What it is
The walkway was built in 1999 as a foreshore path of about 7 kilometres and has since been extended several times: in 2010 by about 3 kilometres, in 2014 to Tiromoana Crescent in Bell Block, and in 2016 with a link to State Highway 3. It is paved, level for most of its length and shared by walkers, runners and cyclists, with sea walls, beaches and parks along the way.
Near the city centre stands the Wind Wand, a 48-metre kinetic sculpture designed by Len Lye that sways in the wind and has a red sphere lit by LEDs at night; it was opened on 1 January 2000. Further east, the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge over the Waiwhakaiho River, opened in 2010, frames a view of Mount Taranaki and has won international awards.
Getting there by bus
This section of the walkway, west of the city centre, is reached from St Aubyn Street. Route 1 (Moturoa) stops at St Aubyn Street (near 411) Devon Int (stop 1305), about 290 metres away, together with the Saturday Orbiter 10B, and on the opposite side at St Aubyn Street (opposite 381) Devon Int (stop 1335), about 310 metres away, with the Saturday Orbiter 10A.
Routes 2 (Whalers Gate) and 3 (Lynmouth/Marfell) stop on Devon Street West (stops 1138 and 1128), about 620 to 650 metres from the shore. The Wind Wand is a walk of about 20 minutes east along the path towards the city centre.
