Amazing Auckland

KZ1

Feb 5-7, 2013  Auckland, NZ

ENTRY UPDATED WITH PHOTOS 3-17-13

We have just sailed from Auckland after 2 plus days there.  We arrived here on Tues evening and spent an hour or so wandering around the harbor area.  We saw a fabulous sunset and visited the America’s Cup harbor area.  They have the KZ1 on display which competed in the 27^th America’s Cup.  The harbor was full of so many high end boats.    

 

The next day we used the hop on hop off bus to tour the city.  It was  a national holiday, Waitangi Day.  This commemorates the signing of a treaty between the Maori and the New Zealand government agreeing to share the land.  They were having a festival at Bastion Point which included many kites.

great white jaws



king penguins

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first stop was the Kelly Tarlton aquarium. They had an awesome penguin exhibit, including both Gentoo and King penguins. There was also an Antarctic exhibit which was really interesting. We spent several hours there before heading on the bus some more. 

We visited the Parnell Village next.  This is the oldest suburban neighborhood within Auckland.  We visited a nice shop with local crafts all made in New Zealand.  We also grabbed a bite to eat before heading on the bus to the Sky Tower

sky tower

“C”, dad and I headed up to the observation decks.  “C” even stood on the glass floors that let you view the ground 722 feet below.  The building is taller than the Eiffel Tower.  They have  a sky walk around the outside of the building and you can jump from there as well. We saw several people doing both.  Not in my lifetime I must say!

view from sky tower

 

Wed. evening they brought a local group- Haka Legend Maori Folklore Show on board.  They told their history and demonstrated their tribal traditions.  This included the Haka dance which was the war chant.  This is where the famous wide eyed tongue photos come from. 

view of Aucklan from Devonport

Our last day, we took a ferry over to one of the islands in the harbor, Devonport.  We walked around a bit and did some shopping in the souvenir shop.  I picked up several pieces of paua (abalone) jewelry and “C” got a cool tshirt and kiwi crossing sign.

Maori carvings

Maori photo op

Upon returning to Auckland harbor, we headed on the bus to the Auckland museum.  It was full of all sorts of artifacts including an extensive Maori collection. 

All in all Auckland is wonderful and I could live here if given the opportunity.  The summers’ average 75 and the winters get in the 50s.  It is a clean and active city with very friendly people.
 

Tonight’s entertainment was a wonderful Aussie singer/guitarist named  Patrick MacMahon.  He played all kinds of songs from Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond, Don McLean to name a few.  It was a fun and lively show. 

Tomorrow finds us in Tauranga, NZ.  Approx 150 miles South of Auckland on the East Coast of the North Island.