2 Best Sights in North Island's West Coast, New Zealand

Step out of the city and onto the coast by taking a stroll or cycle along this gentle coastal path, which meanders for 13 km (8 miles), from Port Taranaki to Hickford Park (a rugby and bike park). It explores beaches and playgrounds, crosses rivers, passes by a golf course, and runs beneath the Wind Wand, a sculpture almost as iconic to New Plymouth residents as the Statue of Liberty is to New Yorkers. Created by the late New Zealand artist Len Lye, the red carbon-fiber tube stands 148 feet high and, like a conductor's baton, dances in the wind as Lye's tribute to what he called "tangible motion." Leaving the city confines the walkway crosses the startling white Te Rewa Rewa Bridge (Mt. Taranaki framed in the bridge's struts makes a great photo) into farmland and past the Waipu Lagoons, a wetland reserve.

With its limestone features (fluted outcrops, arches, tunnels, and caves), open farmland, and native forest, the 5-km (3-mile) Waitomo Walkway is an interesting short trek. Start at the Waitomo i-SITE Discovery Centre and follow the path beside the Waitomo River. You can return the same way, or follow the road (a bit shorter). Alternatively, you can drive to Ruakuri Reserve (from the Village take Te Anga Road then Tumutumu Road), and just walk the 30-minute loop through natural rock tunnels, across cantilevered bridges, and beneath limestone bluffs. The trail is slippery following wet weather, and there are steep sections, so wear good walking shoes.

Many people come after dusk for a free viewing of the local glowworms; bring a flashlight to find your way.