The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway runs for 13 kilometres along the waterfront from Bell Block in the east to Lake Rotomanu in the west, past the port, past the Wind Wand sculpture, and along cliffs and beaches with Mount Taranaki visible inland on a clear day. It is the spine of New Plymouth's outdoor life — used by walkers, runners, and cyclists at all hours.
The section between the city centre and the port is the most scenic, with good views of the Tasman Sea and the rocky coastline. The walkway is entirely flat and well-surfaced. You can do a good two-hour section without retracing your steps if you arrange a pick-up or leave a bike at each end. On a clear day, with Taranaki glowing above the city, this is one of the more beautiful urban waterfronts in New Zealand.