Fact file

Getting there:

New Plymouth is a 41⁄2-hour drive from Wellington or Auckland. Air New Zealand flies from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to New Plymouth, with domestic network connections. Visit airnz.co.nz.

Staying there:

The Old Eltham Post Office is from $305 a night. For best rates, visit theoldelthampostoffice.co.nz.

Waterfront motel rooms at Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park from $189. Visit beltroad.co.nz.

Hosking House provides an elegant central-city bed and breakfast from $220 a night. Visit hoskinghouse.com.

Playing there:

Te Popo Gardens is $5 a person. Visit tepopo.co.nz.

Luge rides at Hillsborough Holden Museum from $12 for adults and $10 for children. Visit hillsboroughholdenmuseum.co.nz.

Gin tours at Juno can be booked through junogin.com. DOC has the latest track information for the Whitecliffs Walkway. Visit doc.govt.nz.

Carbon footprint:

Flying generates carbon emissions. To reduce your impact, consider other ways of travelling, amalgamate your trips and, when you need to fly, consider offsetting emissions. To offset your carbon emissions, head to airnewzealand.co.nz/sustainability-customer-carbon-offset.