Lake Rotomanu (NZ) - A place truly like no other.

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[{"address":"Lake Rotomanu Freedom Campsite Clemow Road,New Plymouth","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.006387345492839813,"latitudeDelta":0.005732694779233327,"latitude":-39.043155517759374,"longitude":174.114129524678},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1500},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_0_0.png?alt=media&token=473124fd-cc52-4d2b-8e9a-bb83abffd8aa"},{"type":"text","content":"#**Entry to the lake**\n\nAt this point is where you should enter the lake. Follow along the meandering road to a car park at the end of the road (next stop). \n\n**Information about the trip**\n\nClick the link below to check out more official information about the location.\n\n\n\n**Difficulty: Easy** - Casual wear should suffice, although bringing food (e.g. Lunch or dinner) would be nice. I would recommend your long exposure photography kit if you want to achieve the shots presented in this guide today. \n\n**Weather considerations:**\n\nI recommend visiting during at least a mildly clear day, most preferably when you can see Mt Taranaki. The guide can still continue even in rain, but the sights and experience won't be as magical \n\n**Methods of transportation**\n\n. The lake can accommodate caravans, vans, and also provides freedom camping facilities (please be respectful'). \n. Buses, tour vehicles, and public transportation can access the lake If requested.\n\nLink below for more info. \n"},{"type":"link","content":"https://www.newplymouthnz.com/Residents/Attractions-and-Recreation/Lake-Rotomanu"}]},{"address":"Unnamed Road Unnamed Road,New Plymouth","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.006005801260499766,"latitudeDelta":0.005390366461632823,"latitude":-39.038470782355574,"longitude":174.1132085211575},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":750},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_1_2.png?alt=media&token=054780ca-5869-4315-b112-ccabe4ad0da6"},{"type":"text","content":"#**Your journey starts here** \n\nThis is the point where you should park your vehicle or begin to start this experience. Take in the atmosphere and enjoy the fresh air the area provides. \n\nNow proceed to the next stop of Lake Rotomanu with all your equipment (the lake you've driven past into the location). From there you should behold a sight** like no other. **"},{"type":"text","content":"\n**My Personal Experience**\n\nThe entrance to the lake reflects the touch of humankind on nature's canvas. A gravel road snakes hundreds of meters around the edge, and the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge's spine peeks above the bush line. \n\nA cruise around the lake takes you past secluded picnic spots, a camping area with a mini jetty where watersports like water skiing and water-biking are on offer. However, beyond those activities, take a walk to the far side of the lake, the mere sight of which evokes a breathtaking feeling of tranquillity. "}]},{"address":"Unnamed Road Unnamed Road,New Plymouth","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0034154579043672584,"latitudeDelta":0.0030653627934000838,"latitude":-39.03853670254428,"longitude":174.1154327429831},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1500},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_1_0.png?alt=media&token=6d636953-3698-46d0-ac4f-25c267effeff"},{"type":"text","content":"#**Lake Rotomanu and Mt Taranaki view** \n\nAt this point is one of the best views of Mt Taranaki in New Zealand, didn't require much effort no? Grab your camera out, or perhaps start your picnic, and enjoy the breathtaking view. \n\n**Photo tips**\n\n. If you can, shoot a long exposure to get a clean reflection. The water in the lake is constantly distribed so you won't get a reflection unless a long exposure is taken. Reference the link below or look online for how to take long exposures. \n\n. If you cannot take long exposures, you can still create an interesting image by focusing on a few things. First, try to include an interesting foreground element, such as bush, an object, your picnic, or even the ducks! As well, look around the lake for a different composition to stand out from the crowd. "},{"type":"text","content":"\n#**Personal Experience**\n\nThe lake spans the entire park. Rows of trees align at the lake's edge, biro blues pair with the golden light, and Mt Taranaki lucidly reflects upon the lake to complete the composition. On any day, such a view is a panacea for weeks of work.\n\n I once arrived at the lake flustered after work, figuring the visit was better than staying at home. I admired the view for minutes; then gradually, the world blurred out. The rustling turned into a calming silence. I felt utterly mindful, and all the stress had dissipated. \n\nEven if Mt Taranaki shrouded behind the clouds to ruin the view, I would still be able to unwind due to the peaceful atmosphere. For this reason, I always perceive Lake Rotomanu to be one of the most mystical yet surreal places in my life.