New Plymouth's coastal walkway

A walk on the oceanside

Noted for its terrific gardens and the home of the biennial WOMAD music and cultural festival, New Plymouth has another top attraction up its sleeve.

And that's the seven kilometre Coastal Walkway, which stretches almost the entire length of the city. Here you can walk, jog, cycle, or skate to take in the city’s perspective on the Tasman Ocean.

This paved promenade will place you right on the edge of the west coast. Parts of the seawall are punctured by finger piers, so you can enjoy the full vista of the coastline.

There are a number of pedestrian access points connecting popular recreational areas in the city, but take time to complete the walk from start to finish.

If you start from the east, you'll walk alongside the New Plymouth Golf Club visiting surf beaches at Fitzroy and East End. Here, you can digress awhile to meander up the Te Henui Walkway, or take a break at one of the picnic tables at the East End playground.

Approaching the central section of the walkway, you'll come across one of the city's famous art pieces — the dramatic, 45 metre-high kinetic sculpture Wind Wand, designed by the internationally-renowned kiwi artist, Len Lye.

Interesting stone carvings and pieces of public art dot the foreshore. Make sure you stop to visit New Plymouth's central business district — home to the innovative heritage centre, Puke Ariki, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.