Page 134 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

nally called Ngāmotu (the islands) by local Māori, it was
not until 1841–42 that planned settlement by the Plym-
outh Company brought 868 immigrants from Devon
and Cornwall (UK) to the ‘New‘ Plymouth. Time flies as
we stroll along historical sights like Richmond Cottage,
Marsland Hill and Alpha Mill while Nightingale recalls
stories like that of Rev. Bollard who insisted the Cathe-
dral Church of St Mary was built in stone rather than
wood (“Only the best is good enough for God”).
My most vivid memory of my inaugural visit to New
Plymouth is the Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park.
Walking at night through a beautifully illuminated bo-
tanical garden, surrounded by light installations and art-
ists’ performances was something truly magical. Time
to figure out if the park could live up to its reputation as
one of the best in the country at daytime.
“When we were children, my friends and I used to get
lost in Pukekura,” recalls local Danny Robbie when I ask
for the best way to approach the park. Evidently, at 128
acres and with a diverse range of landscapes includ-
ing formal gardens, lakes and walking trails, it is rather
huge. Luckily, plenty of maps and signs help the lost
wanderer.
I stroll from the Fountain Lake to the Mishima Gate,
a traditional red Japanese torii gate before reaching the
main lake. From the pier at the recently refurbished Tea-
house on the Lake, I can see Mt Taranaki surrounded
by clouds above the red Poet’s Bridge from 1884. I con-
tinue around the lake through a medley of exotic flow-
ers, foreign tree specimen, and native bush. It is so quiet
at times, it is hard to image I am in the middle of a city
with nearly 70,000 people. Birds chirp and sing along
the way.
On the evening before our departure, my husband
and I meet friends who moved to New Plymouth a few
years ago. Having lived in other major cities through-
out the country, they feel at home here. “It really was a
lifestyle choice for us,” say Angus and Natalie McLeod.
“The houses are still affordable, we commute 15 min to
work and are spoilt for outdoor choices between beach
and mountain”. My better half winks at me. “How about
New Plymouth now?,” he asks. “Okay, okay,” I laugh.
“I’m in”. u

More information: www.visit.taranaki.info/

Fountain Lake at Pukekura Park. Bottom: fish pond
at fernery in Pukekura Park. Photo Wibke Carter.

134 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018