Last updated November 2026
Getting children to school off the road is the job the council gives the Mangaotuku Walkway. This 1.5 km path follows the Mangaotuku Stream from Botany Place in Marfell to the end of Moulton Street, giving an off-road route down towards the Coastal Walkway and the Moturoa shops.
New Plymouth District Council grades it Easy and names it as ideal for students at St Joseph’s, Devon Intermediate and West End schools. There are plenty of ways on, from Calvert Road to Endeavour Place, with car parking at or near every access point.
Practical Information
- Start
- Botany Place, Marfell, or the end of Moulton Street
- Other access points
- Calvert Road, Lawry Street, Devon Street, Wiremu Place, Cook Street, Vancouver Place and Endeavour Place
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Grade
- Easy (NPDC); bike grade 2, easy (Herenga ā Nuku)
- Parking
- At or near all access points
- Helmets
- Required: road user rules apply on NPDC walkways
- Managed by
- New Plymouth District Council
- Status
- Check New Plymouth District Council’s Mangaotuku Walkway page for current closures before you ride
About Mangaotuku Walkway
The walkway traces the Mangaotuku Stream from Marfell down towards Moturoa. Its purpose, as the council describes it, is practical: to get people from Marfell down towards the coast without having to use the road.
The council singles out students heading to St Joseph’s, Devon Intermediate and West End schools, and anyone going to the Moturoa shops.
It is short and graded Easy, and the Herenga ā Nuku track data gives it bike grade 2. Access points off streets including Calvert Road, Lawry Street and Devon Street let you join or leave it partway.
Riding to School
For young riders the walkway offers an off-road stretch towards St Joseph’s, Devon Intermediate and West End schools. On shared paths, NPDC’s riding advice is to give people on foot plenty of space and avoid startling them as you come past. Because the council applies road user rules on its walkways, cyclists must wear helmets.
From locals
How hard is the Mangaotuku Walkway for cycling?
What's the surface like along the stream, and is it okay for riding after rain?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
Like New Plymouth’s outdoors?
Explore New Plymouth Weekly has a walk or park idea every week, plus local news and weekend picks. Free every Thursday.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mangaotuku Walkway?
1.5 km, from Botany Place to the end of Moulton Street.
Is it suitable for kids?
The council grades it Easy and names it as ideal for students at St Joseph’s, Devon Intermediate and West End schools.
Where can I get on?
At Botany Place, Moulton Street, or access points off Calvert Road, Lawry Street, Devon Street, Wiremu Place, Cook Street, Vancouver Place and Endeavour Place.
Is there parking?
Yes, at or near all the access points.
Where does it lead?
Down from Marfell towards the Coastal Walkway and the Moturoa shops.
Are there rules for riders?
Road user rules apply on NPDC walkways, so cyclists must wear helmets.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- New Plymouth District Council: Mangaotuku Walkway: grade, access points and a map. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0).
- NPDC Let’s Go: Riding in New Plymouth: shared path etiquette and route tips.