\n"}]},{"address":"Unnamed Road Unnamed Road,New Plymouth","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.002815984189538767,"latitudeDelta":0.002527368216064474,"latitude":-39.037811444152155,"longitude":174.1139923967421},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1499},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_2_0.png?alt=media&token=adfdb0d1-5de4-43ac-b39e-04fdf222ae04"},{"type":"text","content":"#**Te Rewa Rewa Bridge Reflection**\n\nEnjoy another view in proximity of the previous stop. Take a few steps from the lake, and you will sight the majestic Te Rewa Rewa bridge. Resting above the Waiwhakaiho River since 2010, its ribs yield to the prevailing wind, reaching for the sky, which represents the enduring spirit of the dead buried around the Rewa Rewa Pa site.\n\n**Photo tips**\n\n It is most beautiful during the evening, when the sunset paints the bridge with light, exposing its curves, shape, and overall harmony within the skewing frame of Mt Taranaki. \n\n You'll find a few others wandering on the bridge. This would be us in the next stop soon 😉 Otherwise, for now, snap away and truly appreciate the view. \n\nIf you really want to achieve an amazing shot, you could also try another long exposure here! Otherwise, again, look for foreground elements such as the sand, bush, or other objects to frame and add story to your shot. Also look to time your shot at a moment of pure magic. \n\n"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1499},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_3_2.png?alt=media&token=7c8f8e0c-859c-4db8-9fea-90dfcfe05278"}]},{"address":"Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, Fitzroy, New Plymouth, New Zealand","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-39.0377712,"longitude":174.1123303},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":900,"height":1350},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_4_0.png?alt=media&token=9556b7e1-1372-41aa-862d-11aad958a21c"},{"type":"text","content":"#**The iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge View**\n\nAt this point you should see the view above, and there's no words to truly describe the experience 😍\n\nThis view is best during sunset or when Mt Taranaki is present, just read my personal experience below. \n\n**Photo tips**\n\nPersonally, the composition of the photo above is quite cliche, yet it is perfectly aligned for a shot that will make your evening. This is why I would suggest taking this shot with careful consideration of what you want to tell, otherwise it's another snapshot. Also, don't forget to look around the bridge and even step outside the bridge (there's a little trail right beside the bridge) to take even more unique shots! "},{"type":"text","content":"**My Personal Experience**\n\nI once spent the entire evening there, and I experienced the most magical moment ever. The darkness began to shroud the land as the night neared, but the show had just commenced. There was a soothing, calming breeze, the fading chirps of migrating birds, and the dimming warmth of the sunset. The clouds and trees were further saturated with golden and orange light in the scene. \n\nMt Taranaki rested within the centre of the bridge as a flock of birds flew above the apex of the bridge and spilled from the core of the mountain; backdropped by a sunset turned golden. I could not believe the view at that time, and a photograph from the scene would not do the moment justice to display its magic.\n"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1250},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_4_3.png?alt=media&token=6b61a360-3ea4-4a1c-b6c6-af980c2a7a2c"}]},{"address":"Unnamed Road Unnamed Road,New Plymouth","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.005216561257839203,"latitudeDelta":0.004682738064609282,"latitude":-39.027827541888726,"longitude":174.12584139034152},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":900,"height":1350},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_4_0.png?alt=media&token=7b381fa6-92ed-46ac-b9c9-ddc73bcf3999"},{"type":"text","content":"#**Coastal Walkway + end of the experience**\n\nNow at this point, you could be following the path from the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge to experience the true beauty of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. Otherwise, **you can end your journey here. **\n\nThis location is only one of many that truly connect to my heart. I can visit this location at any moment to escape the grasp of society and find freedom in my day. Others like you may differ and find somewhere else more enjoyable. That is fine, as long as you can make memories from the place. So do not dawdle travelling to locations based on clueless recommendations. Instead, experience and wander through an area that will genuinely connect to your heart; always consider the place less travelled. \n\nShawn Peng. \n\n(P.S If you want photography tips for the coastal walkway, stay tuned for another guide coming soon which will solely focus on the coastal walkway 😉😉)"},{"type":"text","content":"#**Instagram: @shzee_photography**\n\n#**Twitter: @shzeephoto**\n\n#**Facebook: Shzee Photography**\n \n#Thank you come again!"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":667},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FZ5VIfdcKK6qqFyu7AIWQ%2Fstop_5_3.png?alt=media&token=c7b346c9-24da-4546-9ae4-932682c0cfb0"}]}]