New Plymouth Coastal Walkway facts for kids
The Coastal Walkway is a super cool path that stretches for about 12.7 kilometers (that's nearly 8 miles!) along the coast of New Plymouth, New Zealand. It's a great place for walking, running, and cycling. This amazing walkway starts near Port Taranaki. It then goes past the main part of the city, through Hickford Park, and past Bell Block Beach. The path ends at Tiromoana Crescent in Bell Block, which is north-east of New Plymouth. Along the way, you'll cross several bridges, with the most famous one being the incredible Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Building the Coastal Walkway
The Coastal Walkway is a special path built along the coastline. It was first created in 1999. Back then, it was about 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles) long. At the same time, a famous artwork called the Wind Wand was also put in place.
Growing the Walkway
In 2010, the walkway got even longer! An extra 3 kilometers were added, extending the path all the way to Bell Block. This project was a team effort between the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). They wanted to encourage people to walk or cycle instead of always using cars.
Then, in 2014, the walkway grew again! It was extended to Tiromoana Crescent in Bell Block, making its total length 12.7 kilometers. In 2016, another path called the Mangati Pathway was added. This new path connects the Coastal Walkway across Bell Block, following the Mangati Reserve, all the way to State Highway 3.
Awards and Recognition
The Coastal Walkway has won many awesome awards over the years! These awards celebrate how well it was designed and how much people enjoy using it.
- Outstanding Project Award (2011): The New Zealand Recreation Association gave this award for the big extension of the Coastal Walkway, which included the path and the amazing Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
- Supreme Award for Roading Excellence (2011): Roading New Zealand also recognized the walkway extension and the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge with their top award.
- International Bridge Awards for Te Rewa Rewa Bridge (2011): The Te Rewa Rewa Bridge won two international awards:
- The Aesthetics Medium Award in Poland, for its beautiful design.
- The Arthur G. Hayden Medal from the International Bridge Conference, for being an outstanding and innovative bridge.
- Urban Category Award (2009): Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architecture won this award for designing the walkway's special bridge that goes over the railway at Liardet Street.
- Environmentally Sustainable Projects Award (2008): The walkway won a gold award in the Natural Section of the LivCom Awards for being a great example of an environmentally friendly project.
- Best Cycle Facility Project Award (2008): The Gemini Cycle Friendly Awards recognized the Coastal Pathway as the best place for cycling.
- George Malcolm Award (2006): The NZ Institute of Landscape Architects gave this award for the walkway's excellent landscape design.
- Gold Award (2003): The NZ Institute of Landscape Architects also gave a Gold Award for the walkway's design.
- Outstanding Project Award (2003): The New Zealand Recreation Association gave another Outstanding Project Award for the walkway.
- Resene Award for Architecture (2002): The New Zealand Institute of Architects recognized the foreshore toilets along the walkway for their design.
- Creative Places Award (2002): Creative New Zealand also gave a special mention to the walkway for being a creative public space.
