Auckland, Devonport
Arriving jet lagged at 7 a.m. after a 27-hour journey, we were nevertheless determined to make the most of our first day in Auckland. After quickly unpacking at the hotel the morning was spent wandering along Queens Street, the main shopping area. Lunch was a good local New Zealand dish: green-lipped mussels washed down with a New Zealand beer. We then decided, on the recommendation of the tour guide, to take the ferry from Auckland harbour to Devonport. In spite of the strange flora the town had a distinctly English flavour and we noticed immediately how friendly the people were. On returning to Auckland it was decided that an early night was in order.
Queen Street, Auckland’s main shopping street
Auckland – Old and new buildings together in Queen Street
Auckland Waitemata Harbour with the ferry about to depart
Auckland - The Ferry Building and the busy embarkation area
Auckland – The paddle steamer Waipa Delta in the harbour
Auckland – Voyager, a sloop (single mast yacht) outside the Maritime Museum
First meal in Auckland sitting on the waterfront: New Zealand green-lipped mussels and a Kiwi beer
Auckland – A giant's toy ship?
Auckland – Relaxing at the quayside. The sparrows and gulls are just like at home.
Auckland – Modern buildings on the waterfront
Auckland harbour from the ferry to Devonport
William C. Daldy steamship moored at Devonport
Devonport – Looking towards Victoria Road
Victoria Road Devonport, the main shopping street
Devonport, on the path to Mount Victoria, an extinct volcano
Devonport, view from path looking back towards Auckland harbour
Devonport – The Michael King Writers’ Centre based in the historic Signalman’s House
Devonport - The top of Mount Victoria
Devonport – The town from Mount Victoria
Devonport – View of the town and Auckland with the harbour bridge in the distance taken from Mount Victoria
The 8 inch disappearing gun originally at North Head but now part of Fort Victoria
Devonport - A sign explaining the history of Fort Victoria
A wild New Zealand flower (Lasiandra Tibouchina) on the pathway to Mount Victoria.
Devonport – Refreshments in a street café were needed after the hard climb to the top of Mount Victoria.
New Zealanders' favourite soft drink: L&P
My travelling companions admiring the beach.
Empty sandy beach at Devonport
Departing from Devonport with Mount Victoria in the background
Arriving back in Auckland, greeted by the old sandstone and brick Ferry Building surrounded by its modern neighbours
Auckland Queen Street – An unusual fountain with fire and water
John Grenell – Welcome to our World