Puke Ariki — Attraction in North Island

We made a phone booking to take an outof town visitor to one of my favourite New Plymouth restaurants. Unfortunately, the MD couldn't find our reservation and we waited while he searched but eventually seated our group of three in the balcony área I prefer. We all ordered identical meals from the Christmas set menú. The starter was garlic bread or in this case garlic pizza. It was hot and delicious. Only two serving arrived and we had to ask for the third. Two more serving were delivered. Nice. At that point another table which we preferred had been vacated . Our request to move was no trouble and the rest of the evening was very pleasant. Everything was as described on the menu accompanied by a house proseco. We all enjoyed the tiramisu to end. No photo but nice plating. Thanks to the MD, Dickie. I asked the checkout guy what his name is. We weren't the easiest customers to please, but we went away happy. The missing star is for someone, not Dickie, messing up our...

Puke Ariki, located in New Plymouth, New Zealand, is a fantastic combination of a museum, library, and information center. The layout is spacious and modern, offering visitors an engaging mix of exhibits that showcase the region's history, culture, and art. The museum has a great selection of local artifacts, including displays about the area's Māori heritage, European settlement, and natural environment. It also hosts rotating exhibitions, which keeps things fresh for repeat visitors. The library area is well-stocked, with plenty of resources for those looking to delve deeper into the local culture or simply enjoy a quiet read. The friendly staff are always available to help, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. While the overall experience is excellent, a slightly larger focus on interactive and family-friendly activities would make it a perfect stop for all ages. Nonetheless, Puke Ariki is a must-visit for anyone exploring...

Our library in my beautiful home town of New Plymouth is a place that has changed with the times in a very positive way. However, I wish there was better parking available! An underground carpark would be ideal if it's a viable option & yes, there's Centre City parking nearby but it costs money that some people can't afford - just like other parks around the Puke Ariki area which are unfortunately normally taken. On a positive note, I really love the huge photo inside the main entrance showing the opening of the library back in the 1950s. It looks like the entire population of our city at that time came along to witness a very important moment in our history - not at all surprising though! I feel really proud & relieved that the library continues to live on, & with the later addition of the educational & exceptional museum....