Name: New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Address: 1 Hakirau Street eastern end side of Bell Block Beach, Port Taranaki, New Plymouth, 4310, New Zealand

Paved pathway along the coast popular with cyclists & walkers, linking Ngamotu & Bell Block beaches.

There is so much to see and do along the walkway – iconic bridges, sculptures, stone art, children’s playgrounds, historic sites, and impressive surf beaches. The Coastal Walkway is a must-do for anyone spending time in New Plymouth.

As well as all the points of interest along the way, an important feature of the path is the use of robust materials with strong lines and textures to stand up to and reflect the character of the west coast as well as a curved seawall in front of the city centre that provides protection from the waves.

Although there are multiple access points, you can begin the Coastal Walkway at Ngāmotu Beach. There is plenty of parking at this family-friendly, safe swimming beach.

Starting from Ngāmotu Beach, there are several points of interest:

From Ngāmotu Beach it is an easy walk to various historical points of interest including the Settlers Memorial, Dicky Barrett’s Grave, and the Beam Pump Memorial.

Heading east, the Coastal Walkway arrives at Breakwater Bay. Take a quick rest at one of the various restaurants overlooking the harbour, or pop into Chaddy’s Charters to book a boat trip, or hire some bikes to cycle the rest of the walkway.

Destination Kāwaroa is a family-friendly experience that brings the unique nature, culture, histories and stories of the site playfully alive. Within the park is the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre, complete with hydroslides, a 50m outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool and an outdoor diving pool.

Approaching the central section of the walkway there are more points of interest:

The Honeyfield Drinking Fountain, constructed in 1907, which represents the philanthropy behind early urban beautification schemes and the development of New Plymouth’s celebrated waterfront promenade.

Len Lye's iconic 45-metre Wind Wand, where you will also see several interesting stone carvings and pieces of public art – including the Mothers and Daughters sculpture on the hilltop.

You can also take a detour into the CBD from here and make the five-minute stroll to the award-winning and innovative heritage and information centre Puke Ariki, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.

Continuing along the walkway you'll come across another playground and then Te Henui Bridge (colloquially known as ‘The Lightning Bolt Bridge’) where you can extend your walk along the popular Te Henui Walkway, which heads inland alongside the picturesque Te Henui Stream.

Returning to the coast and just past Te Henui Bridge is East End Reserve. Home to the outdoor summertime café Paris Plage, the East End Skate Park and East End Beach.

The next point of interest is Fitzroy Beach, a popular venue for national and international surfing competitions, and home to a free outdoor public swimming pool perfect for young children (only open during summer), a playground and the Beach Kiosk Cafe.

Past Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park and the New Plymouth Golf Course and you will come to the dramatic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. If it is a cloudless day you'll see Taranaki Maunga/Mount Taranaki framed by the bridge arches. The 83m-long bridge is reminiscent of a breaking wave or a whale skeleton. This area is also close to Lake Rotomanu, a popular area for water sports.

The final points of interest along the Coastal Walkway:

Use the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge to cross the Waiwhakaiho River, which flows from Taranaki Maunga and holds many native fish and trout.

Continue through picturesque farmland where you can take a detour up to the award-winning lifestyle development, The Links.

Continue towards Bell Block and come to the Waipu Lagoons, a series of small coastal lagoons, which provide habitat for a wide variety of birdlife, including the Australasian Bittern, Australian Coot, Grey Teal and Pukeko.

Next is Hickford Park, where you will come to the Taranaki Cycle Park featuring a 1.75km closed road circuit and a 333m banked velodrome built to world competition standards.