Te Henui walkway - New Plymouth
An added attraction which can be accessed from the walkway, up a short hill and signposted, is the old 24 acre Te Henui Cemetery which was established in1861 as a public one. It is heritage and contains graves and information on the early settlers.
It is well worth a visit, has maintained its character from the old era and is complimented by colourful still flowering plants winding their way up and along the old wrought iron fences and old headstones. It is especially attractive in spring and autumn.
Old roses, daisies and other plants happily bloom unattended for years but kept tidy by the local council and several dedicated volunteers. There is a path further along the cemetery that takes you back down onto the walkway. This cemetery alone can be a walk on its own merit.
Once back on the walkway there are information boards on the history of the different areas along the way.
Route description
With many entry points onto this walkway the main and most popular is at the mouth of the Te Henui River where it runs into the sea at East End Beach off the Coastal Walkway by the footbridge. It is signposted. There is plenty of vehicle parking nearby and don’t forget your camera.
Follow the concrete path inland from the Coastal Walkway footbridge and around over another the little foot bridge past the bowling club turning left at the croquet club and continue keeping to the path where you can’t go wrong. You will be following the river for the length of your walk/cycle.
After passing under two overhead road bridges you will see the signpost inviting you to visit the cemetery just up the hill to the right of the path. You can detour through there and exit back down onto the main path further along again if you wish.
Further along pass through the Waiweka Reserve over the footbridge across the river and once over turn right