05.01. Thursday, New Plymouth, sunny, about 22 degrees

Go for a jog on the waterfront promenade, starting at 7:30 am, until the next town Fitzroy. Then have breakfast overlooking the surf. Visit the Library (which Malte is very enthusiastic about). We go to Tupare Park, a park in the suburb of New Plymouth. It used to be privately owned but was inherited by the city of Plymouth. A villa in a beautifully landscaped park with old trees and lots of hydrangeas. The property is located on a bend in the river. There is also a public BBQ area. We barbecue lamb patties and an XXL rump steak. There is not much going on in the park, except for us and 2 other families who use the grill after us. It is a very calm, relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for daydreaming, reading or doing nothing. Around 6:00 pm, we drive back to secure a parking space for the evening light festival at Pukekura Park. More and more people flock to the park. Until mid-February, the park is transformed into a sea of lights in the evening. Great illuminations and artworks. There is also a small market today at the Teahouse, with souvenirs and other small items. 2 bands are playing on the open-air stage. We stay until around 9:15 pm, then we head back to the motorhome. Drive to Fitzroy and spend the night in a residential area by the beach.