If you have a bit of spare time and you’re happy to travel 20 miles, take a look at New Plymouth. This vibrant destination boasts loads of things to keep you busy. Among your first stops here should be Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park and Lake Mangamahoe. Locals will also likely point you in the direction of Whanganui, 60 miles away. If you can only see one thing here, let it be Virginia Lake. (But we’re also huge fans of Whanganui Museum and South Beach.)