Leaving the island isn't a big deal logistically but it takes an effort for me to adjust mentally. Heavy traffic, tall buildings and a faster pace of life take a while to get used to after my sleepy existence on Rakiura!
 |
| Early morning looking over Halfmoon Bay as I waited for the flight |
Flying off the island involves check-in at the Flights depot/Post Office 40 minutes prior to the flight. They weigh your bags, then you stand on the scales with your carry-on bag to get accurate weights for the flight. A free shuttle bus takes you up to the airstrip where you wait at the top of the road until the plane lands. A beautifully choreographed 'dance' between the plane and bus ends with them both in perfect position to transfer luggage and passengers.
 |
| Cloud front moving through over Oban |
I had long waits at both Invercargill and Wellington airports on my way to New Plymouth. It's fun watching commuters going about their business; the well-oiled flight schedules herding people around Aotearoa and perhaps even further afield. We left Wellington as the sun was setting - I was sitting on the wrong side of the plane to see Mt Taranaki against the sunset but had great views of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu on the Central Plateau.
The Weather Gods blessed me with great weather during my time in Taranaki for all but the last day and I enjoyed getting back on my pushbike and getting lots of walking in as well as a day tramp to Omaru Hut on the Matemateonga Ranges. The carpark at Kohi Saddle is about halfway between Mt Taranaki and the Central Plateau so we had a feast of stunning views of all the volcanoes.
 |
| Mt Taranaki - still my mountain |
 |
| Mt Taranaki dominates the landscape from all of Taranaki |
The Spring growth in New Plymouth was well in advance of Rakiura with native clematis and kowhai in full flower. Heaps of birds around where I was staying although the majority were mynah birds. I even saw a magpie hobnobbing with a bunch of seagulls on the beach.
 |
| The kowhai is in full-flower |
A visit to Pukekura Park is a must and while you're there visit the
Fernery and Display Houses. The blue orchid in the centre of the photo looked artificial and I had to feel it just to check it was real!
 |
| Beautiful coloured orchids in the Pukekura Park Fernery |
There's a lot of building going on in NP including a new subdivision and retirement village not far from where I lived in the 70s. The new
Govett Brewster/Len Lye gallery is starting to take shape and it will be interesting next time to see the fluted exterior walls that will covered in stainless steel. It's a lot fancier than the planned Rakiura Heritage Centre but I guess the island will only get a fraction of the visitors too.
 |
New Plymouth clock tower (left), new Govett Brewster extensions (middle)
and the restored White Hart Hotel (right) |
 |
| Curious cows near Stratford |
 |
| Mt Taranaki from the Stratford side |
The new ward block at Taranaki Base Hospital has been completed and it's so much nicer than the old ones. The rooms are spacious and light with 'quiet' flooring so trolleys don't rattle - and the staff were happy and relaxed. Each bed has its own TV although I'm not sure if all the patients could work out the console that controlled it!
 |
| Last day view of the mountain from Ward 2A, Taranaki Base Hospital |
I returned to the island with a heavier bag - great to stock up on a new pair of gumboots, have an eye test (thanks AA for the free check) and sort out new glasses. It was also lovely to see family and friends and help Jen celebrate her retirement. For now though, it's back to island living, kiwi in the garden and welcoming the Spring.
