North Head, Devonport
The view from the volcanic headland in Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand.
Auckland, New Zealand
As seen from the North Head in the suburb of Devonport. I love this photo.
In which I take a ferry and spend a day in the gloriously sunny and beautiful Auckland suburb of Devonport.
29 March 2011 - 1049 New Zealand
Day 20 of my trip and you join me on Pier 1 at Auckland’s ferry terminal. I’m off to Devonport today. Sun is shining, there’s a light sea breeze and I’m off to explore some wartime tunnels.
1351
I very glad Iain suggested Devonport. It’s lovely, though perhaps my opinion is helped by today’s perfect weather. I’m sat on a bench right on the beach with a view of the North Head, an old volcano laced with old wartime tunnels. It would probably have been fun enough walking around on top of the volcano but exploring the pitch black tunnels was great. Before that I had a quick wander around at the Navy Museum which had interesting British empire exhibits - very appropriate. Both attractions were free. Kerching!
Flag of New Zealand
A defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton.
In which I unwind in Auckland after a marathon road-trip and decide whether or not to jump off of the southern hemisphere’s tallest building.
28 March 2011 - 1246 New Zealand
Well hello again. It’s been a little while since my last update. That’s because I’ve been so busy. My hosts, Iain, Young-Sook and Tae have been incredible hosts, exceeding all expectation. I’ve been all over the Northland, to a family birthday meal, an awesome rock concert, to a rugby match and best of all, made to feel totally at ease and welcome in their company and at their home. Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am to know them.
Today I’m taking my first look at central Auckland. I’m currently sat in the lovely Albert park being lightly sprayed by water from the nearby fountain. It’s breezy today and the chilliest it’s been so far on this trip, but it’s a damn sight better than it’s been so far in NZ. The rain and mist has been relentless. Luckily though, it has done nothing to dampen my kiwi experience so far.
I spent almost 2 hours up Auckland’s Sky Tower this morning. The view from the tower is much better than the view from the Sydney Tower. It’s also a much better tower generally. I thought about descending via the SkyJump but for some strange reason, the idea of throwing myself off of the top of the southern hemisphere’s tallest building clashed with my sanity. I’m sure I’d probably enjoy it, but I’m not really in the right frame of mind today.
I’m really liking Auckland so far. I’m finding the architecture to be more interesting than that of Sydney. More grand old buildings and the new buildings have much fancier and ambitious designs. There’s a nice relaxed atmosphere. There’s probably actually less to do here than Sydney, but I’m liking it more. Kiwis are a familiar blend of polite, friendly and reserved. I’d go as far as saying the Kiwis I’ve met so far are more polite than British people. They’ve almost overflowed with greetings and friendly banter. It’s all very nice.
1528
Travel really does take it out of you. I’ve done a fair bit of walking today, not masses by my normal standards of sightseeing, but a fair bit and my legs feel like dough; heavy and stodgy. My endurance has gone out the window. I’m currently sat in a downtown Westfield centre. Westfield get everywhere don’t they. The food court is present even down here. It might not be as nasally and culinarily arresting as the food courts in Singapore, but it’s a food court nonetheless. We have food courts in the UK, but they’re no where near as good and have a totally different feel.
Loving the vanilla milkshake with added malt I just got from Wendy’s Supa Sundaes. Malty!
In which I’m very much outnumbered by old people as I arrive in country number 3, New Zealand.
27 March 2011 - 0834 Sydney, Australia
Sydney airport is nice, but enough already with the audible announcements! Every frigging minute there’s a “final call”. Every other airport in the world has dispensed with the audio announcements. It’s time to do the same Sydney. It’s annoying!
In other news, Gate 25 for QF55 is rammed full of old people. The number of people around my age is in single figures.
2301 Auckland, New Zealand
After an arduous and tedious customs procedure where I was asked multiple questions, I’m now in New Zealand. And wow, is my host pulling out the stops!!! I’m in Leigh in what is officially still the City of Auckland but really isn’t. We’re spending the night at Iain’s holiday home. His intention is to show me the Northland Region before heading back to Auckland at the weekend. He’s picked me up from the airport, he’s driven me around & he’s bought me an amazing dinner of enormous New Zealand Green-lipped Mussels. He’s already been an exceptional host. But with plans including going to see Stone Temple Pilots live in concert, a birthday party and live rugby, I really have won the travel lottery. It’s going to be an exciting week!
Outside, the wind is blowing in off of the Pacific Ocean, buffeting the single pane window frames. A strangely comforting sound.
Anyway, best get some sleep. A busy day awaits.
