2/10 – Wellington, New Zealand

In 1865, Wellington became the capital of New Zealand, replacing Auckland, where William Hobson had established his capital in 1941.  Apparently there was concern that the southern regions, where the gold fields were located, would form a separate colony.  Commissioners from Australia (chosen for their neutral status) pronounced the opinion that Wellington was suitable because of its harbor and central location.  Wellington is the southernmost national capital city in the world, with latitude of about 41° south.¹

We didn’t do a lot here, just wandered around the city shopping and taking photos.  Very relaxing day.

Wellington Harbor

Mahatma Gandhi Statue @ the Railway Station

Central Business District building

Statue in CBD

Sculpture – Symbol of the earthquake aftermath



Interesting walking bridge

¹ Holland America Explorer



2/9 – Napier, New Zealand

Napier, in Hawke’s Bay, is a popular tourist city and has one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country, a statue on Marine Parade called Pania of the Reef.  This attraction is regarded in the same way by the locals as the Little Mermaid statue is regarded in Copenhagen.  The area attracts thousands of tourists every February for the Art Deco even celebrating Napier’s Art Deco heritage and history.  Napier and South Beach Miami, Florida are considered the two best preserved Art Deco towns in the world and Napier has been nominated as a World Heritage Site.¹

Napier is a lovely little beach town – lots of sculptures, art galleries, antique cars, little shops, cafes and ice cream parlors along the waterfront.  There were several bagpipe bands practicing for a competition the following day.  It would be a great place to come back to for several days.

Rodney @ the beach

Pania of the Reef Statue

Millennium Sculpture

Rodney & Antique Car

Floral Clock

Rodney & Antique Cars

¹ Holland America Explorer

2/8 – Tauranga, New Zealand

We went to see the Otorohanga Kiwi House Native Bird Park and the Waitomo Caves at this port, with a lunch stop at a local farm.  Though they only had one kiwi bird, Otorohanga was very interesting.  It was fun to see the various native birds of New Zealand.

The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves were awesome.  They took us on a walking tour through the caves and gave us their history.  Then we boarded a small boat and rode along an underground river.  There were thousands of glow-worms hanging from the ceiling of the caves.

Rodney @ Otorohanga Kiwi House

Kakariki Red Crowned Parakeet

Eastern Bar-tailed Godwit

Fountain @ Crosshills Farm (where we ate lunch)

Us @ Waitomo Glowworm Caves

2/5-7 – Auckland, New Zealand

To New Zealanders (Kiwis), Auckland is known as Queen City or City of Sails. It is rich in local history and home to a people known for their love of the outdoors. The city of Auckland is the largest and most modern in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, it is home to over one quarter of the country’s people.¹

We were in Auckland for a few days in 2002 following our Australia/New Zealand cruise, so know the city pretty well. We had already done the Sky Tower, kiwi farm, and various other tours, so we spent our time relaxing and enjoying walking around the city. When we were here before, we had eaten at a wonderful steak house that the concierge at our hotel had recommended. We couldn’t remember the name of it and it wasn’t where we thought it had been, so we went back to the same hotel and asked the concierge. Sure enough, he knew exactly what restaurant we were talking about – Angus Steak House (I know, how could we forget the name!). It had moved a few blocks away, but we had no trouble finding it. Had another absolutely delicious meal there and made another great memory!

America’s Cup Monument

Auckland Sky Tower

Beaurepaires - Apparently our grandson has a chain of these, they are all over NZ!

Rodney & ms Amsterdam

Sheryl @ Swashbucklers

Rodney @ Swashbucklers

Swashbucklers restaurant wasn’t open, so we didn’t eat there.  We just liked the statue out front.

¹Holland America Explorer