B and G in New Zealand: New Plymouth/Egmont National Park 2018

Our first night in New Plymouth, we walked into the botanical gardens of Pukekura Park to see the Festival of Light (a yearly display from the middle of December - February 5). One entrance to the park is on one side of the home we are staying in. Walking through the park at night gives one similar sensations to being in Disney World at night. New Plymouth does an excellent job creating light displays paired with music. There are also performances in the various venues each night.

Afternoon tea at the Tea House at Pukepura Park

Performance in Pukekura Park

Janet Muggeridge & Dave Murphy Performance

Pan - fun for everyone

Mt Taranaki is the central point of Egmont National Park. This dormant volcano last erupted around 1755 and is approximately 125,000 years old. The second oldest national park in New Zealand, Egmont National Park began in 1900. The more widely used Mauri name of Mt. Taranaki is now used for Mount Egmont.

Approaching Taranaki from New Plymouth

Driving to Mount Taranaki

Mount Taranaki from the North Egmont Visitor Centre

We walked two of the tracks through "goblin forests" - Ngatoro and Connett Tracks.

Genie walking Connett Trail

Lichen

Goblin Forest

Kapuni Tack and Wilkies Pool Track

Lookout at Dawson Falls Visitors Centre

Goblin Forests

G listening to a gray warbler

Dawson Falls

Kapuni Loop Track

Wilke's Pools

Wilke's Pool Track

Our favorite "goblin forest" walk East Egmont
Patea Loop Track

Manuka Flowers - favorite of bees for making
Manuka honey that has acclaimed medicinal powers

We enjoyed an overcast day by walking in Tupare gardens just outside of the city of New Plymouth. We definitely want to go back for exercise and to explore the beautiful gardens. In late October and early November, the Gardens are abloom with azaleas and rhododendrons. People come from all over to view them. This time of year there is every color hydrangea that you can imagine.