Yesterday started with a 45 minute ferry ride to Waiheke where we rented a motorbike for the afternoon and roamed this hilly island of bays, beaches and vineyards, 30 in all.
The rain was timely, it began as we were boarding the ferry back to Devonport, a pretty Victorian village across the harbour from the city, and by the time we disembarked the sun was out so we walked to the top of Victoria Hill to enjoy the 360 degree views, followed by some local Pinot Gris.
Today was historic. Pardon the play on words but we have never spent a full day in a museum before, having visited many but Auckland Museum is outstanding and the best place to preview a tour of NZ.
The Pacific People exhibition is fascinating, comprehensively highlighting the similarities and contrasts between the inhabitants of Macronesia, Micronesia and Polynesia in every aspect of their culture . The Maori cultural performance was most enjoyable and concluded with the Haka..
The afternoon was spent in the Natural History section: Origins, Volcanoes the Coastal Regions and Oceans and everything that crawls, swims in and flies over them! Scars on The Heart covers the Kiwi military involvement in the Boer Wars, ANZAC, and the Great Wars and includes original fighter planes The Japanese Zero and The Spitfire. Another reminder: WAR what is it good for?
We are now much better prepared to understand and enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer over the next few weeks. If you don’t hear from us it will be due to the lack of access the internet.
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