The award winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway spans 12.7km along the New Plymouth coast line. Crashing waves, and crystal ocean as far as your eye can see, are enough of an attraction themselves to stop you in your tracks and capture your attention.

The piers along the coastline are designed for just that, to stop, take in the fresh sea air, and leave you with no option but to be present in the peaceful setting.

The walkway is bike, pram, scooter, mobility scooter, and wheelchair friendly, so this is an adventure that can be enjoyed by absolutely everybody. With three swimming beaches, four playgrounds, a golf club, farmlands, rivers, and access ways to shopping areas along the way, it is a collection of fun filled experiences. Many access points with parking along the Coastal Walkway allow for short walks or enjoying one activity at a time.

If you do decide to travel along the whole Coastal Walkway your day may go a little something like this...

Begin your adventure at Ngamotu Beach, near the port of Taranaki. This is a safe, family friendly swimming beach, where children can play in the small breaks of the water. If you are venturing with children, they are sure to notice the playground, one of many along the Coastal Walkway . There are a number of cafes and restaurants in this area to enjoy a meal or drink at before you set off. Park under a tree in the shade, there’s plenty of parking to choose from.

Not long after starting your journey, you’ll come to Kawaroa Park. If you were planning to stop at just one playground on the Coastal Walkway , this would be it, a favourite for children. Next door, Todd Energy Aquatic Centre has an indoor heated wave pool, children’s pools and hydroslides. The outdoor 50m lane pool, diving pool and children’s pools are open in summer months.

Carry on to New Plymouth’s iconic 45 meter tall Wind Wand. Designed by internationally renowned New Zealand artist Len Lye, the Wind Wand is constructed of a fiberglass tube with a sphere at its top, which can bend up to 20 meters in any direction. In this area you will also spot artistic stone carvings and pieces of art. Right in the CBD, here’s your chance to take a detour and enjoy the shopping New Plymouth has to offer.

Further along the Coastal Walkway you’ll find East End beach, another great spot for swimming. If you’ve packed sandwiches to share, stop and feed the friendly ducks at the river mouth. In summer, Paris Plague Cafe with outdoor seating, will let you enjoy a coffee or ice cream in the sunshine. And yes, another playground stop.

Continue on to Fitzroy beach. As well as a fantastic swimming beach, it’s a popular spot for national and international surfing competitions. A recommended beach to spend the day at.

Next up on the journey is the Te Rewa Rewa bridge. This is an Iconic 83 metre long bridge, reminiscent of a breaking wave or a whale skeleton. The arches of the bridge frame Mt Taranaki spectacularly in the distance, make sure you have a camera.

Beautiful green farmland will be your view for the last part of your adventure, and you’ll see a series of small coastal lagoons before you finish off at Hickford Park. If you have biked the coastal walkway, or you are starting the adventure from this end, the cycle park is a must. It includes a 1.75km closed circuit and a 333 metre banked velodrome. Children will love biking along the junior mini road circuit, complete with traffic lights and roundabouts.

The Coastal Walkway comes highly recommended by visitors to Taranaki. On a beautiful day it’s breathtaking. A peaceful stroll or a day of adventures, this attraction has it all.

Established in 1876, Pukekura Park is Taranaki’s premier botanical garden. Much treasured by locals and adored by visitors, the 52 hectares of exquisiteness is located right in the CBD of New Plymouth, a quick 30 minute drive from Stratford. Pukekura Park is an attraction that offers something special for everybody.

Take a journey through spectacular bush walks full of New Zealand natives and exotic plants including rhododendrons and azaleas. Sprinkled through Pukekura Park are alluring formal gardens. Perfect spots to wander, spread a picnic blanket and take in the gorgeous surroundings and inviting smells of the gardens.

A fernery houses year round displays of ferns and vibrant indoor plants. Orchids blossom throughout the year and in summer begonias and fuchsias flourish. For the bird enthusiast you’ll be treated to sightings and sounds from tui, kereru (New Zealand Wood pigeon), sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, thrush, wax eyes, ducks, and shags.

For a family with young children, Pukekura Park is a dream day out. The main walkways are pushchair friendly, and scattered through the park you’ll find three playgrounds. Children and adults alike will get a thrill from the beautiful fountains and waterfalls as they get lost in the variety of scenes and adventures to be had. Stop at the main lake for a bite to eat, and a coffee or ice cream at the Tea House, and enjoy a row on the lake in the row boats. For visitors who are less mobile, a six seat golf buggy with a guided tour is available, as well as guided walking tours.

Continue navigating through Pukekura Park and you will find Brooklands Park. In 1934 Brooklands was given to the people of New Plymouth and became part of Pukekura Park . The vast stage of the Bowl of Brooklands is a natural amphitheatre positioned at the edge of a lake and the outstanding venue for our international performers, and the setting for the world famous WOMAD three day music festival. Another Brooklands Park must see attractions is Brooklands Zoo. You will meet a variety of species including bolivian squirrel monkeys, capuchins, cotton-top tamarins, meerkats, reptiles and amphibians as well as a range of friendly farmyard animals. In the walk-through free-flight aviary you’ll enjoy the selection of bright birds.

