Cheryl & Elwin's Adventures

Gidday Mates (we won’t get to say that too much more!)
This morning we took the loop bus ($0.50 per ride or slightly higher) to the various neighborhoods around Auckland and then we walked around. We started in Parnell which until several years ago was run down and not far off from the wreckers ball. It was a nice rehab of a Victorian neighborhood. Then off to the Ponsonby area which is a coffee hangout during the day ( the locals here take coffee as seriously as in Seattle), and bar hangout at night. We decided to pick up some fresh bread, cheese, and meats from the local market, grab a bottle of wine, and then walk down the hill to Victoria Park for a picnic lunch. The park was full of various cricket games and although we watched intently, none of us still have a clue as to what was going on.
After lunch we went back and picked up the car for a drive along the east facing beaches. We drove out to Mission and St. Helier’s Bays, then up to the lookout above St. Helier’s. We continued on a bit further to the suburb of Churchill, and then doubled back. The views of the Hauraki Gulf and back to the city were stunning. You can see the volcano which is Rangitoto Island. This is the newest volcano of the 48 surrounding Auckland.
BTW – Auckland is the self professed City of Sails. They literally have redeveloped a major portion of the downtown harbor area around the America’s Cup theme. There are several America’s Cup boats out on the harbor at most times, along with lots of other sailing craft as well.