Monday, February 19, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Plymouth, New Zealand

**Mt Taranaki, New Plymouth, New Zealand**

Where in the World Are We?

We are in New Plymouth on the South Island of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND
EXPLORE THE STUNNING “GOBLIN FOREST” OF THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

When asked to describe his homeland, (Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit director) Peter Jackson said “New Zealand is not a small country but a large village” and never a truer word was spoken about New Plymouth.

Named after Plymouth in England when the first British settlers arrived in 1841, the city is a hybrid of traditions. Treasure, stories, and culture fuse perfectly together with coastal walkways, botanic gardens, and award-winning golf courses in this bubbly, artsy city.

Located in the Taranaki Region on New Zealand’s North Island, New Plymouth has won multiple awards for its positive attitude towards pedestrians and cyclists and community sustainability. Ruled by the great outdoors and more notably Mount Taranaki, this majestic 8261 feet snow-capped active volcano looms over the city with the ever-present threat of eruption (although the last eruption dates back to 1814), thus making the city and its surroundings a veritable haven for those who love outdoor pursuits.

Rising above the clouds, the volcano beckons walkers and those who do make it to the top are compensated with spectacular sea vistas from their privileged position, perched high above the city.

TE REWA REWA BRIDGE
At the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River, you can find an iconic landmark and truly unique artwork: the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Thanks to its spectacular setting, shape, and sightlines, the sparkling white structure attracts visitors to walk, run, or cycle along the Coastal Walkway.

Since opening in 2010, the bridge has won numerous awards for both its innovative architecture and impressive engineering. While its curving steel arches were designed to look like the skeleton of a whale or a breaking wave, the bridge’s flow and form highlight the harmonious relationship between the land, sea, and wind. An impressive sight is the snow-topped Mount Taranaki majestically framed by the structure of the bridge.

SIGHTS

Pukekura Park
Egmont National Park
Puke Ariki Museum
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
Brooklands Zoo
Tūpare Garden
Dawson Falls

Today’s Excursion – New Plymouth Panoramas
We enjoyed this panoramic tour of New Plymouth covering all the must-see sights in the area.
Panoramic Views, Moturoa Lookout, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, Pukekura Park
We departed the pier and traveled to Moturoa Lookout, a scenic lookout point with 360-degree views of the region. From here, we followed the coastline to the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a popular landmark of the region. Its shape represents the bones of a whale. Next, we visited the spectacular Pukekura Park, often described as the Jewel in New Plymouth’s crown. This park features two lakes, stunning waterways, greenery & birdlife, all just a stone’s throw from the central city. Lastly, we spent time exploring the downtown area and its museums.

TONIGNT’S ENTERTAINMENT – AMI WILLIAMSON
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST & VOCALIST
1960s Folk Music Show – A trip down memory lane.
Hits from Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Pete Seeger, and
many more.

“Ami has passion and personality plus; she quite simply creates a buzz!” – (Newport Folk Festival).
”Ami Williamson is my favorite Australian act” – (Folk Icon, Judy Collins). Ami Williamson is a lot better than any singer has a right to be” – (The Washington Post).

Ami is the daughter of Australian music icon, True Blue John Williamson.