If you’re visiting Taranaki during the summer season (mid December - late January), the TSB Festival of the Lights is not to be missed. Pukekura Park is brought to life at night time with extravagant lights and live entertainment - a magical adventure for all. A variety of daytime and nighttime events run during this time that cater to people of all ages.

Pukekura Park is one attraction you could come back to each day of the week, to explore the wonder and charm this little gem has to offer.

From December to April, fit and well-equipped trampers can enjoy spectacular scenery from the summit of Mt Taranaki. From May to November, the mountain is covered in snow and ice - mountaineering experience and equipment is required.

Rising above the clouds, the 2518 m summit of this dormant volcano is a challenging 1.6 km vertical climb to the peak.

For non mountaineers, the best time to climb the mountain is during January to April when the mountain is often clear of snow and ice, other than in the crater.

North Egmont (946 m) to Tahurangi Lodge (1,492 m)

Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr
Distance: 4 km

From Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre the Summit Track follows the boardwalk up to a locked gate. Cross the stile and continue up the gravel Translator Road (walking access only) to the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge. Sections of this track are very steep.

There is a public toilet 100 m below the lodge and a small day shelter room at the lodge.

Tahurangi Lodge to the summit (2,518 m)

Time: 3 - 4 hr
Distance: 2.3 km

The track passes in front of Tahurangi Lodge and continues upwards via the poled route through the rock-covered Hongi Valley. A series of steps leads out of the valley onto steep scoria (gravel) slopes. Be aware of rockfall through this area. 

Continue uphill to the Lizard (2134m), a prominent rocky ridge which leads you to the crater’s summer entrance. A narrow rocky ledge leads down into the crater. It has a steep drop-off and can be icy at any time year - extreme caution required.

The route then crosses the crater ice to the final short climb up to the summit rock. There is ice in the crater all year round - crampons and/or an ice axe may be required to cross the crater at any time.

Respect the mountain: Do not stand directly on the summit peak, and do not camp, cook, toilet or litter in the summit area. Mounga Taranaki is a mauri, or life force and a spiritual tupuna or ancestor for Taranaki Māori.

Getting there

The track starts in North Egmont. From New Plymouth, follow SH3 for 13 km to Egmont Village. Turn onto Egmont Road and follow this up the mountain to North Egmont.

Transport to the start of the track can be arranged through several local transport providers. Contact Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre. No scheduled transport service exists.

Limited car parking at North Egmont road end in summer

During summer we suggest arranging to be dropped off by a shuttle at North Egmont road end or starting the trail from the Stratford Plateau car park on Pembroke Road, Stratford. From there follow signs across the ski field toward Tahurangi Lodge to join the Summit Track.

Know before you go

• This is a full day strenuous hike – allow plenty of time and leave early.
• There is no water available on the track – take plenty with you.
• Check weather forecast – NIWA website (external site) before you go.
• Be prepared to turn back if you are finding the climb too difficult or if the weather deteriorates - thick cloud can descend making navigation difficult.
• The only toilet is 100 m below Tahurangi Lodge – use it when you go past.
• Above Tahurangi Lodge, numbered marker poles lead to the summit and give you an indication of how far you have to go. It's also good information to give emergency services if you find yourself in trouble.
• Read and follow advice from the yellow safety signs along the track.

Brooklands Zoo was officially opened to the public in 1965. Jack Goodwin, a former Director of Parks, envisaged a collection of aviary birds and small animals for the community to enjoy.

The New Plymouth Jaycee Chapter and the New Plymouth Cage Bird Club were key partners who contributed to the construction of the original habitats and the acquisition of bird and animal stock.

The zoo has undergone many changes since 1965. Recent building developments have created more open natural habitats for the animals while allowing closer, unrestricted viewing for visitors.

On the North Taranaki coast, near Tongaporutu, you can see two (formerly three) 25 metre rock formations known as the Three Sisters. Another spectacular formation called Elephant Rock once stood alongside the sisters, before losing its trunk to erosion in 2016. 

Interestingly, there were four sisters at the turn of the century, but the sea is claiming them one at a time.

For great views of the Three Sisters, turn down Pilot Road, which is on the seaward side of State Highway 3 north of the Tongaporutu Bridge. If you want to get down on the sand with the formations, turn off South Highway 3 down Clifton Road, which is south of the Tongaporutu Bridge.

At low tide you can walk alongside the river and around the point to find the formations. In nearby caves you can also view a rock drawing of a curious six-toed foot.

