of NZ fur…

2. Paritutu

5.37 MILES

At 156m, this craggy, steep-sided hill is almost as tall as New Plymouth's old power-station chimney down at the port (198m). Paritutu translates as …

3. Pukeiti

5.97 MILES

This sprawling garden, 23km south of New Plymouth, is home to thriving masses of rhododendrons and azaleas. The blooms are at their bloomin' best between…

4. Hurworth Cottage

6.2 MILES

This 1856 cottage, 8km south of New Plymouth, was built by four-time NZ prime minister Harry Atkinson. The cottage is the sole survivor of a settlement…

6. Clock Tower

7.31 MILES

If you lose your bearings in downtown New Plymouth (or just want to know the time), look for the kooky, stripy clock tower, which is often luridly lit at…

7. New Plymouth Observatory

7.32 MILES

Atop Marsland Hill (great views!) is this wee observatory, with one of the most powerful public-access telescopes in NZ.

8. Kibby Carillon

7.33 MILES

On top of Marsland Hill is the cacophonous 37-bell Kibby Carillon, a huge automated glockenspiel-like device that tolls out across the New Plymouth…