In the New Zealand Touring Atlas, the Whitecliffs walkway is listed as a hiking trail. Just north of New Plymouth off highway #3, it was easy to find. The rain hadn't started yet when we hiked the steep grade road from the parking area. Even on a gray day the view from the top of the cliff area, was refreshing. But construction was going on. New big homes were being built and there were driveways leading up to higher rolling hills. It was about a mile in on the trail when we came to a complete stop. The road/trail was not only blocked but there was a security guard on duty to stop us from going further. Friendly to talk to, the guard, but he was not about to let us go any further even though the trail actually didn't follow the road any longer but rather zig zaged across the now, wet grass.
When the tide is out, a hiker can follow the shore line, heading north and hopefully find the Whitecliffs walkway, if the signage is still standing. As you can see from the above image, the tide was moving in, on the Sunday morning we arrived. It would be a serious loss if the natives and visitors to New Zealand would loose ingress and egress rights to such a secluded area of coast line, due to construction of high end homes.
For further adventures check our web page:
www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com.
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