1. Sunrises
In Winter most of us are up and about when the sun finally rises.
The air can also be significantly cleaner (i.e. less pollen and dust particles) and humidity is lower, enabling a crisper vision of winter sunrises and sunsets. Amazing cloud formations and stormy skies add to the drama.
2. More Aurora
The longer, darker nights create ideal aurora hunting conditions.
Many people have heard about the Northern Lights and we are currently in a peak time for viewing the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis.
You need a fine night, and a camera to view aurora as the human eye finds them difficult to detect.
Check the New Zealand Aurora Australis Group on Facebook for when aurora viewing conditions are best, then look south. The equinox on 21 September (nearly equal periods of daylight and darkness) can also enhance aurora visibility.
3. SNOW!!!
The Manganui skifield on Taranaki Maunga offers three rope tows and a T-Bar, you also get to cross the amazing new Manganui Bridge to get to it. With 59ha of skiable area, there’s a good mix of intermediate runs, and advanced, with a small beginners area and two natural half pipes and a Terrain Park. Entirely reliant on natural snow, ski seasons can be variable but you’ll know when it’s open as significant numbers of staff at local businesses suddenly need a day off.
4. Binge-watches and Books
Winter is the time to finally see those shows everyone else has been talking about for years. Or read those books that were so good they were made into movies. It is free to join the local library and goodreads.com is also worth a look.
5. Board Games and Cards
Have you tried the new Taranaki version of Monopoly yet? A great gift for ex-Taranakians living elsewhere and a new essential for the bach or spare bedroom. Get yours from the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, 42 Egmont St, iSites or online at www.taranakichamberofcommerce.co.nz
6. Baking and slow cooked meals
All those baking recipes you’ve been putting aside for a rainy day, well now you have endless rainy days to try them out!
It’s also a great time to experiment with briskets, ribs, roasts, beef cheeks, soups and stews. You’ll warm up the house at the same time.
Can’t be bothered? Then pop out to one of our fabulous hospitality options and let them do all the work.
7. Refresh your Wardrobe
Thousands of pre-loved clothing items are on sale at the Pop-UP Shop from 20 – 28 Sept at the La Mer Lounge, Taranaki Raceway. From boutique dresses to vintage earrings, branded sportswear to mens’ jerseys and everything in between, all proceeds go to Taranaki Women’s Refuge.
If you’d like to donate clothing to this fabulous fundraiser, follow on social media @taranakiwomensrefugepopupshop for details of drop-off collection points.
8. Polar Bear Swims
If you’re into cold water dips and swims well winter is your season! Reputed health benefits associated with cold water immersion include boosting the immune system, enhancing circulation, improving mood and mental health. It can also give you a natural high, leaving you feeling euphoric and exhilarated.
Join the ladies at East End Beach most mornings at 6.30am, 7am, 8.30am and even 4.30pm with the odd sunset dip thrown in too.
9. Go to Chicago … not the windy city itself but the New Plymouth Operatic Society’s production of. Playing at TSB Showplace from 3-19 July.
10. Cross the new Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge.
Drive up Pembroke Road from Stratford to The Plateau car park on Taranaki Maunga. The walking track is sign-posted from there.