Huatoki Plaza
A bustling central plaza in New Plymouth, known for its vibrant farmers market, community events, and public art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Farmers Market buzz
Huatoki Plaza
Best Time
Farmers Market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling central plaza in New Plymouth, known for its vibrant farmers market, community events, and public art.
"The Taranaki Farmers Market is a major draw, offering fresh local produce and a lively community atmosphere."
🎯 Sunday Market Perks
Bring your own container to the Farmers Market for a free extra serving!
🚶♀️ Stay Aware
Some reviews mention aggressive homeless individuals; be mindful of your surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taranaki Farmers Market
Huatoki Plaza
Fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and a lively community atmosphere every Sunday morning.
Public Art Installations
Entrances and throughout the plaza
Discover unique artworks that add character and visual interest to the plaza's public spaces.
Community Events
Huatoki Plaza
From protests to festivals and markets, the plaza is a frequent venue for local gatherings and celebrations.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Huatoki Plaza
Best Times for a Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunday Market Perks
Bring your own container to the Farmers Market for a free extra serving!
🚶♀️ Stay Aware
Some reviews mention aggressive homeless individuals; be mindful of your surroundings.
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is available both inside and outside the plaza, including upper levels.
🎨 Artful Entrances
Look out for the nice artwork at each entrance, adding a touch of creativity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunday Market Perks
Bring your own container to the Farmers Market for a free extra serving!
🚶♀️ Stay Aware
Some reviews mention aggressive homeless individuals; be mindful of your surroundings.
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is available both inside and outside the plaza, including upper levels.
🎨 Artful Entrances
Look out for the nice artwork at each entrance, adding a touch of creativity.
🦆 Beware of Pigeons
Pigeons and ducks can be numerous; watch out for droppings on seats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huatoki Plaza is a central New Plymouth hub known for its vibrant Sunday farmers market and as a venue for community events. While some reviews highlight its convenience and the appeal of its markets and art, others express concerns about aggressive homeless individuals and the plaza's overall atmosphere, noting changes in its retail offerings over time.
"Definitely doesn't look anything like the photo of this place. Many aggressive homeless people in this area and across the road. Wouldn't recommend letting children or young teens anywhere near this area, the homeless people are very loud and angry, drinking and doing drugs, relieving themselves in view of the public. Sleeping bags, mattresses and lots of homeless people's possessions strewn everywhere. Not a friendly or safe part of the CBD."
Mel
"The lagest Plaza in Newplymouth City , so it's a must for most of your "shopping needs", and has a large carpatk inside and out, going up to the top level 5, , and a great view of our coastal side, and pleasant to be higher than 1 or 2 floors ...,yaaahhhhh Newplymouth, your doing well with this Plaza , which even has a food court to eat foods around some of the world, at cheap prices 👍🫵. Sad they no longer have a MacDonald'food court here 😢 no more! And pac-sav shopping is a no-more either 😢 lol ✍️, so its not one of those "get all your shopping needs here in one Plaza", like it was for a few great years. So it's no longer like other larger plaza's, in Auckland City, Mt Albert, New Lyn,
North Shore City, Manako City, Henderson City, Wellington City, Christchurch City, and a few more smaller city's scattered throughout "The Most Beautiful Country proudly called 'New Zealand' 🇳🇿". I WOULD give this place 5/5, BUT TAKE OFF 1 POINT FOR "NOT ALL YOUR SHOPPING NEEDS IN ONE PLAZA", AND 1 MORE POINT FOR "NO MAC-DONALDS FOOD COURT" 😥. PLUS I FIND THE SECUITY GUARDS REALLY OVER THE TOP; (NOT PROFESSIONAL) I SAW ONE HUGE SECURITY OFFICER CHASSING A "ALLEGED SHOP LIFTER" IN A SHOP, WITHIN PLAZA, AND (like he was taking a shot at a tackiling move which i have only seen in a Rugby-Game lol 🙃), HE BROUGHT HER TO THE GROUND WITH A THUMP, & A SMASHING SOUND OF A SHELVE OF ITEMS FOR SALE, BEING KNOCKED OVER BY THE POOR LADY BEFORE SHE EVEN LEFT THIS SHOP WITHIN THE PLAZA 🤔🫣🤐; ACCUSED OF WHAT?? IN MY LAW KNOWLEGE, IT'S CALLED "COMMON ASSULT", ON THE SECURITY GUARD, WHO NEVER EVEN BOTHERED TO SEE THAT THIS SLIGHTY RUDE LADY LOL 😆 WAS PREGNANT 🤰🤔😵 BY 5 MONTHS 🤫🤔🤨🙄😮😖😠.....; (I SAY SHAME, SHAME, SHAME, OF THE SECURITY TEAM THAT ARE EMPLOYED TO KEEP THE LAWS OF NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿, AND ALSO PART BLAME OF THE MALL'S SITE MANAGER; WHOM LAST TIME I MEET, WAS QUITE A RUDE, JUDGEMENTAL LADY,IN HERS 50's.); IN MY PERSONAL DEALINGS WITH THIS SITE MANAGER, OVER A MISUNDERSTANDING ON A MORAL ISSUE, WITHIN A "2DEGREES" SHOP, IN PLAZA, (whom have moved to Devon St); IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, I THINK SHE SHOULD BE FIRED AS SITE MANAGER LOL, but that's another story. 😉 🤔 😜, ANYWAY, IF YOU DONT DRESS LIKE A DOWN ON YOUR LUCK PERSON OR COME ACROSS AS NERVIOUS, ANNOYED,OR A SLIGHTLY UPSET SHOPPER, YOU SHOULD REALLY ENJOY SHOPPING HERE AT THE LARGEST PLAZA IN NEWPLYMOUTH CITY, WHICH OUT DID ITS SELF IN THE NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION FOR THE NEW YEAR 2000 COMING IN 🍾 😉 😄 🎄🎆🎇🧨✨️🎈🎉🎊🎀🎁🎫🎟🎗🎑 , AND I MUST SAY , QUITE A FEW OF US OUT-STANDING CITIZENS ENJOYED, AS WE WENT FROM CLUB TO BAR, TO CLUB TO THE EARLY HOURS OF SUNDAY 01/01/2000, ONE OF GREAT MEMORYS, LAUGHS AND GOOD DECENT FUN 😁 😂 😀 😊 😄 💙!!! ( CANDYBOY) OXO."
