Tuesday 20th Jan
Up at the crack of dawn in the Raffles Gateway Hotel opposite the airport at Nadi. Smooth flight to Auckland except the check-in girl had a different seating plan to the actual aircraft so our seats didn't turn out to be window and aisle seats after all.
Took the bus down to the centre and only a short walk to the hotel. Probably the most basic we are going to stay in but clean, serviceable and with kitchen and washing facilities in the basement.
Went for a walk around Auckland, quite attractive centre dominated by the Toronto-like sky tower which fills our view through the window at night like an alien spaceship.
Went hunting for Ponsonby pies in Ponsonby, but couldn't find any. Weather should be good tomorrow so booked boat trip to Tiritiri Matangi island.
Wednesday 21st January
Up at the crack of dawn again to walk down to pier 4 at the waterfront. Lovely day. 2Hr ride to Tiritiri Mahangi island on catamaran. Followed guided walk with botanist who could recognise most New Zealand flora. Just as well as it mostly looks the same. He says the flowers in new Zealand native species are delicate and understated and not as the rest of the world terms them, nondescript.
It seems that the flora which evolved without the need to protect itself from browsing mammals did not need to develop protective measures, so there are no prickles, stings or spines. The term 'mostly harmless' applies here.
The birds were difficult as all had unfamiliar names which were easy to forget. The most spectacular, however, was a semi-tame Takahe called Greg. This was a flightless bird about the size of a turkey who strutted imperiously around the visitor centre looking for unguarded sandwiches. Christine attracted him by languidly holding a sandwich at bird level, but then smartly raising it as the bird got close.
Smooth ride back to Auckland and a Guinness. The beer on Fiji was good, but haven't yet discovered a decent kiwi one yet.
Thursday 22nd January
Lazy day. Walked to Auckland museum. Fine display of geology. Most impressive reconstruction of the now extinct moa, a flightless bird up to 10 feet tall. Walked back via parks and Art gallery. Must pack now as we pick up car early tomorrow to head northwards to Whangarei.
Impressions of Auckland
Auckland is a very easy city to live in. I expected not to like it because it sprawls over such an area, but in fact it is very likeable, laid back and seems confident of its own future.
We've found that the New Zealanders pronounce the 'e' sound as an 'i' sound. This has meant that we ask for half a dozen items rather than asking for six, for fear of misinterpretation.
After some initial failures, have discovered Lion Red beer is an excellent drink.
Enjoyed reading the blog to-date. Sounds like you're warmer and less wet than here - shame you are missing our lovely British weather! Hope you find a memorable beer before you move from the little green fruit.
ReplyDeleteMum's been teasing the local birds...interesting! Auckland sounds nice, I think you may be in a hostel rather than a hotel, I've only ever found a kitchen in a hostel. All's well here, Terra's curled up fast asleep looking cuddly, and in the open, not in a drawer. Steve's still at work all hours trying to save the world, not sure it's going that well. I got asked to put a disclaimer of legal advice on a document containing only photos, names and telephone numbers today, so I'm sporting many bruises from banging my head on my desk - they match the bruises from my new exercise class I took at the gym - who knew pole dancing was so dangerous! Next week, Leena and I are starting belly dancing classes.
ReplyDeleteDad, are you keeping up with the ice-creams?