Auckland, New Zealand

In October 2003 I spent a week in Auckland, New Zealand (on the north edge of the country). Pretty scenery, nice people, and surprisingly cool weather. If not for the fresh lamb and friendly women it might be mistaken for Vancouver Island. I wouldn't mind going back someday.

 


 


Brisbane from the Air <br>Can I say I've been to Australia now? Doesn't 45 minutes at the airport count? Simeon on His Balcony <br>I worked with Simeon in Mexico. His boarding house was probably about the same size as Poza Rica! Queen Street <br> But I didn't hear any Freddie Mercury at all when I was shopping. Gnarled Tree, Albert Park <br>I always thought those Lord of the Rings trees were props, but these giant trees were everywhere. Fountain, Albert Park <br> Nice to see a water fountain without the cherubim peeing for once, although a spitting lion isn't that much better! University of Auckland Clock Tower <br> Because it wouldn't be a university without a giant building doing what a dollar store watch does. Maori Carving, Auckland Museum <br>"Why yes, dear... it has been a while since we've had English food. Why do you ask?" One Tree Hill<br> The inspiration for U2's song from <i>The Joshua Tree</i>. A protester chopped it down. "No Tree Hill" is less catchy, I guess. View of Auckland from Devonport <br>For this view, we hiked to the top of the hill at Devonport, a short ferry ride from Auckland harbor. A little windy, but beautiful. Simeon's Boarding House Kitchen <br> Where a vegetarian meal was cooked for everyone nightly. Honest, guys, these spareribs are made of tofu. Seahorse at Kelly Tarlton's <br>Aren't they supposed to sing and dance like in the comic book order form? Boy, what a rip-off! Devonport from the Ferry <br>Much of Auckland is built on extinct volcanos, and you can see a rim here. "Do you smell smoke?" Wide Tree <br> Another fan-shaped tree, meant to confuse foreign birds who stow away on incoming airplanes. Maori Shield, Auckland Museum <br>Man, and people call Germans warlike. Not a lot of peace-pipes or butterflies here! Live Penguins at Kelly Tarlton's <br>Lots of animals at the sea park. And look, these ones even wore their formal dress for us! Live Amphibian, Auckland Museum <br>Frightening little fellow, especially when it kept asking for "my precious." Downtown Street <br>Again, Auckland has a Vancouver or Victoria feel, without being quite so costly. The English is odd, but compare this to Vancouver where you might not hear <i>any</> English nowadays. Kitchen of Scott Antarctic Expedition, Kelly Tarleton's <br>"Authentic memorabilia," whatever that means, of Scott's failed antarctic expedition of . Perhaps he should have brought a can opener. Domain Park <br> If I were a rabbit in New Zealand, I would want to be green. If you're brown, it would be tricky to hide here. Auckland Tower <br> Every city needs an antenna tower. I want to see a city with giant rabbit ears! Victoria Market Arch <br> The Maori influence, I guess. Even the skyline has to be fierce and pointy. Vines on Old Hotel, near Victoria Park <br> "I don't know why people keep quitting. All you have to do in this job is water the plants every day." Victoria Park <br>The same Queen Victoria as on my England page. For someone with such a stony personality, she really gets around. Downtown Road near Harbor <br>A nice city as it's hard to get lost. Like St. John's, stagger downhill until you reach the water. Auckland Harbor<br>Kiwis take these sailing events very seriously. In the spirit of things, this picture depicts a fine.. boat.

 

 

 

 

This'll be the player
View of Auckland from Museum (October 2003) 0:18
Aquarium at Kelly Tarleton's (October 2003) 0:17