Auckland and Vicinity
This page contains a photo gallery of our first stop in New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland is a typically modern western-style city; all be it with a clean, modern downtown. One unique aspect of Auckland is how the city integrates and acknowledges its South Pacific Maori culture. It is very similar to a typical medium-sized US city. Once we traveled outside of the downtown and suburbs, we saw scenic suburbs, and further out, we started to see some of the natural beauty that New Zealand is known for.
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Auckland from Mt. Victoria
Viewed from across Waitemata Harbour. A sheltered waterway is great for sailing.
Arataki Visitor's Center
The visitor's center, which has a small museum, is heading toward the west coast from Auckland. Maori arrived in NZ ~ in 1260 from adjacent South Pacific islands.
Winter Garden Courtyard
It is located in Auckland Domain, a large green space/park. The courtyard leads to a beautiful greenhouse.
Front of War Museum
Museum honors New Zealander's participation in various wars, but more interestingly covers Maori culture and history.
Waterfront Commercial Area
Aucklands commercial Waterfront has a large selection of restaurants, bars, and mostly uninteresting shops.
Auckland from Sky Tower
The Sky Tower has excellent panorama views. This shot is looking NW across Waitemata Bay.
East from Mt Victoria
In Maori, it is called Takarunga. Many hills and islands around Auckland are formed from a dormant volcano.
Lower Nihotupu Reservoir
Viewed from Arataki Visitor's Center looking south. In the distance is Manukau Harbour, which opens to Tasman Sea.
Winter Garden Greenhouse
The greenhouse is not large but contains many flowers and plants that are very beautifully arranged.
Maori Long Boat
The museum contains extensive exhibits of Maori tools, jewelry, weapons, and art. The long boat is just one example.
Marina
One of several marinas along the waterfront. This one is looking back toward the Sky Tower.
Auckland from Sky Tower
Another nice view over the city from Sky Tower. Even though it is much shorter than Seattle’s Space Needle, the views from the Sky Tower are excellent. Overall, it is a good touristy experience.
Devonport Banyan Tree
Located near the town center, Banyan Tree sprouts roots from their branches.
Piha Beach and Lion Rock
Piha Beach is located on the west coast of the North Island. It is directly west of Auckland and is known for its black sand beach.
Flowering Plants
While the greenhouse is not large the flowering arrangements were diverse and beautiful.
Maori Architecture
The museum included some impressive recreations of Maori buildings, including this impressive one.
Ferry Terminal Building
This lovely building is located on the waterfront. It has a few shops and restaurants from which one can observe the ferry boats departing.
Looking Down in the SkyTower
There are plenty of glass floor windows to look down at. Very disconcerting for me) when standing on them.