Coastal Walkway

New Plymouth’s impressive 11km Coastal Walkway forms an expansive sea-edge promenade which links the coast with the city. Running alongside the Tasman Sea and almost the entire length of the city, the Coastal Walkway stretches from Bell Block in the east to Pioneer Park in the west and is a popular spot to take time out to enjoy the great views. The easy-grade sealed walkway is also well-frequented by walkers, runners, cyclists and rollerbladers.

Features of the walkway include access to Puke Ariki - the award-winning heritage and information centre – the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre in Kawaroa Park. The Coastal Walkway also links to a network of paths starting with the Mangati that joins the Coastal Walkway to the Bell Block industrial area, Waiwhakahio at the northern end of the city, Te Henui and Huatoki joining central surburbs to the CBD and the Mangatouku further south of the CBD.

New Plymouth’s iconic 45-metre-high kinetic sculpture Wind Wand is now a well-recognised part of the walkway's landscape. There are also a number of interesting stone carvings and pieces of public art on and around the walkway.

Ngamotu Beach, at the western end of the walkway, is the safest swimming beach in the district. Beyond Ngamotu Beach, a climb to the top of Paritutu Rock provides 360 degree views of the region, the Tasman Sea and the adjacent Sugar Loaf Islands.

For those with mobility issues, a generous donation by the TSB Bank means that mobility scooters are available from the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre for use on the Coastal Walkway. The scooters are free to use between 8am and midday, and 1pm-5pm, and are available every day except Christmas Day. For enquiries and bookings, contact the council (+64 6 759 6060).

Pukekura Park & Brooklands Zoo

Pukekura Park is an enchanting, world-renowned park covering about 52 hectares (128 acres) of land in the heart of New Plymouth. Awarded a Garden of National Significance in 2004, the park features bush walks, formal gardens, lakes, children’s play areas and a kiosk. The park includes the adjacent garden estate area of Brooklands, Brooklands Zoo and the historic colonial hospital The Gables.

The family-focused Brooklands Zoo is home to farmyard animals, otters, capuchin, and cotton-top tamarin monkeys and also has a free-flight aviary. The playground and picnic tables make it a great place for a safe, easy and free outing.

TSB Bowl of Brooklands houses an impressive outdoor sound stage, and the grass amphitheatre provides a spectacular venue for summer concerts. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Santana, WOMAD, Mark Knopfler, R.E.M., Jack Johnson and Elton John are among the many high-profile acts who have performed here.

The Fernery in Pukekura Park is a popular part of the park and features plants from around the world combined into stunning seasonal displays.

The park was also chosen by the directors of the blockbuster Hollywood film The Last Samurai as one of the film's locations. But whether you are a Hollywood star, a local resident or a visitor to New Plymouth, there’s something for everyone at Pukekura Park.

Opening hours

• Pukekura Park - 7.30am – 7.00pm during standard mean time, and 7.30am – 8.00pm during daylight savings.
• Brooklands Zoo - Daily 9.00am-5.00pm except Christmas Day.
• Fernery - Daily 8.00am-4.00pm except Christmas Day.

Address:

Brooklands Park Drive
New Plymouth

Phone: +64 6 759 6060

Fax: +64 6 759 6072

Web: Visit website