New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
A stunning 13.2km paved pathway along the coast, perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying breathtaking sea views and iconic landmarks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene views, fewer people
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Best Time
Serene views, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 13.2km paved pathway along the coast, perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying breathtaking sea views and iconic landmarks.
"The coast views, happy campers, little cafe nooks every km it seems, and the gorgeous bridge at the end. Outstanding!"
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle?
The 13.2km walkway is perfect for both! Rent a bike for a faster exploration or enjoy a leisurely stroll. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Embrace the Sea Air
The salty tang is invigorating! Enjoy the constant conversation between the sea and shore. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Midway along the walkway
An iconic, architecturally stunning bridge offering breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Taranaki.
Destination Kāwaroa
Near the eastern end
An epic family-friendly play area with water features, climbing structures, and BBQ facilities.
Wind Wand
Near the Port Taranaki end
A striking kinetic sculpture that moves with the wind, a unique landmark along the promenade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Beyond the Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle?
The 13.2km walkway is perfect for both! Rent a bike for a faster exploration or enjoy a leisurely stroll. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Embrace the Sea Air
The salty tang is invigorating! Enjoy the constant conversation between the sea and shore. :ocean:
📸 Capture the Views
From sunrises to sunsets and the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, there are endless photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Destination Kāwaroa offers water play, climbing, and BBQs – a hit with kids! :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle?
The 13.2km walkway is perfect for both! Rent a bike for a faster exploration or enjoy a leisurely stroll. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Embrace the Sea Air
The salty tang is invigorating! Enjoy the constant conversation between the sea and shore. :ocean:
📸 Capture the Views
From sunrises to sunsets and the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, there are endless photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Destination Kāwaroa offers water play, climbing, and BBQs – a hit with kids! :child:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water fountains and benches are conveniently located along the path. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway's stunning sea views, the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, and its suitability for various activities like walking and cycling. The well-maintained path and family-friendly amenities are frequently praised, making it a highly recommended spot for a relaxing and scenic experience.
"New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. The sea, a boundless expanse of deep sapphire, stretched to the horizon, its surface a constant, rhythmic conversation with the shore. The salty tang of the ocean air invigorated the senses, a stark contrast to the gentle sweetness of the lake.
The path, a ribbon of concrete, led us to the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a structure of breathtaking, skeletal grace. It stood against the sky like the fossilized spine of a mythical creature, its white arches a stunning counterpoint to the wild green landscape and the deep blue sea. Walking across it felt like stepping into a work of art, a bridge between the natural world and human ingenuity."
anca
"A nice early afternoon walk on the Coastal Walkway to the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, nice and easy to enjoy the walk with families and friends."
Tess Lin
"Nice wide walk way for bike riders and walkers water fountains along the way and benches good sea views"
Craig Robson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Coastal Walkway is a 13.2km path stretching from Port Taranaki to Bell Block Beach, with numerous access points and car parking available along its length. You can easily find entrances using a Coastal Walkway map.
Yes, car parking is available in several locations along the walkway, making it convenient to start your journey.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, New Plymouth's public transport network likely offers access to areas near the walkway's various entry points. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! The walkway is paved and has gentle slopes, making it excellent for wheelchairs, strollers, and those with mobility challenges.
At an average walking pace of 4-6 km/hr, walking the full 13.2km can take approximately 2-3 hours. Many visitors opt to explore specific sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is a public pathway and is free to access for everyone.
The walkway is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy it at any time of day or night.
There are no entry fees or charges for using the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check local council bylaws regarding pets on public walkways. Many areas allow leashed dogs.
No, the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is part of the free Coastal Walkway and can be accessed without any charge.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can walk, run, cycle, skateboard, skate, and scoot along the paved path. It's also a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the sea views.
Yes, there are little cafe nooks and eateries dotted along the walkway, offering convenient spots to refuel.
Popular sections include Port to the Wind Wand (3.4km), Wind Wand to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge (4.5km), and Te Rewa Rewa Bridge to Tiromoana Crescent (4.8km).
The walkway is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours. It's well-trafficked by locals and tourists alike.
Many visitors enjoy cycling or walking, taking in the sea views and stopping at points of interest like the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Renting a bike for a couple of hours is a popular option.
📸 📸 Photography
The Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is a prime photography location, especially with Mount Taranaki in the background. Sunrises and sunsets also offer stunning photographic opportunities. 
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset provide the best light for photography, creating beautiful colors and soft shadows.
The Wind Wand sculpture offers a unique, kinetic subject. The rocky shorelines and the expansive ocean views also provide diverse photographic subjects.
Drone usage is subject to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and local council regulations. Always check for any restrictions before flying a drone in public areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots of Mount Taranaki.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The walkway itself is wide and paved, making it perfect for strollers and little ones learning to ride bikes or scooters. 🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
+1 Be mindful of potential wind, which can sometimes be a factor, but the stunning ocean views and fresh sea air make it a worthwhile endeavor. 📸 Photographers
+1 The Wind Wand offers a unique kinetic element to shots, and the expansive ocean vistas provide a dramatic backdrop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Many visitors describe walking across the bridge as feeling like stepping into a work of art, a beautiful intersection of human engineering and natural beauty. It's easily accessible from the walkway and is a popular spot for both casual strolls and dedicated photo shoots. The bridge's unique structure also makes it a focal point for capturing stunning sunrise and sunset shots.
Experiencing the Bridge
* Best time for photos: Sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting.
* Accessibility: Fully accessible via the paved Coastal Walkway.
* Views: Unobstructed views of the ocean and, weather permitting, Mount Taranaki.
Family Fun at Destination Kāwaroa
Beyond the play structures, Destination Kāwaroa also offers practical amenities like BBQ facilities and plenty of sheltered spaces, making it ideal for a family picnic or a relaxed afternoon outing. Its easy access to Kāwaroa Reef also provides an opportunity for younger visitors to explore rockpools and observe marine life.
Family Highlights:
* Activities: Water play, climbing, pump track.
* Amenities: BBQ facilities, sheltered seating.
* Nearby: Kāwaroa Reef for rockpool exploration.
Cycling the Coastal Walkway
+1While the path is generally well-maintained, be aware that the wind can pick up, especially towards the ends of the walkway. Some cyclists have noted having to cycle against the wind on their return journey, so it's worth considering the direction of travel and the prevailing weather conditions. Despite this, the overall experience is highly rewarding, with stunning ocean views accompanying every pedal stroke.
Cycling Tips:
* Bike Rentals: Available in New Plymouth for easy access.
* Terrain: Paved, gentle slopes, suitable for most bikes.
* Considerations: Be prepared for potential wind, especially on longer rides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit