New Plymouth
This is my very first time in New Plymouth, Taranaki, and I loved it immediately. It is full of unique things, like this doggy poo container. From the outset I found everyone friendly, helpful and very relaxed. Added to that, the scenery around here is sensational, with Mount Egmont, Taranaki Maunga, 2518metres in height, in the centre. It is an awesome view as you fly in, to see this dormant volcano with snow covering its peak, as the plane descends to the airport close by. My first visit was to Pukekura Park, situated in the heart of the city. What an introduction to New Plymouth, what a place! The park and gardens are huge, dwarfing our incredible Botanical Gardens in Christchurch. You could easily spend most of the day there, Lakes, streams, native forests, rhododendon dells and ferneries are just some of its incredible attractions. I thoroughly enjoyed strolling beside the stream, with the dappled light casting wonderful shadows onto the tanniny water. The ferns alongside the str...