Across the bay, in perfect line of our view from the hotel are a few of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. The one in our direct sight is Rangitoto. The youngest of the volcanic islands here - just a baby (a 600 year old baby mind you!). This morning we had thoughts of doing the hike there but the ferry schedule didn't seem to match up with our relaxed morning. We are keen to hike it so we hope the weather cooperates with our intentions!
Instead, we settled on visiting the Auckland Museum and then taking the ferry over to the section of town known as Devonport.
Devonport is one of Auckland's oldest suburbs. To get there you take a quick jaunt across the bay on one of the Fuller ferries. We were hoping for quaint. We got kitsch. There were nice moments though. Sitting on the beach front sharing some "fush and chips" (as they say here, right Torin?!), hiking up Mt. Victoria to be met with some local children tobogganing (on flattened cardboard) down the steep grassy edge (who needs snow?!), the Maori fisherman on the edge of the pier casting off using enormous ocean rods, and yes, the views back towards the city.
The highlight of the day was visiting the Auckland Museum. We walked there through the University of Auckland grounds (a lovely university) and then through the large central park type green space known here as The Domain. The Museum sits atop a hill overlooking all of the city and harbor. The building itself is constructed in a Greco-Roman style that one wouldn't expect to see here.
Inside we find a treasure trove of South Pacific artifacts. Really, very stunning. Masks, tools, boats, clothes, weapons, jewelry....all made from wood, bone, shells, feathers, and stone. It is such a comprehensive view of the cultural history of the South Pacific, and is SO worth the admission price.
What is not worth the extra admission price is the Maori cultural performance. We were both extremely excited to see a few of the traditional Maori songs and dances performed. What we saw instead was the Maori cultural vaudeville show. Since when do the Maori play acoustic guitars?!?! What's next? Synthesizers and sunglasses?! This show had a guitar alright, along with some misguided performers who seemed to feel that jokes and audience participation would liven up the act. Not the educational experience we were hoping for. Definitely NOT worth the money.
We finished up our day with a stroll along the bustling Queen street which seemed to us to be much like Yonge Street in Toronto. We did manage to find replacement water shoes for Keir however. Jenn sweet talked the sales person into giving us the "members discount" after claiming she was still a student (hey it's possible - I did get the ol' up 'n down when trying to buy wine the other day!). Afterwards we made another shoe purchase, this time at the dollar store. Two dollar flip-flops for each of us that will soon serve as "shower shoes" for the communal camp showers we will soon be getting used to.
All in all, Auckland seems like a nice city. It is however, a city, and already we find ourselves pining for the simplicity and community feel of Fiji. Looking forward to taking the ferry over to various islands in the next few days and to, of course, getting our camper van and hitting the road!
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