We have only been here in Auckland, New Zealand for five days but, so far, what’s not to love?!? We survived our 13 hour night flight from Los Angeles to Auckland and quickly tucked into our hotel to slay jet lag that, fortunately, turned out to be painless. Everything here is neat, clean and utilitarian; all about practicalities and nothing pretentious. It’s a casual relaxed outdoors oriented place with lots of young people in beach wear and hiking gear given it is the height of their summer season. We also saw lots of western retired couples, just like us, at the airport. It’s a diverse place with lots of indigenous Maori people of Polynesian ancestry and Asians, everywhere. I have never seen so many Korean/Chinese/Japanese restaurants in one place and I quickly honed in on steamed pork buns which are one of my favorite Asian delights. The “Kiwi’s” are also serious about their coffee and ice cream. Environmental issues are paramount; recycling is the norm and metal straws and chops sticks are all reusable.
One of the first things we do when we visit a new city is to take advantage of “free” walking tours. These guided walks are usually carried out by enthusiastic young people who love their city so we always learn a lot and get good suggestions for attractions/restaurants/shops/transportation/etc. Our delightful guide, Griffin, did not disappoint and we left the tour armed with a list of things to do and places to go during our time in Auckland. We visited their Maritime Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery. We took the ferry to Rangitoto Island, where Paul marched me up to the summit of an inactive volcano from where we had gorgeous panoramic 360 degree views of the sea and surrounding islands. The water in the Hauraki Gulf is a beautiful seafoam green and beckons one to just “jump in.” The summer weather here in the Auckland area is delightfully balmy and hovering in the mid 70’s.
The next day, we took the ferry to Waiheke Island and enjoyed a two hour guided walk around the island where there is a diverse array of tropical vegetation. They have very few creepy crawly things here and certainly nothing dangerous. We enjoyed both touring and tasting at several small vineyards and wineries on the island after which we relaxed before enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by our guest house host. She happens to be a seasoned private yacht chef during New Zealand winters whose work has taken her around the world many times throughout her 30 year career. What a life to ponder? After a lovely breakfast watching and listening to tropical island birds while overlooking the treetops and bay, we sauntered around the island’s main village before heading back to the city on the ferry. Tonight is about laundry, reading and writing before we take a bus back to the airport to pick up our rental car in the morning. Stay tuned for our early adventures driving on the left side of the road! 2019