March 4 - Auckland, New Zealand

Land Ho! After five days of cruising we made landfall in Auckland, New Zealand. I took the Charming Devonport and Auckland's North Shore excursion. 

We drove around the city of Auckland and took in some of the sights;

The Sky Tower. I was going to go up in it, however by the time we got back from Devonport the weather was so bad, there would have been nothing to see.


Cool Buildings



Pedestrian Shopping

Government Building  -  Downtown Residential Area

Sea Memorial


This town is definitely a sailor's town and very proud of the fact that they hosted the 30th America's Cup and won it by beating the Louis Vuitton Cup winner Prada in all five races. I could have added more sailboat pictures, but enough is enough.

Headed over the bridge to Devonport. The bridge was originally on 2 lanes in each direction, because there wasn't much of a population in Devonport. Once the bridge was built it became one of the fastest growing towns. A Japanese firm came in an widen the bridge adding 2 additional lanes (clip-ons) in each direction, thus, giving it's nickname as the 'Nippon Clip-on' Bridge


Devonport is a nice colonial town and the exteriors of the homes are not allowed to change, without architectural council approval.



Local Churches

Devonport Yacht Club, however I didn't meet anyone there

We went to the fresh water lake - Lake Pupuke


Houses in the Lake Area


We went to Mount Victoria, where they built a pop-up cannon, as they were worried they may be invaded by the Russian. Good thing that never happened and it was never used.



View from Mount Victoria

We then had lunch at a local Irish Pub, The Patriot.


We walked around town a bit and saw interesting trees and an art work entrance to the library 


and the memorial to the Fallen Soldiers, from the different wars.

 

Then it was back to the ship via a water taxi - It was raining, so no pictures


Back on board they had a Folkloric Haka show. Traditionally, haka was a customary way to welcome visiting tribes, but it also served to invigorate warriors as they headed into battle. It was a show of physical prowess but also an embodiment of cultural pride, strength, and unity. If you get a chance look up the YouTube on the New Zealand Rugby team, 'All Blacks' and see the Haka they perform before each competition.


And then it was good-bye Auckland

















 

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