Auckland, New Zealand
“One of the best things about growing up in New Zealand is that if you are prepared to work hard and have faith in yourself, truly anything is possible. “– Peter Jackson
I read the Lord of the Rings a long time before it became popular and then read it again with my older son @Amitmahendru when he was a teenager. Peter Jackson’s version brought it alive for me in way never before and inspired a desire to visit New Zealand to see all the locations. Traveling through this tiny but mighty country with so much to offer has been like a dream come true.
As I spend my last couple of days exploring Auckland, I made my way up to Bastion Point overlooking the Waitemata Harbor. Not only is it a beautiful overlook with views across the water and the city but it also marks the history of Māori protests against the land grab by the Europeans. If not for this protest this area might have been filled with buildings and hotels instead of open and free to people to wander around and soak in the atmosphere.
The Parnell neighborhood once in decay and decline is now a flourishing neighborhood full of shops and restaurants. I had a delightful lunch here as I wandered through the street and shops. There is even a restaurant called O’ Calcutta here.
The Winter Garden, a special place to T-Rex and Charlie Mouse 2 characters in a love story by one of favorite Kiwi Authors, Nalini Singh. With its beautiful fernery and greenhouse full of flowers, I could understand why it might have been special to the author and her characters.
I love when I can bring my love of travel in synch with my love of reading. So many of my travel destinations are inspired by the books I read.
The ferry terminal was busy and bustling when I made my way there to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island. While I waited for the next ferry, I met a delightful lady who gave me the 411 on what to do, how to do and how to enjoy this part of New Zealand.
Such a typical idyllic view of this part of the world. I could sit with a snack or coffee and feast my eyes on all this beauty.
This is low tide in this marina, when the boats flop around like they’re recovering from a drunken binge. I did actually get to see this same marina when the tide came in and it will surprise you that all these tippy boats were upright and ready to sail.
This house from the windows of the Hop on Hop off bus looked weather beaten and appealing. Actually, the picture makes it look so much nicer than reality.
Waiheke island, one of the wine growing regions in New Zealand. I visited several wineries but 3 that stand out to me. Goldie the oldest winery on the island, now managed by the university of New Zealand, Mudbrick where I tasted the best blush wine slushy and Batch which had some gorgeous views.
My friend at the ferry terminal suggested watching the sunset from Mudbrick but I was tired and had a long trip back to Auckland so I left and missed what I’m sure would have been a spectacular sunset.
It comes as no surprise that even though it is summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, all the countries celebrate Christmas Holidays just as we do here, many of them dreaming of the white Christmas that they see in movies and pictures. Everywhere you look Christmas decorations were out in full force.
In fact, I ran into a group of young ladies on their way to New York for their holidays with a wish to see snow and enjoy a white Christmas. Another English transplant told me that it’s weird to celebrate with the typical Christmas meal and then go to the beach.
Goodbye New Zealand, I have thoroughly enjoyed my wandering here. What a beautiful country with so much to offer visitors. People need to visit at least once if they can.
More adventures are calling to Wandering Veena as she limps her way across the Southern Hemisphere.