Coastal pathway extension (Otupaiia/Marine Park, Waitara to Mangati/Bell Block)

The Coastal Walkway is undoubtedly one of the most popular features of our district, for both residents and visitors alike. Not only will we be delivering more of what people love, but we’ll also have a safe off-road route for leisure activities and commuting between New Plymouth to Waitara. People will have access to landscapes they haven’t been able to reach before, and we’ll be connecting communities as well as making deeper connections with our histories.

All three stages will be 9.7km combined, which will take the full length (from Waitara’s Otupaiia/Marine Park to Ngamotu Beach) of the walkway to 22.9km.

Going coastal for the entire length was too difficult for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the number of urupa and historical sites along the coast that need to be treated respectfully. There are also issues around coastal erosion, nesting birds and airport security. We have plans to make the route a stunning experience for all users, including a coastal stretch at Bell Block and Waitara.

We aim to begin later this year and to have the entire pathway completed by the end of 2027. Construction of stages two and three depends on confirmation of land purchases and some additional funding.

We plan to start at Otupaiia/Marine Park and work our way westward. Stage one runs from the Tuna Boardwalk in Waitara to the intersection of Brown and Tate roads.

The pathway has been designed in partnership with representatives of Manukorihi, Otaraua, Pukerangiora and Puketapu Hapū, with the support of Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust. The look-and-feel was developed with specific stories in mind, which are represented in the design and including some highlight areas.

We undertook an intensive design refinement process to reduce the cost of the project. We looked at the type of path materials, the width of path, the size of rest areas, the amount of earthworks, lighting and bridge design, and using revegetation instead of specimen planting. 

The total estimated cost is $39.4m including $18m from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The shared pathway will encourage more people out of cars and onto active transport between Waitara and New Plymouth. In addition, the design includes 96,000 new plants, the regeneration of wetlands and the creation of reserves.

There are many:

• Reconnecting tangata whenua to natural resources, heritage, spiritual, traditional and cultural values.  
• Restoring the whenua and providing opportunities to educate path users on the significant cultural, traditional, historical and spiritual landscape the shared pathway passes through. 
• Connecting communities: Connecting Waitara and Bell Block communities and onwards to New Plymouth. Extending the shared pathway from Waitara will encourage exploration of the town’s history and environment by more locals and visitors. 
• Health benefits: The development of the Coastal Walkway over the years has encouraged people to get moving and explore our remarkable landscape. We expect this extension will do the same thing; get people on bikes, on foot, on skateboards and scooters, encouraging physical health and development. 
• Accessible for all: The path will be designed for everyone using active modes of transport. Those who rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or parents with prams can enjoy the pathway without the difficulty of kerbs or steps.  
• Safer: A safe walking and cycling connection between communities for commuting and recreation. The path will provide an alternative for cyclists to using SH3. 

We are still working through this. However, it is likely the pathway will have additional reserves, viewing points, rest areas, seating, cycle parking and toilets. We are also working with hapū to enhance the area around the pathway for a broader experience including access to new public spaces.

No, it won’t. The existing bridge was installed to carry the wastewater pipe from Waitara to New Plymouth and a footpath was added on top. However, it’s in an area with historical significance that needs protection, so we’re righting a wrong by working with our hapū partners to identify a better route across the stream.