Why Walk in New Plymouth?

New Plymouth has something pretty special going for it, you can be walking along the beach one minute and hiking up a mountain the next. The city sits right between the Tasman Sea and Mount Taranaki, giving you an incredible range of walks all within a short drive.

The Coastal Walkway is world-class, and that’s not just us saying it, it’s won international awards. But beyond that, you’ve got pristine parks right in the city centre, river walks through native bush, and if you’re keen, some seriously good mountain trails.

The weather’s mild most of the year, which means you can walk pretty much whenever you want. And on those clear days when the clouds lift? The views of Mount Taranaki are absolutely stunning.

There are over 300 kilometres of tracks around the region. Some are flat and paved (perfect for wheelchairs and pushchairs), others will test your fitness. Whatever your level, there’s something here for you.

Coastal Walks

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

13.2 km • 2-4 hours • Easy

This is the big one – New Plymouth’s pride and joy. The walkway runs the entire length of the coastline from Port Taranaki up to Bell Block Beach. It’s fully paved so you can walk, cycle, skate, or use a mobility scooter.

The Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is the standout feature, this huge white bridge frames Mount Taranaki perfectly (when it’s not hiding in the clouds). You’ll also pass the Wind Wand, that tall red sculpture that sways in the wind, and three great beaches if you fancy a swim.

There are cafes dotted along the way, heaps of parking spots, and you can easily just do sections of it rather than the whole thing. The path is completely flat and well-maintained, so it’s genuinely accessible for everyone.

On a good day, you’ll get incredible views of the mountain rising up behind the coast. It’s pretty hard to beat.

Good for: Families, photographers, anyone really

Paritutu Rock Walk

0.10 km • 15 minutes • Medium

Short but steep. You’re basically climbing up a volcanic rock that juts out near the port. Metal stairs most of the way, and it’ll get your heart rate up, but the views from the top are worth it.

You can see right across New Plymouth, out over the Sugar Loaf Islands, and down the coast. Sunset’s a popular time to head up. Just be ready for stairs and bring water.

Good for: Quick workouts, views, photography

Full walk details for Paritutu Rock Walk  → 

River & Forest Walks

Te Henui Walkway

3-4 km (depending on route) • 1-2 hours • Easy

This one follows the Te Henui River through the city. You wouldn’t know you’re in town once you’re on the track – it’s all native bush, exotic trees, and the sound of the river.

Start from the lightning bolt bridge (you’ll know it when you see it) on the Coastal Walkway and head upstream. You can go all the way to Durham Avenue or loop back across the river at Cumberland Street.

Dogs are allowed here, even off-leash in some spots, which makes it popular with locals. Great for a quick escape into nature without leaving the city.

Good for: Dog walking, jogging, peaceful walks

Huatoki Walkway

3 km • 1 hour • Easy

Another river walk, this time following the Huatoki Stream from the coast up to Tupare Reserve. You’ll walk along Brougham Street (the city’s original street), through Huatoki Domain, and end up at the beautiful Tupare gardens.

It’s a nice mix of urban and natural. Easy walking, plenty of native bush, and you get a bit of local history along the way.

Good for: Easy city walks, connecting parks

Parks & Gardens

Pukekura Park

Various loops 2-5 km • 1-3 hours • Easy

Locals call this the jewel in New Plymouth’s crown, and they’re not wrong. This is 52 hectares of seriously beautiful gardens and native bush right in the middle of town.

There are two lakes with walking tracks around them, a fernery in glass-topped caves, and heaps of formal gardens. The Tea House on the Lake is a good spot for a coffee break. You’ll also find the Bowl of Brooklands amphitheatre here, plus a free zoo.

The main paths are good for pushchairs. In summer (mid-December to early February), the whole park lights up at night for the Festival of Lights – definitely worth seeing.

If you like gardens, birdlife, or just want a nice easy walk somewhere pretty, this is the place.