Johnathan Spence (CANDY BOY)
"The council's doing what can to make this an attractive place to rest and refresh in. That's obvious. Nice art work at each entrance. Plenty of space. You could enjoy a lunch here on a warm sunny day."
Len McGrane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huatoki Plaza is centrally located in New Plymouth's CBD. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available both inside and on the upper levels.
Public transport options may also be available depending on your starting point within the city.Yes, Huatoki Plaza offers a large car park both inside and outside, with access to the top level (level 5).
This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.If you are in the New Plymouth CBD, Huatoki Plaza is likely within walking distance. It's a central location for exploring the city on foot.
From New Plymouth Airport, you would typically take a taxi or rideshare service to Huatoki Plaza, as public transport links might be limited. The drive is relatively short.
While specific bus routes can vary, the plaza's central location means it's likely served by local bus routes operating within New Plymouth. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Huatoki Plaza is a public space and generally does not require tickets for entry. However, specific events held within the plaza may have their own admission fees or ticketing requirements.
As a public plaza, Huatoki Plaza is generally accessible at all times. Individual shops and businesses within the plaza will have their own operating hours.
No, the Taranaki Farmers Market held at Huatoki Plaza is free to enter. You only pay for the goods you wish to purchase from the vendors.
While the plaza is open to the public, some reviews mention concerns about aggressive homeless individuals in the area, which might affect the perceived safety and atmosphere for some visitors.
It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings.Information on booking event spaces at Huatoki Plaza would typically be managed by the local council or a designated events team. It's best to inquire directly with New Plymouth District Council.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Huatoki Plaza has historically housed a variety of shops, including clothing stores and other retail outlets. While some past tenants like Pac 'n Save and McDonald's are no longer there,
it remains a significant shopping destination in New Plymouth.Huatoki Plaza used to have a food court with diverse options,
but its current offerings may have changed. It's worth checking on-site for the most up-to-date dining facilities.At the Taranaki Farmers Market, you can find fresh Taranaki vegetables, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and other farm-to-table products.
While specific dining establishments can change, the plaza is designed to offer various amenities. You might find cafes or eateries within or around the plaza area.
Yes, you can bring your own food to enjoy in Huatoki Plaza. It's a public space, and there are areas where you can sit and eat, though you might want to be mindful of the pigeons and ducks.
📸 📸 Photography & Sights
The public art installations at the entrances offer unique photographic opportunities.
The plaza itself can be scenic, especially during events or markets like the Taranaki Farmers Market.Huatoki Plaza can be a good spot for photography, particularly if you're interested in capturing local life, market scenes, or public art. The surrounding architecture and any events happening can also provide interesting subjects.
From the higher levels of the plaza's car park, you can get a great view of New Plymouth's coastal side.
The plaza itself offers views of the surrounding city and any ongoing activities.While Huatoki Plaza is an urban space, the river running through it has eels that people enjoy feeding.
You might also find the coastal views from the higher car park levels appealing.Events like the Americarna festivities,
the Winter Festival of Lights, and the Taranaki Farmers Market offer vibrant scenes and opportunities for great photos.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some reviews mention concerns about the general atmosphere due to aggressive homeless individuals in the area. Parents should remain vigilant and keep a close eye on children, especially if visiting during quieter times or outside of organized events. The plaza's central location means it's easy to access, and there are parking facilities available.
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
While the dedicated food court may have changed, the plaza and its surroundings likely offer various dining options. Exploring the market stalls for snacks or seeking out nearby cafes and eateries will satisfy culinary interests. The plaza's accessibility and parking make it a convenient destination for a shopping and dining excursion.
📅 Event Enthusiasts
It's also a space for community gatherings and demonstrations. Checking local event listings for New Plymouth will provide the most up-to-date information on what's happening at Huatoki Plaza, ensuring you don't miss out on any exciting happenings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of New Plymouth: Huatoki Plaza's Role
Historically, the plaza has been a key shopping destination, with a large car park facilitating access. While some long-standing businesses have moved or closed, it continues to be a place where people can shop, dine, and experience the pulse of the city. The presence of public art at its entrances adds an aesthetic dimension, making it more than just a commercial center.
However, it's important for visitors to be aware of the mixed reviews regarding the plaza's atmosphere. Some patrons have reported concerns about aggressive homeless individuals and the general upkeep of certain areas. Despite these challenges, the council is making efforts to enhance its appeal, evident in the artwork and the promotion of events like the Sunday farmers market.
Experiencing Huatoki Plaza: Markets, Art, and Community
Beyond the market, Huatoki Plaza is adorned with public art installations, particularly at its entrances, which contribute to its visual appeal and offer interesting subjects for photography. The plaza has also been a venue for significant community events, including protests for social causes and lively festivals like the Winter Festival of Lights and Americarna. These events showcase the plaza's versatility as a space for both commerce and cultural expression.
While the plaza offers a dynamic experience, it's worth noting that some visitors have expressed concerns about the presence of homeless individuals and the associated atmosphere in certain reviews. Despite this, the plaza remains a central point for shopping, dining, and community engagement in New Plymouth, with efforts made to enhance its attractiveness and functionality.
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