Holidaying in New Plymouth

Mt Taranaki reflected in the Pouakai Tarn

Caper Egmont Lighthouse

SS Gairloch wreck

Govett Brewster art Gallery

By the Camphouse at Egmont Visitor Centre

Poets Bridge at Pukekura Park

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Tongaporutu

The Three Sisters at Tongaporutu

Elephant Rock

The Scout and I recently returned from our annual winter holiday.  This time we went to New Plymouth, on the West Coast of the North Island, a beautiful coastal city dominated by Mt Taranaki.  We were blessed with the most fabulous fine but cold weather, so each day were able to see the snow topped mountain from pretty much everywhere we went.

Probably the highlight of the trip was doing one of my bucket list day hikes - The Pouakai Tarn track. Its a relatively easy walk, approximately 6.3 km of boardwalk and stairs, uphill to the hut, downhill to the tarn and vice versa on the way back.  We were fortunate to have a gloriously fine wind free day, so were able to get the fabulous reflection photos the tarn is renowned for, even though there was ice on it.

New Plymouth is a beautiful city, lovely street art, a coastal walkway, great eateries and galleries, and parks.

Well worth visiting.

 

January - Looking back

 

Well the first month of 2025 is over, and my intention of blogging twice a month has already passed.  So this post, hopefully not too long and rambling, is a summary of the highlights and fun stuff I did during the month, starting at the end of the month, as the title says - looking back.

• The best part of January is always my summer break away at the beach.  Just my husband and me (it's quite lovely now my kids are young adults and can look after themselves now), at our favourite beach at Mangawhai Heads.  I paddle boarded each morning before breakfast on amazingly clear calm waters, lazed around reading, ate gelatos and had a fabulous day boogie boarding at the surf beach,  We took a day trip to Whangarei and visited the Hundertwasser Art Centre and the Packard Car Museum.

• One of my intentions this year is to finish the top of my "make it up as I go" quilt.  I haven't touched this since 2023, so have sort of forgotten what I had intended.  I've since drafted a rough plan, and jotted down some ideas, and have started some epp which will be appliqued to a panel.

• I'm trying to walk each morning for 30 minutes before I go to work.  I've noticed its already getting darker in the mornings, but I have been treated to some amazing sunrises.

• I have lived in Auckland for 28 years and never walked up to the top of Mt Eden the highest volcano (196m) in Auckland.  It is dormant and offers fabulous views across the city in all directions.  I finally got to do it on a warm and rather blustery day.  

• My first garment make for the year is the Gibbons Slip Dress from Elbe Textiles.  Its a relatively simple dress, cut on the bias, so fits beautifully but not tightly.  Mine is made from a black linen viscose blend from spotlight

Wishing you all a wonderful February.

Holidaying in Brisbane

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to spend my birthday week  in Brisbane.  I stayed with my sister and her family.  We shopped, enjoyed the odd cocktail or two, went on early morning walks and I especially enjoyed the warm weather. We spent a day in Canungra with friends and I also went paddle boarding with a friend at Coochiemudlo.  On my last evening  I was treated to a Candlelight concert at St Johns Anglican Cathedral.

I had a wonderful time, it's a bit hard being back at work now.