A weekend stay in New Plymouth, majestic Mt Taranaki in one direction, the iron-sanded coastline to the other, gave us a great mix of walking opportunities. Add in the centre's botanical jewel in its crown, Pukekura Park, and we are feeling spoiled for choice as we lace up our walking shoes.
We can manage only a sample of the network of walking tracks and pathways as we also want to visit the shiny new Len Lye Centre and New Plymouth's eclectic mix of shops and cafes. So we enlist some local knowledge to learn about their favourite tracks.
1: Coastal capers
First up is that magnificent coastline walk. We start from Len Lye's landmark Wind Wand sculpture. We walk as far as the East End Surf Reserve then return to bike further to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and then towards the port.
Anna McLaren, manager communications and experience, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, always enjoys the seaside walk.
"Running the length of New Plymouth city along our beautiful coastline, this has to be my favourite place to walk in the weekend and take our visitors. Meeting at the Wind Wand, it's the perfect place for a sunrise walk and coffee at Paris Plage along the way, or a wander in the stormy weather with the seas crashing against the rocks. My niece and nephew love coming here with their scooters, bikes and skateboards. The Te Henui Walkway, which is off the coastal walkway, is a beautiful place to run or take our doggies for a walk."
2: Pounding the park
Pukekura Park. Photo / Duchesne Markham
All the New Plymouth locals tell us they walk, run and escape for quiet time within the city environs at Pukekura Park and Brooklands. Lucky them.
We are shown the park by Stuart Robertson, manager parks operations, New Plymouth District Council. We're impressed by the number of walkways and the diversity, from sportsgrounds to bush walks, indoor gardens, petting zoo and playgrounds. Next Sunday is the annual Christmas at the Bowl, with a summer of the popular Festival of Lights and the Womad concerts.
The park is a favourite haunt of Coral Lambert and Mike Fahy, owners of the Taranaki Thermal Spa (the right place to head to ease muscle aches after long walks).
"One of our more tranquil favourites is Pukekura Park with the beautiful trees and birdlife that seem to envelop the senses," says Coral. "The tracks are easy and safe. We often see elderly enjoying this walk."
3: Surf watch
Oakura beach. Photo / Duchesne Markham
If you want to venture outside city environs, Stuart recommends: "Along the beach at Oakura, where I live, you can walk for miles on this rugged black sand beach. The sunsets are amazing, views of sand dunes in the foreground and a snow-covered Mt Taranaki in the distance add to its uniqueness, as does its shipwreck, the Gairloch (1903)."
Coral, too, often heads to Lucy's Gully, just past Oakura, 15 minutes out of town.
"At the base of the mountain ranges, this takes about an hour or more depending on how high you wish to venture to the most spectacular views over our city and ocean."
4: Mountain High
And then, of course, there are the Mount Taranaki walks.
We found tracks for those who just want a stroll (Wilkies Pools Loop and Potaema tracks, from 15 minutes), wishing we had longer to walk a couple of hours.
"Any of the walks through the alpine forest on Mt Taranaki are incredibly fascinating to anyone who loves nature," says Stuart. "Often called Goblin Forest due to it gnarly, twisted, stunted trees, masses of filmy ferns, mosses and mountain cabbage trees, it is a primeval place to wander around in. It feels like a land before time. There are numerous walks on the mountain catering for all levels of fitness and experience. The views across Taranaki and beyond are stunning.
Anna's pick of these mountain walks is to Pouakai Hut.
"This track begins at the end of Mangorei Rd, New Plymouth, and is a great day tramp, or you can stay overnight at Pouakai Hut. The walk takes us about 90 minutes (DoC signs allow two to three hours) to the Pouakai Tarns and a little less back down. It is mostly stairs and boardwalks, well maintained and accessible for all ages. This is such a stunning walk to do early in the morning to get up to the Tarns in time for sunrise - we did this last year for Mother's Day in remembrance of my Mum and were blessed with no wind, sunrise skies and perfect reflections of the mountain in the Tarns."
While you're there
Govett-Brewster Len Lye center. Photo / Duchesne Markham
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
The shiny new Len Lye Centre, all stainless steel curves, is worth the trip to the 'Naki alone. With plenty of other provocative work by New Zealand and international artists, giant kinetic works, films and more. Corner of Queen St and Devon St West, New Plymouth.
Start training now for the BDO Cycle Challenge, 150km around Mt Taranaki with plenty of social relays and a great prizegiving party, including a trip for 2 to Hawaii. Saturday, January 30.
NakiHat
You knew about this, right? Taranaki's inaugural Ultimate Frisbee beach tournament, at Oakura with top players from across the country. Join the crazy disc games and free coaching sessions. January 16 and 17, Oakura Beach
Drink to that
The Okurukuru Craft Beer and Wine Festival, at the winery, celebrates some of the region's finest. 738 Surf Highway 45, Saturday, January 30.
