North Island
South Island
Auckland is one of the least densely populated cities in the world , the size of London but with only one and a half million inhabitants. Fifty volcanoes dot the landscape - all but one are extinct , and it last erupted 600 years ago. The new city skyscrapers are surrounded by low rise suburban wooden villas. Once a British colony, it is now multicultural as Maori, Polynesian and European live in harmony. It is the largest Polynesian city in the world. The Maoris are reported to have witnessed the last volcanic eruption, the Europeans arrived at the beginning of the nineteenth century , followed by the South Pacific Islanders in the 1960s and '70s.
On arrival yesterday morning at the Amora Hotel Gray St. , (NZ$ 425 - 2 nights ) (NZ $1= €1.42), ( rated 4 star - in reality 3 star), we were surprised to discover that summer had not yet arrived. A cold,chilly wind enveloped the city , though many Kiwis were attire d as if for summer! It was a chilly 15 degrees.! I hope it warms up - my limited wardrobe cannot accommodate such low temperatures!! A high of 23 is expected today but what really impresses is the light - sunset 20.45.
As we ambled down Gray Street and into Queen's Street, we espied the Skytower , at 328 m , it is NZ's tallest structure, height wise , It just eclipses the Eifel Tower and Sydneys's Centrepoint Here. If one is brave or foolhardy, one may take a skywalk at 192m - not me!!
Today we decided, as our driver from the airport recommended, to visit Waneki island some 35 minutes ferry ride from Auckland.
As we journeyed to the Island we passed Rangitoto, the most famous of Auckland's volcanoes.
It didn't impress as it had been massively eroded. We arrived at the island's terminus
and we boarde one of the Island busses. We had been advised that it would leave us at the most renowned of the island's wineries Cable Bay but our information was incorrect and we had a tour of the Island , nor a major error as we intended to do so later. Eventually we reached the winery which we were reliably informed had an excellent chef
On arrival at this utopian location,
one was impressed by the superb view of the azure blue.sea. We witnessed the Kiwis on holiday - large groups of young singles or young couples with their first child. There was a noticeable lack of people in our age group!! People were strewn along the lawn where lunch was served in picnic fashio n - rugs provided or in the open air adjacent restaurant.
The food was excellent but nothing peculiar ton NZ. Like ourselves they inherited the somewhat dull British cuisine. Efforts are being made to use the high quality agricultural produce but I have to admit Ireland is way ahead!!
Lunch completed, we walked back to the town of Onera , the islands chief town sporting a typical seaside atmosphere - restaurants and coffee shops abound together with art galleries and a wine tasting centre.
Walking through the park en route from the
Cable Bay winery, I was struck by the beautiful flora together with sculptures of modern art. It was a blessed retreat from the summer sun.
together with an example oh 'human' art.
It was an idyllic day The sun shone and the Island was blessed with a stunning vista. As we departed the Island , on a Fuller ferry, we looked back at an island - the playground of Auckland where the population of 8,0000 of the Island trebles in summer
Tomorrow we take an 111/2 hour bus trip to Wellington where we will celebrate New Year's Eve ..........
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