SS Gairloch wreck and the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway 2020

SS Gairloch wreck, Taranaki

Discover the rusted skeleton of the Gairloch, a coastal steamer that ran aground on a moonless night in 1903. The bow of the SS Gairloch is slowly crumbling into the sand near Oakura on Taranaki’s coast. This rusted iron skeleton has been a local landmark for more than 100 years.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Ideal for walking, running, cycling or skating, the walkway boasts dramatic views and has numerous access points dotted along the way.

Beginning at Hickford Park, meander through picturesque farmland past the Waipu Lagoons and to the coastline to walk alongside the New Plymouth Golf Club before reaching Te Rewa Rewa Reserve.

Crossing the impressive Te Rewa Rewa bridge, which frames Mt Taranaki, go on to the Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park, and visit surf beaches at Fitzroy and East End.

Approaching the central section of the walkway see New Plymouth District’s iconic Len Lye Wind Wand(opens in new window),interesting stone carvings and public art or access the central business district – home to the award-winning heritage and information centre Puke Ariki(opens in new window) and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery(opens in new window).

Heading west, the walkway winds past the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre(opens in new window), Kawaroa Park and playground then heads to the marina at the Port and Ngamotu Beach – a safe swimming beach for the family.

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