Author Archives: walkingward3

March 27, 2024 Orakei Basin is a large explosion crater that erupted on the side of Purewa Creek that runs into Hobson Bay. In the 1920s, an embankment was built for a railway line that cut off the crater from the creek. The embankment created a shallow, artificial saltwater lake with control gates under theContinue reading “Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand”

March 20, 2024 The central business district of Auckland is not particularly attractive. However, there are some interesting buildings scattered throughout the downtown area. Here are some we passed during our walk. The St. John Ambulance National Office was built in 1912 and was used for much of its life as the Central Fire Station.Continue reading “Auckland City, New Zealand”

March 16, 2024 If you are a regular follower of our blog, you will know by now that Auckland is built on a volcanic plain. A few weeks back we climbed Rangitoto, Auckland’s youngest volcano, which erupted and sprung up out of the ocean only 600 years ago. Today, we visited Pupuke Moana (‘overflowing lake’Continue reading “Milford, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand”

March 14, 2024 After a couple of months and numerous sidetracks, we returned to Point Chevalier with its state homes and infill housing. We started out at the Point Chev shops that line Great North Road before heading back into the neighborhood. We’ve mentioned before how fond New Zealanders are of their native birds. WeContinue reading “Point Chevalier, Auckland, New Zealand”

February 23, 2024 Today we returned to our old suburb of Remuera. This time we stuck to the south side of Remuera Road which is less hilly and made for a less strenuous walk. Like much of Auckland’s eastern suburbs, there was a lot of new infill housing tucked in behind the original homes. HereContinue reading “Remuera, Auckland”

February 20, 2024 Auckland is built on a volcanic field and there are approximately 53 volcanoes in the area. Fortunately, they are all dormant. Many have now been built over and are now undetectable. However, there are still over a dozen that can clearly be seen, as they rise above the city and surrounding suburbs.Continue reading “Rangitoto, New Zealand”

February 18, 2024 With our cousin, Annette, we headed across the Harbour Bridge to Devonport. We dropped in on our friend Astrid who has just moved to the neighborhood. She led us on a walk along the waterfront toward North Head (Maungauika), a dormant volcano that sits on a point with extensive views over theContinue reading “Devonport and Cheltenham, Auckland, New Zealand”

February 14, 2024 On our second morning on Waiheke we headed out for a bush walk. It was less strenuous than the previous day’s walk but just as beautiful. Silver ferns have become a symbol of New Zealand and you will see them on the uniforms of most of the country’s sports teams, including theContinue reading “Waiheke, New Zealand”

February 13, 2024 Waiheke Island is just a 45 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, but it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand’s largest city. Ringed with beautiful beaches and coves and dotted with upscale vineyards and restaurants, it has become a popular destination for Aucklanders and visiting tourists. WeContinue reading “Waiheke, New Zealand”

February 9, 2024 We returned to the quiet streets around Eden Park. Most of the villas you see in Auckland are painted white. But, of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Speaking of colorful, today’s car of the day, is this bright orange McLaren. In fact, as followers of Formula I car racing will know, theContinue reading “Mt. Eden, Auckland, New Zealand”