Good for: Families, easy walks, picnics, photography

Lake Mangamahoe Walk

2.5 km loop • 45 minutes • Easy

Quick loop around a lake with brilliant views of Mount Taranaki (when it’s clear). The lake’s actually a dam, and on calm days you get perfect reflections of the mountain in the water.

Easy track through native bush, suitable for kids. Popular spot for photos.

Good for: Quick walks, photography, families

Brooklands Park

Various trails • 30 mins – 1 hour • Easy

Right next to Pukekura Park. English-style gardens, plus some interesting historical bits like the old Brooklands fireplace (only thing left from a house that burned down in 1860). There’s also a Chinese garden called Kunming Garden.

The Bowl of Brooklands is here too, big outdoor venue where they hold concerts and WOMAD festival.

Good for: Garden walks, cultural features

Around New Plymouth

Opunake Loop Trail

8.3 km • 1.5 hours • Easy

Down the coast a bit from New Plymouth. This trail loops around Opunake Lake and along the coast to the Wharf Lookout. Flat and easy, good for cycling too. There are heritage signs along the way if you’re into local history.

Good for: Coastal scenery, cycling, easy walks

Walk details for Opunake Loop Trail  →

Whitecliffs Walkway

8 km • 3-4 hours • Medium

North of New Plymouth near Tongaporutu. This is a dramatic coastal walk with white cliffs, black sand beaches, and interesting rock formations. Part of it’s through farmland, part along the beach.

You need to check the tides before you go, some sections are only walkable at low tide. Give yourself extra time for river crossings.

Good for: Coastal views, geology, more experienced walkers

Hickford Park & Mangati Walkways

2-3 km • 45 minutes • Easy

Out in Bell Block, east of the city. Coastal paths and stream walks. Hickford Park has one of the few natural wetlands left in Taranaki (Waipu Lagoons), good for birdwatching.

Quieter than the main Coastal Walkway, nice if you want something a bit more peaceful.

Good for: Birdwatching, quiet walks

Mount Taranaki Walks

The mountain’s only 30-45 minutes from the city. There are hundreds of kilometres of tracks up there, from short easy walks to serious multi-day tramps.

Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track

9 km return • 4-6 hours • Challenging

This is one of New Zealand’s most photographed walks. The tarns (little alpine ponds) reflect Mount Taranaki perfectly – that classic shot you see everywhere.

It’s not easy though. Steep climbs, boardwalks through the “goblin forest” (moss-covered trees that look magical), and alpine terrain. You’ll need decent fitness and proper gear. Pouakai Hut’s up there if you want to stay overnight (book ahead).

Good for: Experienced walkers, photography, mountain scenery

North Egmont Short Walks

15 mins – 2 hours • Easy to Medium

If you just want a taste of the mountain without the hard stuff, these short walks from North Egmont Visitor Centre are perfect:

  • Kamahi Loop (15-30 mins) through the goblin forest
  • Veronica Loop (30-45 mins) with waterfall views
  • Nature Walk (15 mins) – easy, good for kids

You get to experience the mountain’s unique forest without needing to be super fit.

Good for: Families, forest walks, mountain introduction

Dawson Falls Area

Various loops • 30 mins – 2 hours • Easy to Medium

Multiple tracks around Dawson Falls on the south side of the mountain:

  • Wilkies Pools Loop – natural rock pools and waterfalls, you can swim in them (bring togs!)
  • Kapuni Loop – follows the stream through forest
  • Dawson Falls – the waterfall itself is only 15 minutes return

These are more accessible than the northern routes. Great in summer when you can cool off in the pools.

Good for: Swimming, waterfalls, easier mountain walks

Mount Taranaki Summit

13 km return • 8-10 hours • Very Challenging

The big one. 2,518 metres to the summit. This is New Zealand’s most climbed mountain, but don’t let that fool you – it’s hard work.

