Festival of Lights

So, if you want a holiday in an amazing city - where over summer they run a 6 week long festival - with family friendly entertainment EVERY NIGHT, activities for kids, an amazing park, friendly people and nearly everything is FREE - FREE - I kid not.... I do recommend New Plymouth. 

[caption id="attachment_231" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="the girls danced to the excellent singers...."][/caption]

My brother and his family relocated there a year ago - and to sum it up - apart from being away from their family (her's are in Ireland, his are north NZ), they LOVE it!  I was told of free sausage sizzles, free entertainment, free parties for kids with face painting, the free zoo...... lots to do!

[caption id="attachment_232" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="the beautiful changing colours waterfall - amazing"][/caption]

Each summer from mid December to end of Jan, they host a 'Festival of Lights' - where the features of their main Pukekura park are lit up. 

[caption id="attachment_233" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="dragonflies on the bridge..."][/caption]

It means a late night, because it's only dark enough around 9.20pm, but it's definitely worth it.  Even miss 1 and miss 2 got a good time out of it.

[caption id="attachment_234" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="punga tree..."][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_235" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="this had these pirate birds, making a heck of a noise, good times..."][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_236" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="wow"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_237" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="this is the reflection in the lake of the actual feature - hanging above"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_238" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="palms and ferns..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_239" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="and my favourite - the 3D balls and ultra violet lights"][/caption]