Tag: Auckland New Zealand

Where in the World Are We?

In Auckland, New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE CREATION OF NEW ZEALAND
Maori culture is essentially based on oral traditions that have passed down history, legends, and values over the millennia.
One of them tells the story of how the North Island and the South Island were created.
Maui, the demigod who tamed the sun and gave mankind fire, had four brothers.
One day, he overheard them preparing to go fishing at sea without him. Not wanting to be left on land alone by his brothers, Maui hid in his brothers’ canoe. He waited until they were far enough out to sea to emerge from his hiding place. So he could start fishing with his brothers.

Maui had made himself a fishing hook from the magic jawbone of an ancestor. He threw the magic hook and after a short time, got a bite that seemed to be quite big. With the help of his brothers, he gently brought his catch up from the depths. To everyone’s surprise, they had caught a gigantic fish: Te Ika a Maui (Maui’s fish) known today as the North Island.

Maui then proceeded to thank Tangaroa, the god of the oceans, for this exceptional new catch, but before he could finish his prayer, his brothers cut off parts of it, creating the valleys, mountains, and lakes that can still be admired on North Island today.
The five brothers left their canoe next to the giant fish: this is Te Waka on Maui (Maui’s Canoe), now known as South Island. It is said that the Kaikoura Peninsula, on the west coast of the island, is the site of the canoe’s headquarters, where Maui stood to reel in his catch. The canoe’s anchor, “Punga a Maui”, became Stewart Island-Rakiura.

FARMERS’ MARKET IN MATAKANA
Matakana’s beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards, local arts scene, and picturesque village with a superb farmers’ market make this region a wonderful destination for tourists and locals alike. Pick up organic, seasonal produce, or savor some fresh delicacies by the river’s edge at the Matakana Village Farmers Market.

SIGHTS

• Auckland Zoo
• Cornwall Park
• New Zealand Maritime Museum
• Albert Park
• Auckland Botanic Gardens
• Rangitoto Island

Today’s Excursion – Maritime Museum, Harbour Sailing & City Sights
We experience the spectacular beauty, history, and landmarks of Auckland during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion by
land and water.
Auckland, Downtown Area, Parnell Village, Auckland Domain, Auckland Harbour Bridge
We departed the pier for a scenic sightseeing drive through Auckland’s lovely downtown area. Along the way, we noted the contrast between the city’s modern structures and the restored Victorian buildings in the suburbs. From here, we drove through Parnell Village, which features trendy shops, boutiques, and an exceptional collection of art galleries in restored, Colonial-era buildings. Our drive continues past Auckland Domain, home to beautiful-manicured gardens, and the stately Auckland War Memorial Museum. From here, we drove across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then stopped for splendid views and photo opportunities at a scenic viewpoint.

New Zealand Maritime Museum, Galleries, Exhibits, Models, Books, Photographs, Artefacts
We proceeded for a guided tour of the New Zealand Maritime Museum. The bond between New Zealand and the ocean is
presented, preserved, and celebrated in this exceptional museum. We took a guided walking tour and explored the galleries and exhibits detailing the nautical history of New Zealand, from the earliest Polynesian settlers to today. An extensive collection of models, photographs, books, drawings, and artifacts were displayed for our enjoyment.

Waitemata Harbour Cruise, Ted Ashby, Westhaven Marina, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Inner-Harbour
Leaving the museum, we embarked on the Ted Ashby, a heritage sailing vessel, for a scenic, 45-minute cruise along the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour. We cruised past Westhaven Marina, the largest yacht marina in the Southern Hemisphere, then sailed past the Auckland Harbour Bridge and inner harbor.

Dinner was at La Terrazza with a Spanish Family Night theme

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Where in the World Are We?

In Auckland, New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
A MULTI-CULTURAL HUB OF FOOD & WINE, MUSIC, ART AND CULTURE

Known as the ‘City of Sails’ its two harbours will tempt you with waterfront walks and the chance to breathe fresh sea air deep into your lungs while absorbing spectacular views of Auckland’s grand harbour bridge’s span. Take in the true scale of Auckland’s magnificent cityscape by ascending 192 metres to the Sky Tower and looking out over the city’s gleaming silver towers which reflect on the abundant waters below.

Views over the bay and adjacent islands await and you can share elegant cocktails at this dizzying height above the mingling yachts of Viaduct Harbour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.

Set beside tranquil fountains and handsomely landscaped flowerbeds of Albert Park the French-Renaissance building houses New Zealand’s most extensive art collection and exhibits works from Maori and Pacific artists. New Zealand is world-renowned for its captivating natural scenery and day trips across the sparkling bays to nearby islands like Waiheke Tiritiri Matangi and Rangitoto are always tempting. Discover lava caves grape-laden vineyards and flourishing wildlife in the Hauraki Gulf’s islands.

You’ll also find an exceptional 360-degree panorama over the city to the horizon beyond the heights of ancient Mount Eden. The spectacular dormant volcano rises improbably from a city suburb and also lends its name to Eden Park – the unusual translucent stadium of New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks.

WAIHEKE ISLAND
Of all Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf islands, Waiheke Island is the most popular to visit. Around 8,000 people live here year-round, and the island’s villages are home to art galleries and a thriving café culture, while the beautiful coast hosts plenty of white-sand beaches to explore and relax. Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

SIGHTS

• Sky Tower
• Waitemata Harbour
• Auckland War
  Memorial Museum
• Mount Eden
• Tiritiri Matangi Island
• One Tree Hill

Today’s Excursion

Auckland City Walk – Discover the “City of Sails”

We explored the scenic splendour, history and sights of the ‘City of Sails’ during this panoramic excursion of Auckland on foot.

Auckland, Britomart Pavilions Park, Backstreets, Hidden Laneways, Restaurants, Bars
Our guide takes you through backstreets and hidden laneways filled with local artisan food outlets, top restaurants, and lively bars. The dining scene in Auckland is highly rated by the world’s most respected chefs, and our guide pointed out the best food outlets.

Shopping Precincts, Fine Shoppes and Boutiques, Refreshments
Auckland is also home to the best shopping in New Zealand, from leading global luxury brands to world-class local designers
and creators. Our guided walking tour took us through several gorgeous shopping precincts in the heart of the city and past some of its finest shoppes and contemporary fashion boutiques.

Waterfront, City Skyline, Harbour, Luxury Yachts, Viaduct Basin, Wynyard Quarter, Public Art

We enjoyed stunning views of the city skyline, and luxury private yachts and charter boats moored in the harbour. Next, we headed to the lesser-visited side of the central city for a visit to the Viaduct Basin and Wynyard Quarter. Auckland also boasts many of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists and we visited their amazing works of public art.

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