Standing proudly on the coastline of New Plymouth, between Back Beach and Ngamotu Beach boasts ​Paritutu Rock​​. At 156 meters tall, this ‘rock’ is an iconic sight in the New Plymouth landscape. The remnants of an ancient volcanic crater which was active approximately 1.75 million years ago, ​Paritutu Rock is kept company by the seven Sugar Loaf Islands, also remnants from the volcano. It was discovered in 1770 by Captain Cook, and was first occupied by Māori, who flattened the summit in order to make shelters and kumara storage pits. Paritutu Rock and the Sugar Loaf Islands became a marine reserve in 1986. Fish, sponges and even seals call the spectacular waters their home, and on the odd occasion dolphins and whales can be seen swimming by. ​The carpark is sign posted off Centennial Drive in New Plymouth, a short drive from the CBD, or walk to it from the Coastal Walkway.

To climb ​Paritutu Rock will only take 15 minutes at an average pace. But don’t let the short time frame fool you. Climbing the 100 meters almost vertically is more of a thrill than an easy Sunday stroll. You’ll begin your journey somewhat gently up a wooden staircase. Shortly after, the climb gets more demanding and you’ll need both hands free to maneuver yourself up the side of ​Paritutu Rock. ​​This part resembles more of an easy rock climb than a walk. There is a chain along side you to hold onto, so although the surface is quite rocky, it is safe and the novelty is exciting. Make sure to stop, take a breather, and enjoy the phenomenal views as you go.

The challenge of the hike is, of course 100% worth the energy once you reach the ​Paritutu Rock summit. The 360° view is a sight to be admired. Enjoy the ample view of New Plymouth city below, while Mt Taranaki stands proudly in the distance. Continue your scan around to the long black sand of Back Beach and the best view of the seven Sugar Loaf Islands, which are scattered in the outstretched ocean around Paritutu Rock. Next to these, you’ll see the Taranaki port and Ngamotu Beach. On a clear day you will be able to spot the North Island’s Central mountains, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt ​Ngauruhoe​. If you’re an early bird, the view at sunrise is something else.

After your descent back down, enjoy the rest of your day at Back Beach, a popular spot for surfers, and have fun running up and sliding down the sand dunes. On the other side of Paritutu Rock is Ngamotu Beach, a family friendly, safe swimming beach. ​If you are after a closer view of the Sugar Loaf Islands, charter companies tour the islands, or there are diving operators who can take you up close to the underwater life.

Soak up the atmosphere of this stunningly landscaped garden and unique homestead. Tūpare has recently earned the NZ Gardens Trust highest six-star rating - a distinction shared only by 13 other locations nationally.

The landscaped garden

Enjoy a picnic and take one of the short walks in this family friendly reserve. Picnic beside the Waiwhakaiho River and choose from two easy short walks suitable for all the family. Both walks can be accessed from the carpark.

Allow about five hours to complete this wonderful walk across the sheer cliffs and bluffs of northern Taranaki.

The walkway takes you over farmland to Mount Davidson, the Whitecliffs Conservation Area and the Waipingau Stream. Depending on the tide, you can return to your starting point by following the stream to the coast and walking along the beach.

Major scenic features include the dramatic white cliffs (Paraninihi), the Three Sisters rock formations and the historic Te Horo stock tunnel.

Paratutu Rock, also known as Paritutu Rock, is a prominent geological landmark located near the city of New Plymouth in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island. Rising dramatically from the landscape, Paratutu Rock is an iconic volcanic remnant that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor adventure.

Standing at approximately 156 meters (511 feet) above sea level, Paratutu Rock is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. The ascent to the summit is known for its challenging terrain, which includes steep and rugged pathways. However, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the city of New Plymouth, the Tasman Sea, and the majestic Mount Taranaki.

In addition to its natural appeal, Paratutu Rock holds cultural significance for the local Maori iwi (tribes). It's a site of historical importance, featuring the remnants of pa sites (fortified villages) that date back to pre-European times.

Visitors to Paratutu Rock can explore not only its geological wonders but also its historical and cultural heritage. The combination of outdoor adventure, scenic vistas, and cultural exploration makes Paratutu Rock a must-visit destination for those traveling to the Taranaki region of New Zealand.

Whether you're a hiker seeking a challenging climb, a cultural enthusiast interested in Maori history, or simply a nature lover in search of sweeping views, Paratutu Rock offers a multifaceted experience that celebrates both the natural and cultural richness of New Zealand's landscapes.

Nestled within the charming coastal city of New Plymouth, the Bells Falls Track offers a delightful natural escape just moments from urban life. This picturesque trail weaves through lush native bush, providing a serene retreat for both locals and visitors.

As you set out on the Bells Falls Track, you'll be immersed in the soothing sights and sounds of nature. Towering trees provide shade, and the melodious songs of native birds accompany your journey. This family-friendly hike is accessible to hikers of all levels, making it a perfect outdoor excursion for everyone.

The trail leads to the enchanting Bells Falls, a captivating waterfall that cascades gracefully into a serene pool. This tranquil oasis invites you to relax, take in the natural beauty, and perhaps even enjoy a refreshing dip on a warm day. It's a popular spot for picnics and a great place to create cherished memories with family and friends.

Situated in the heart of New Plymouth, the Bells Falls Track offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban convenience. Whether you're a local seeking a quick nature escape or a visitor exploring the city's natural treasures, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Taranaki's vibrant coastal community.