DAY ONE
Back from Queenstown, we visited another island near Auckland. Waiheke is a 40-minute ferry ride. No volcano - and quite large, with many wineries and hills full of houses. We used the island bus line to reach a long beach for a walk. The beached blue jellyfish with inflated, horn-shaped "sails" were interesting.
The beach itself was extensive.
We had lunch at a beach-side restaurant and then took another walk to a high point with views of vineyards.
One of the highlights, on a corner where we waited for a bus, was a coffee shop made from shipping containers. (photo to be supplied)
We were sufficiently tired on our return, so we were not unhappy that we did not get tickets for "Gays in Space" for which we had been wait-listed in the morning. It's part of a gay arts festival running in town.
DAY TWO
Today's main event was the Auckland Museum - with a sensational collection of Maori and Pacific Island objects. Here's a selection with minimal commentary:
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| 5-foot tall shell fossil |
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| Extinct moa bird |
DAY THREE
Beautiful, sunny weather continues as we take a 5-hour small bus tour to the West coast with a team of driver and nature guide who kept us informed and entertained throughout. In essence the terrain is the 50-mile caldera of an extinct volcano, now filled with forest and beach on the west coast of Auckland. Some fine, flat walks through the bush, a waterfall with Naiads, (Photo to be added)
another waterfall,
and Pihu, a surfing beach with sand consisting mostly of iron particles.
Plus beautiful dried seaweed or kelp stalks.
DAY FOUR
Leaving for Melbourne tonight at 8PM. Breakfast at a farmer's Market in the Parnell section of Auckland.
I enjoyed the interior shot of the wharenui, which is featured in the opening scene of Disney's Moana.
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