New Plymouth - a trip to Puke Ariki by Carla Tipler

Having driven past Puke Ariki regularly and never really intending to go, I was quite surprised by how comfortable it was inside. Outside looks like a modern-art-futuristic mishmash connected by an air bridge, (very Bridge of Sighs), to an older style building and overshadowing the 19th century built Richmond Cottage.

Starting off on the right foot, I found a park quickly in the undercover ?Pay and display? parking of Puke Ariki. The building itself is built on the Puke Ariki Pa site, and means "Hall of the Chief." That example of awareness of the past while adapting it for now was prevalent throughout the building.

The museum on the 2nd floor is set up as a complete exhibit of Taranaki, from Scientific, Conservation and Maori viewpoints.

Firstly is the Conservation viewpoint. Stuffed animals and bones show the where and why of the animals and birds native to the region, both endangered and not. Growing up in Taranaki, I was always aware that hares and possums are bad, however coming face to face with them, so to speak, clearly shows why. In one case was the three big predators; a cat, a hare and a possum. Somehow, in my mind, when thinking of a hare I had always pictured a small friendly creature like at the Mad Hatters tea party.? Instead I see a large rabbit-thing that is as big, if not bigger than a cat. When contrasted with the bird exhibits across the way, I can see the hare as a definite predator. Amazing what you can learn in a museum.

Neatly set out, though the lighting left something to be desired, was examples and explanations all around. I wear glasses and found that trying to read the exhibits in the poor light had given me a headache.? There were spotlights and windows, however the windows, while affording beautiful views of the sea and the city, let very little light in unfortunately. I ended up looking and not really reading half of the exhibits which is a real shame.

One thing of note that I found really impressive though was the sea creature exhibits. Under glass were some wonderful examples, surrounded by more written and badly lit explanations. Then there were drawers. It was? museum so I hesitated before opening them. However they are meant to be opened. In one drawer, neatly set out, numbered and explained, were individual shells that you find washed up on the beach. I could pick out the ones I always found and collected when I was younger.

The Scientific viewpoint neatly followed on from the conservation. No individual rooms were set up, instead all flowing together seamlessly. Focusing on Mount Taranaki/Egmont with a video showing the evolution of the mountain and Taranaki, I admit that I was intrigued that there have actually been three Mountains with the first formed 127,000 years ago. I am going to look further into that in my own time.

I managed to leave that section feeling convinced that since the last eruption happened ?just? 250 years ago, the mountain was going to erupt now, today. I don?t think that was what they wanted, but even so it definitely raised my awareness and made me want to check my survival kit.

Lastly was the Maori viewpoint. In it were more explanations (more head holding for me) and examples. There were beautiful examples of the crafts of the Maori as well as explanations of the Maori land wars from the Maori viewpoint. Unfortunately, this section was even worse with the lights. If I was going to be rude I would say that the spotlights barely highlight anything and had the lighting of a glow worm. But I won?t. I will say though that I probably spent the least amount of time in this section however am determined to return. And will bring my own flashlight.

There was still half a building - in the library - to go and so I headed over the air bridge, which quite frankly, made the headache worth it. Very modern and fun and a great connection of the museum to the library. I decided that I was in desperate need of a coffee after spending quite a while in the expansive and very well laid out library. Lucky for me was the Taranaki Daily News Caf? right there in the library. Wonderful idea. The barista there was the first person I had actually spoken to who worked at Puke Ariki which, I?m sorry to say is a bit of a disappointment for a place that is meant to cater to tourists. On the positive side, the girl was friendly and very prompt with my drink.

Related Posts

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Map

Further reading

New Plymouth - a visit to the Govett Brewster Art Gallery - Day trip to the Govett Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth, New Zealand

Taranaki - drive from Pukeiti Gardens to New Plymouth - Video of the drive from Pukeiti Gardens to New Plymouth

En route to New Plymouth - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

New Plymouth - bridge of Pukekura Park - Poets Bridge at the main lake at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth

Lake Mangamahoe and Mt Egmont / Taranaki - Mount Egmont / Taranaki seen from Lake Mangamahoe, just off State Highway 3 in Taranaki

Stratford Saleyard and Lake Managamahoe - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

Mt Egmont and King Edward Park - Mt Egmont seen from the King Edward Park playing fields in Stratford

Mt Egmont / Taranaki peak - Peak of Mt Egmont / Taranaki seen from the front seat of a helicopter

Taranaki - closeup of Mt Egmont seen from the air - Closeup of snow covered Mt Egmont / Taranaki seen from a helicopter

Stratford - view of Mt Egmont / Taranaki - View of Mt Egmont / Taranaki from Stratford on State Highway 3

New Plymouth District Council - Official website of the New Plymouth District Council

Key facts

Name: Puke Ariki
Address:
1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand
Learn more

About Carla Tipler