The hectic schedule of the past week finally took a toll on mind and
body, with sleep sweeping over us as soon as we returned from dinner last night,
until 07:30hrs this morning. When we did awaken, it was to the sound of heavy rain and
howling winds – what a dramatic transformation from the sunny, still, conditions
a mere 12 hours ago! Given the gloomy weather, the long journey originally
planned to KeriKeri seemed unsavoury to say the least. Over a leisurely
breakfast we therefore formulated an alternative plan, which essentially
involved scrapping the lengthy detour via Auckland around Northland. Instead,
we would stop in Auckland and spend an extra day there to visit the many sites
on offer in and around the city.
We thus departed the caravan park shortly before 10:00hrs and slowly
made our way to Auckland, meandering our way along the narrow windy road around
the Firth of Thomas, through Thomas, and eventually into Auckland. As we
entered the greater suburban area, the heavy rain ceased and the clouds gave
way to patches of blue sky. The gale force wind continued unabated however.
After
check-in formalities at the Hotel were completed we headed straight for the
Auckland Museum. This magnificiant building comprises three floors, the first on Maori culture and
history, the second on New Zealand flora and fauna, past and present, with the 3rd
floor dedicated to the country’s military actions and traditions. As in Australia, the
people of New Zealand are rightly proud of their military history under ANZAC,
and it is very evident not just in the museum, but in every town and village
that we frequented. It is perhaps especially poignant, given 1 in 5 of the
population fought on behalf of the British in WW1; a ratio higher than any other Allied nation.
2.5 hours later we emerged to even stronger winds
– perfect weather for a visit to Mount Eden, an extinct volcano overlooking the
city and surrounding harbour. And the views didn’t disappoint, even if we did
have to lean 45 degrees into the wind in order to remain on our feet. After snatching
obligatory photos and video of the spectacular panoramic views we dived for
cover among the restaurant and bars on Parnell Road. We then went hunting for groceries
so Astrid could cook another sumptuous dinner when we returned to the motel
later. However, with a few hours daylight still remaining, we first drove to the summit of another volcanic peak in Conwall
park. Situated to the south of Mount Eden it affords better views of Manukau
Harbour. Finally, after yet another brusing by the wind, and decidedly red
faced from wind burn, we retreated back to the Hotel to soak aches and pains and defrost with more local grape-based anti-freeze.
2.5 hours later we emerged to even stronger winds
– perfect weather for a visit to Mount Eden, an extinct volcano overlooking the
city and surrounding harbour. And the views didn’t disappoint, even if we did
have to lean 45 degrees into the wind in order to remain on our feet. After snatching
obligatory photos and video of the spectacular panoramic views we dived for
cover among the restaurant and bars on Parnell Road. We then went hunting for groceries
so Astrid could cook another sumptuous dinner when we returned to the motel
later. However, with a few hours daylight still remaining, we first drove to the summit of another volcanic peak in Conwall
park. Situated to the south of Mount Eden it affords better views of Manukau
Harbour. Finally, after yet another brusing by the wind, and decidedly red
faced from wind burn, we retreated back to the Hotel to soak aches and pains and defrost with more local grape-based anti-freeze. 
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