Los Angeles to Auckland

Day 1, I went on a Gate 1 package tour to New Zealand and Australia that included both air transportation and the tour, so no stopovers were allowed either way (see tour map). Our tour of 35 people, all Americans except for two Canadians, were on all our flights together, though we didn’t meet each other until we were transported to our hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. The flight from Los Angeles to Auckland was over 12 hours. Auckland time was, I think, 20 hours ahead of Los Angeles time, so we lost a day.

The two main islands of New Zealand are the North Island and the South Island. Auckland is on the North Island. The total population of New Zealand is about 4.6 million, with 3.6 million people living on the North Island and about 1.5 million of those living in Auckland.

Waiheke Island

A tour mate, Carolyn, and I had enough energy after arriving early in the morning in Auckland to take a boat ride out to Waiheke Island. The boat ride to Waiheke Island took about 40 minutes. It is a popular destination and our boat was full. It was refreshing to stand outside to enjoy the sea air after being on a plane for over 12 hours. There are 22 wineries on Waiheke Island and it is popular for wine tours. Photo: One of the vineyards.

Stonyridge Vineyard

On our tour director’s (Richard’s) recommendation, we had a delicious lunch with wine at the Stonyridge Vineyard. We didn’t spend too much time on the island as we had to get back to our hotel in Auckland for a tour orientation meeting and a welcome dinner.

Auckland Harbor

A view of Auckland Harbor with the Sky Tower on the return from Waiheke Island.

I have put my photos of Waiheke Island on a slideshow. Go to

http://www.peggysphotos.com/auckland–waiheke–island/

(Slide Shows, New Zealand/Australia, New Zealand, “Auckland: Waiheke Island”).

Auckland City Tour

Day 2: We had a city tour this morning around Auckland. Photo is of the Harbour Bridge.

Auckland City Tour

A view of the Auckland marina, the Sky Tower, and the high–rise buildings.

The Sky Tower

Our first stop was at the Sky Tower which has two observation decks from which we had a 360 degree view of Auckland.

Auckland’s Old Buildings

Next, we drove through an interesting area of old buildings, a contrast to all the high–rises in Auckland.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Our next stop was at the Auckland War Memorial Museum housing a Maori gallery, a Pacific Islands gallery, and other galleries dealing with New Zealand history, military history, and natural history. The Maori gallery was a good introduction to Maori culture and history. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and Australia. In the photo, a Maori storehouse with Maori carvings.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

A wall of Maori carvings.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

A mask in the Polynesian gallery. I had time only to visit the Maori and Polynesian galleries. I have put my photos of our Auckland city tour on a slideshow. Go to

http://www.peggysphotos.com/auckland–city–tour/

(Slide Shows, Australia/New Zealand, New Zealand, “Auckland: City Tour”).

West Coast Wilderness Experience

In the afternoon, I went on an optional West Coast Wilderness Experience which took us to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park outside Auckland. Our first stop was at the Arataki Centre.

Black Sand Beach

Our next stop was at the Black Sand Beach, its color from the iron in the sand.

Waitakere Ranges Rainforest

Last on the tour was a walk through a rainforest.

I have put my photos of the West Coast Wilderness Experience on a slideshow. Go to

http://www.peggysphotos.com/auckland–waitakere–ranges–park/

(Slide Shows, Australia/New Zealand, New Zealand, “Auckland: Waitakere Ranges Park”).

Mexicali Restaurant

Carolyn and I ate dinner at the Mexicali Restaurant, a chain. Since Los Angeles has so many Mexican restaurants, I am interested in what they are like in other parts of the world.

Mexicali Restaurant

On the restaurant’s door: “Freedom (peace symbol for the ‘o’). Summertime & the living easy. La Familia. Pray for Surf, Peace + Love (another ‘o’ peace symbol).”

Mexicali Restaurant

Inside the restaurant. Some Mexican tiles.

Mexicali Restaurant

The menu included a California burrito at $15NZ ($10.50U.S.), Mama’s fish tacos at $13NZ ($9.10U.S.), and a jalapeno chicken quesadilla at $15NZ.

Mexicali Restaurant

I had the jalapeno chicken quesadilla without the jalapenos and a margarita. Not Los Angeles quality but okay for a quick dinner.

The Sky Tower

We were near the Sky Tower and I was able to take a photo of it lit up at night.