We decided to stay a further day with Bill and Margaret in New Plymouth as there was still much for us to see here and we love being here. After an Ibuprofen breakfast had kicked in for Yvonne and catching up with stuff, we left to have a leisurely day around New Plymouth.
First stop was the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge which is a pedestrian bridge shaped like a breaking wave and positioned in such a way across the river it frames Mt Taranaki. There were some beautiful wooden seating areas so Yvonne lay out on one getting some sun whilst Glenn massaged her calves back to life.
Hobbling back to the car we drove to Mikes organic brewery where we anticipated tasty craft real ales. Funnily enough a young girl from Manchester served us and helped us with our pick of four beers to taste. Indoors, we found a comfortable sofa next to their traditional pine Christmas tree as the wind was getting very strong. Thank goodness we weren't up the mountain today. Same as last Sunday's visit to the brewery in Napier, there were Christmas do's on here and it had a lively atmosphere.
We drove back along the coast road passing through the central part of New Plymouth to the Harbour where we climbed one of the volcanic plugs, Paritutu
to see the Sugar Loaf Islands just offshore, these being volcanic plugs too, all remnants of a very large volcano that was the millions of years ago. The climb up started with a sedate wooden staircase which then turned to high rise staircase and then the last part of the climb involved scrambling up rocks using a chain to lug yourself up. Yvonne made it to the top cursing under her breathe about how much her calves hurt. The view back to Mt Taranaki from this height showed the level land between the sea and the start of the mountain where much of the city is.
We planned an early dinner back home so we could get back in to the city to get to see the Christmas lights in the park and there were a couple of bands playing. However, Bill informed us he had managed to get the Strictly Final in the TC via the internet. It was no brainer. We had dinner then nestled down to watch the SCD Final with Margaret popping in with a welcomed cuppa tea. Made Yvonne's Christmas out here!
We are gonna miss these guys!
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| The Te Rewa Rewa bridge frames MT Taranaki |
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| Which one first? It's a tough job but someone has to do it. |
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| Mt Taranaki oversees New Plymouth |
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| Yvonne hauls herself up Paritutu |
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| Super hosts - Margaret and Bill |
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