Māori Myths and New Plymouth // E A S T E R R O A D Y
I was surprised by how beautiful New Plymouth is. A city atop cliffs framed on one side by the ocean and a proud mountain on the other. Sadly during our time there we could not see the peak of Mt Taranaki as the clouds closed in around it. As some one from BC it was weird to see a perfect cone shaped mountain standing alone but there is definitely some magic behind it. According Māori legend, Mt Taranaki used to live in the middle of the north island with Ruapehu, Tongariro, Ngāruahoe and Tauhara. Amongst them the beautiful Pihanga mountain, the only female. Pihanga was the loved by all these mountains and a battle ensured between the mountains for her affections. It is said that after Tongariro won, Taranaki headed west anger, carving a path in the earth between the two mountains. His tears filled his path and created the Wanganui River.
The night we arrived in New Plymouth was the first night I really felt that summer was over. It was pretty cold, though my friend did say that its normal. Her reasoning: its not cold until theres snow on the mountain. I laughed. As a Canadian, this is actually a pretty accurate description of being "cold". Sure enough it didn't take us long to get a nice layer of warmth on as we were welcomed in.
Beccie and her friends welcomed us in with open arms, preparing us for the paddocks. I love meeting new people and these people are cool! As per usual, we played the standard drinking games, getting to know each other and realising, once again, that my boyfriend is the master of spinning yarns. When we were ready, we made our way to the paddock. If I'm being honest, I only knew one of the names that were performing.
Though we had a bumpy start, with tickets being forgotten and phones getting lost in the mud, it was still a great night. We even snuck into VIP, and for those who know me well I do not do well at breaking rules! I could barely sneak into the beer gardens at the rodeo back home in Canada. I think the highlight of the night though was getting dropped off to the front door of our house by the free bus provided by the event. Sometimes not being a local pays off!
The morning after, we emerged into the living room, peaking for a little and then fading fast as we were tidying up after ourselves. Beccie took us over to her parents house and we had a solid breakfast, giving us enough of a life boost to go for a tour around New Plymouth. Originally we had planned on exploring the Egmont National Park, but if there is one tip I can give you about traveling New Zealand it is to keep an eye on the Department of Conservations website. It tells you when tracks are down/unadvised and it also gives you a pretty detailed description on how to prepare oneself for the elements.
We then went and explored aspects of the Coastal Walkway. At 13km in length, this walkway hugs the cliffs in which New Plymouth sits atop and stretches along the entire length of the city. We stopped in to see New Plymouths iconic Len Lye Wind Wand before heading to the Te Rewa Rewa bridge. The bridge has been designed to frame Mt Taranaki, a sacred mountain, as well as honour the scared grounds on which it anchors to. We then went to a cute cafe called Monica's Eatery and had some of the best fried chicken of my life. After that we headed across the road to what I can only call is the coolest place I have ever eaten a donut. I look it up and I am directed to the Public Catering Company but this place is more like the coolest food court you have ever eaten in. I suggest looking at New Plymouths West End Precinct if you are ever heading there.
I really loved my time there. In another life I could definitely see myself living there - It is truly beautiful! If your about traveling off the beaten track, Taranaki is definitely the place to go. We were lucky to be spoiled by Beccie and her family. They welcomed us in and looked after us as if we were their own. I know that both Nathan and I will hold New Plymouth as a very special place in our hearts because of them.
This unplanned Easter Weekend was exactly what I needed and I am so happy we just went for it! Though, I would not suggest ignoring government warnings to stay off the roads haha!
Ps. You found Lydia xx
Pps. Thank you to everyone for all the love and support I have received from everyone. I never thought that anyone would like what I would have to say.
