Exploring New Plymouth
I recently went on a trip to New Plymouth, all excited to capture some amazing shots for my next word art project. Unfortunately the weather did not play ball! It was gloomy and drizzling most of the time, which made it really challenging to capture the beauty of the place. Mt Taranaki was shrouded in cloud and the Rewa Rewa bridge was getting repaired but I still managed to set about exploring New Plymouth.
Coastal Walkway
So, I decided to explore the city in other ways. I started off by checking out a small part of the Coastal Walkway. The walkway is approx. 13 kms long and ideal for activities of all sorts. It was rather wild and windy but I did come across the Wind Wand a 48 metre kinetic sculpture, made to designs by artist Len Lye. Also nearby was the stainless steel sculpture “Light of the Land” created by artist Howard Tuffery.
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- Wind Wand
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- Sculpture
Art Galleries
Next up, in exploring New Plymouth, I checked out a couple of the the city’s art galleries. New Plymouth has a vibrant art scene, with galleries showcasing both local and international talent. First stop was the Gover St Gallery full of artworks by local artists.
I also visited The Collaboration which is a pop-up, not just any popup but you’ll have to read more here. I can tell you that the person behind the counter that day was very friendly so I’ll be back.
Then it was on to the Govett Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
At the gallery I was intrigued by the work of Pakistani Artist Aisha Khalid and her exhibition entitled I am: And I am not. Some of her work looked like intricate embroidery however on closer inspection what appeared to be stitches was in fact pins. You can read more about the exhibition here
Len Lye’s exhibition, The Wand Dance was very captivating. It included seven, 3.4-metre tall dancing wands topped with a set of sleigh bells that resemble dancing figures. (see video below) More information about the exhibit can be found here.
The Wand Dance
Also of note was the installation by Shona Rapira Davies Ko Te Kihikihi Taku Ingoa which “is a memorial to the sacrifice made by the children and people of Parihaka” read more here.
There so many more galleries but I didn’t have time to visit in my quest of exploring New Plymouth, hopefully next time.
Street Art
When out for a walk I started to notice the street art. Vibrant murals adorned the walls, turning the city into an open-air gallery. I did manage to capture photos of some of these beautiful pieces of art, I have included a few below.
Pukekura Park
Nothing for me anyway beats having a walk amongst trees so I headed to Pukekura Park. This beautiful park proved to be a sanctuary amidst the unpredictable weather. The park’s lush gardens, tranquil lakes, waterfall and winding trails provided a serene backdrop for introspection. I was fortunate to visit between rain showers so I managed to get some photos, though the big red bridge was closed for repairs.
Overall, my trip to New Plymouth may not have gone as planned, but I discovered unexpected treasures in the city’s second-hand shops- (read all about it), embraced the city’s vibrant art scene, admired captivating street art, and found solace in the tranquility of Pukekura Park. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments that lead to the most memorable experiences, and I definitely had plenty of those exploring New Plymouth.
