Auckland, New Zealand 3/4/24

 Auckland, New Zealand

Today is our first New Zealand stop where we can explore Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand at 1.7 million, out of 5.2 million total, nicknamed the “City of Sails” because of the high density of boats in its harbors. It’s also a city built on a volcanic field, with some 50 dormant volcanoes within 1,000 sq kilometers. For Tolkien fans, Aukland is one of the closest cities to the Hobbiton film set. The Maori settled in 1350 due to the fertile soil to gow crops and the protected and safe harbor's.  Europeans began settling in the early 1800's and was named after the Earl of Auckland.  Highlights of the city are the Sky Tower, the Auckland Harbor and Bridge.  As the city of sails, it has the highest number of boats per capita in the world.  Mount Victoria was a key defense position during WW2 and still has an underground bunker and guns there.  The views of the city are lovely.  As we drove around surrounding neighborhoods, the Victorian influence is very much in view.  Devonport was a ferry ride from our port and Mickey, and I spent the afternoon there after our morning tour of the city.  It has strict regulations for building and renovations, similar to many US neighborhoods.  It is considered a high-end neighborhood and prices start at 1 M New Zealand dollars.  And we were told their chocolate was absolutely divine.  Taste test proved it so we brought some back to the sip for our dinner table and also our little cocktail parties in the room. We went from there to Ponsby which was the blue-collar neighborhood, and those prices are now in the millions for 2-bedroom cottages.  Both cities have houses built of Kauri tree wood, which was used to rebuild San Francisco after the great fire.  The Kauri tree is a protected species and not used as widely today as it was depleted to build homes.  Had a great Indian lunch, I got my nails done, while Mickey cocktailed!  Back to the main drag, we walked around a bit but cut it short as it started to pour and I was not comfortable to do the pedestrian bridge in the rain, so we did not make it to the sky tower.  We did not head to Hobbiton, but I have included some pictures from some of our fellow cruisers who did make it there.... the city is very cosmopolitan and clean.  Would love to head back someday..