Best time is January to April when there’s less snow. Outside those months you need mountaineering gear and experience. Even in summer, you need to be fit, have proper equipment, and be prepared for bad weather, conditions change fast up here.

Always check with DOC before you go. People get into trouble on this mountain when they’re not prepared.

Good for: Experienced trampers, summit baggers, serious challenge

Other Mountain Walks

Rerekapa Hut Walk
3.2 km • 1 hour 20 mins • Easy

Gentle forest walk to a backcountry hut. Good introduction to tramping if you’re new to it.

Walk details to Rerekapa Hut →

The Last Samurai Scenic Drive
58 km drive • 1 hour • Easy

Driving route around the mountain following locations from the 2003 film. There are viewpoints and short walks along the way.

Walk details for Last Samurai Drive  →

Planning Your Trip

When to Go

Summer (Dec-Feb): Best weather, warmest for swimming. Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park. Mountain walks are snow-free.

Autumn (Mar-May): Beautiful colours in the parks. Less crowded. Still good weather.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Mountain’s covered in snow (need mountaineering gear). Coastal walks still great though.

Spring (Sep-Nov): Flowers everywhere, especially in Pukekura Park. Mountain snow starts melting.

What You Need to Know

Weather: It changes fast, especially on the mountain. Check forecasts. Coastal stuff is usually fine, but don’t mess around with mountain weather.

Facilities: Most walks have parking and toilets. Coastal Walkway has cafes. Mountain tracks have DOC visitor centres at North Egmont and Dawson Falls.

Safety:

  • Take water and snacks
  • Wear proper shoes (runners minimum, boots for mountain stuff)
  • Sunscreen, NZ sun is harsh
  • Tell someone where you’re going if you’re doing mountain walks
  • Check tides for beach sections
  • Respect Maori sites, especially on the mountain

Accessibility: Coastal Walkway is fully wheelchair accessible. You can even hire electric scooters for free (need to book). Main Pukekura Park paths work for pushchairs. Other urban walks are pretty accessible too.

Dogs: Allowed on Te Henui Walkway (some off-leash bits). Not allowed in Pukekura Park, on the Coastal Walkway, or in Egmont National Park.

Getting There

New Plymouth’s small and easy to get around. The Coastal Walkway connects heaps of stuff. For mountain walks, you’ll need a car, it’s 30-45 minutes from town. There are shuttle services if you don’t want to drive.

Where to Stay

Plenty of options in New Plymouth from hostels to hotels. If you’re doing mountain stuff, check out DOC lodges or the private mountain lodges. Book huts well ahead, they fill up fast.

 

Common Questions

Can I walk the whole Coastal Walkway in one go?
Yeah, 13.2 km takes 2-4 hours depending how fast you walk. Most people do sections though, there are heaps of entry points.

Is Mount Taranaki good for beginners?
The short walks at North Egmont and Dawson Falls are fine for beginners. The summit? Definitely not unless you’re fit and experienced.

What about kids?
Coastal Walkway, Pukekura Park, Te Henui Walkway, and the short mountain loops are all good for families.

When can I actually see the mountain?
Early morning usually. It often gets covered in cloud by midday. Just one of those things, it’s shy.

Do I need to pay for parking?
Nope, almost all car parks are free.

Can I swim?
Yep, Fitzroy and East End beaches along the Coastal Walkway are good for swimming in summer. Also Wilkies Pools up the mountain if you don’t mind cold water.

Other Walks in Taranaki

Worth checking out: Pukeiti (rhododendron gardens), Cape Egmont Lighthouse track, Three Sisters at Tongaporutu.

For multi-day trips: Pouakai Circuit (2-3 days) or Around the Mountain Circuit (4-5 days) in Egmont National Park.

New Plymouth has some of the best walking in New Zealand. From easy coastal paths to challenging mountain climbs, there’s something here for everyone. The diversity is what makes it special, you really can go from sea level to alpine terrain in less than an hour.