Last updated November 2026
The Waiwhakaiho Walkway is a short riverside link between the suburb of Merrilands and the Coastal Walkway. It follows the Waiwhakaiho River for 1.9 km one way, from Merrilands past the Rimu Street business area to the netball courts, and New Plymouth District Council grades it Easy.
From the netball courts it is a short walk through Fitzroy to the Coastal Walkway. You can get on at Riversdale Drive, Rimu Street, Devon Road or Raiomiti Street.
Practical Information
- Access points
- Riversdale Drive, Rimu Street, Devon Road and Raiomiti Street
- Length
- 1.9 km one way
- Grade
- Easy (NPDC); bike grade 2, easy (Herenga ā Nuku)
- Route
- Merrilands, along the Waiwhakaiho River, past Rimu Street to the netball courts near Fitzroy
- Parking
- On-street parking at most access points
- Helmets
- Required: road user rules apply on NPDC walkways
- Managed by
- New Plymouth District Council
- Status
- Check New Plymouth District Council’s Waiwhakaiho Walkway page for current closures before you ride
About Waiwhakaiho Walkway
This is a connector more than a destination. The path runs beside the Waiwhakaiho River, tying the suburb of Merrilands to the coast, and passes the Rimu Street business area on the way.
The walkway finishes at the netball courts. From there Fitzroy’s streets lead to the Coastal Walkway, which opens up the rest of New Plymouth’s waterfront riding.
The council lists the walkway as Easy, and the national Herenga ā Nuku track data gives it a bike grade of 2, the easy end of the scale.
Sharing the Path
NPDC treats its river paths as shared paths, open to people walking, dogs on leads, children, scooters and bikes. The council asks riders to ride to the conditions, keep left, and slow down and ring a bell or call out when coming up behind people on foot. Road user rules apply, so helmets are required.
From locals
Are there any public toilets along the path or near the netball courts?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Waiwhakaiho Walkway?
1.9 km one way.
How hard is it?
The council grades it Easy, and it has a bike grade of 2 (easy) in the Herenga ā Nuku data.
Where can I start?
At Riversdale Drive, Rimu Street, Devon Road or Raiomiti Street.
Is there parking?
On-street parking is available at most access points.
Does it connect to the Coastal Walkway?
Nearly. It ends at the netball courts, and from there it is a short walk through Fitzroy to the Coastal Walkway.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes. Road user rules apply on NPDC walkways.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- New Plymouth District Council: Waiwhakaiho Walkway: grade, distance, access points and a map. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0).
- New Plymouth District Council: Coastal Walkway: the waterfront path the walkway connects to.