Page 132 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

left lies the grey-blueish Pacific Ocean sending crashing arch bridge, I turn around and see majestic Mt Taranaki
white waves to shore and to the right towers the snow- through the “ribs”, fully comprehending the architect’s
capped, near-perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki. Cross- intention to represent the sacred relationship between
ing the Te Henui stream and passing Fitzroy Beach, one the land, sea, and wind with the Ngati Tawhirikura tribe
of the area’s many black sand beaches, I reach Te Rewa as the different design elements perfectly compliment
Rewa Bridge after an hour’s walk. each other.
Approaching it via the walkway from the side, the The next morning, I join a walking tour of historical New
beauty of its form, reminiscent of both a breaking wave Plymouth, guided by Mike Nightingale, a retired teacher
and whale skeleton, does not become apparent until I and local resident since 1974. The city is visibly, like most
stand right in front of it. After walking through the tied of New Zealand, marked by its English heritage. Origi-

132 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018