Despite the popularity of the perfectly symmetrical peak of nearby Mount Taranaki that rises regally in the backdrop, New Plymouth has a lovely, relaxed vibe to it.

Not only was the city voted one of the world’s most liveable communities in 2009, but it’s also a wonderful place to visit for a long weekend. With plenty of well-maintained trails crisscrossing the mountain (or rather the volcano) slopes and eateries and cafes in town that will keep you occupied and well-fed.

What’s more, this city of barely 90’000 boasts a stunning, award-winning seaside promenade that makes for wonderful walks and runs along the oceanfront. A flat and paved, pram and wheelchair friendly walkway that curves in gentle waves along the coastline for 13 kilometres.

There’s no other city in New Zealand I can think of that has pulled off a similar pedestrian-friendly feat.

In the late afternoon, the Coastal Walkway that skirts the edge of the sea from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to Bell Block Beach is packed with runners and cyclists exercising after work, people walking their dogs, and teens racing one another on skateboards.

Views of the port, families picnicking on the beach, and surfers trying to catch one of the waves rolling onto Fitzroy Beach, blend seamlessly with a rural, back-country scenery of dunes, coastal lagoons, and farmland as the path reaches the outskirts of the city at the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.

The 83-metre-long bridge is shaped like a whale skeleton and the pointed arch formed by the ribs perfectly aligned to Mount Taranaki.

While New Zealand has a plethora of tramping tracks, we didn’t find many urban walkways of similar length to the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, away from the road and catering to all walking and cycling abilities.

Note that on a rough day when the waves crashing into the seawall are too high, the walkway may be closed. Parking is available at many of the access points along the promenade, but if you’re staying at Little Church Bay, the walkway is only a few steps away.

This bed & breakfast, separated from the water’s edge only by the walkway itself, is, without doubt, the best accommodation to set out from for an early morning run. While you’ve got sweeping views across the shoreline and walkway from the lounge and porch, the elevated property cannot be seen by anyone passing on the walkway below.