We headed southwest from the Taupo area for the 4 hour drive to Ngamotu / New Plymouth. 🚙
We heard about the annual car festival called Americarna but were never been in town for it. We missed it again but this poster in the elevator made us smile. I heard that 'dressing up' referred to dressing in the style of the 1950s and 1960s since the cars were of that vintage. 🇺🇸
Steve enjoyed fish and chips from Snapper's. 🐟
The weather was perfect to so headed over to Paritutu to climb the 156 m / 512 f to the top. It starts with stairs ....
... and ends with chains. 😳
The views from the top make it worth it. 📸
It is unusual to get such a clear view of Mt Taranaki but we enjoyed every moment. ⛰️
Going up means going down. ⛓
We made it safely to the bottom. 😅 I joke but it was humbling to be passed by a guy in his 60s going up and down 5 times and a girl in her 20s in Crocs. 😮
We moved around the corner to fly and watch the sunset. 🌅
We had some company. 🐦
Another fine day so we rode along the Coastal Walkway (Mt Taranaki photo bomb). 🚲
Since the skies were so clear, we got up early to watch the sun rise at Lake Mangamahoe. 🌅
We enjoyed catching up with Chanelle and Dave who both work for the local council (city government). Bless the public servants everywhere! 😇
Why, yes it was. ☕️
Lovely lunch with my favorite librarian, Steph! 📚
We put PAUPAU back in storage before heading to the South Island. We were trying something different - flying down and renting a larger car for hosting visitors from the US. Can't wait to travel with Dave and Les from Charlotte and then Amy from Hastings. More on that next! 🚙
