When we went to sleep on Sunday night, Bob said we should go somewhere new tomorrow. Let’s go to New Zealand. Ok I said….sounds very exciting.

Monday, February 10th, we woke up and had just docked in Auckland. What a beautiful city! Reminds me a bit of Seattle because of the building that looks similar to the Sky Needle. The building is called they Sky Tower and is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. It has a transparent elevator with a glass floor observation deck that towers 1,072 feet in the air.

We took a tour today of the city highlights, War Museum and Maori Village and performance. We took a bus on Monday morning along the coast and stopped at a monument (Orakei Memorial) that overlooked the bay. We then drove through the city where our guide pointed out various buildings and points of interest.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum was a stately looking building. Reminded me of buildings in Washington DC with their grand columns. We met a group of Maori (indigenous people) that worked at the museum and wore native costumes. We split up into small groups and our guide took 4 of us (Bob and I and our friends Carmen and Pedro). Our guide was a beautiful young woman. She explained that the hill this museum sits upon is sacred land to her people. She explained her ancestry and was very proud when she showed us a statue of her great great grandfather. She took us into a very large tribal house (Wharenui or literally ‘big’ house). The house is a communal house used for gatherings such as tribal meetings, funerals and accommodations for their guests. The houses are often carved inside and out with stylized images of the iwi’s or tribe ancestors (style varies by tribe). We took our shoes off and walked into this beautiful structure. It had 2 large poles in the middle, each with significant meaning. The one was considered the ‘heart’ of the building. Without the heart, the house would die. Each part of the structure had a meaning and represented parts of their ancestors (gable was the head, ridge was a backbone, rafters were ribs, etc). Around the entire interior were carvings, each with significant meaning in relation to her family.

Our guide also showed us paintings of some Maori people. Facial tattoo’s were common on both men and woman. She explained the designs and what they meant. Men would have full facial tattoos and woman would have tattoos on their face on their chin. She had one, but explained it was drawn on for the day.

We went into an auditorium and watched a tribal Maori dance performance. We were waiting to see the Haka performed. The Haka was an ancient Maori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield. Actions include foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. It was fun to watch and to hear. Bob though I may have some Maori blood and asked the haka dancer to pose with me for a pic. Lol.

The War Museum had memorials for each war that their people have fought in. Giant walls of marble with thousands of names displayed. It was a very solemn place. Always sad to see memorials like this knowing these people gave their all for their country. I found it very touching to see another wall of marble, completely empty of names and a statement at the bottom that said “Let These Panels Never Be Filled”.

We stopped at a garden on the way back to the city filled with beautiful flowers and fountains. We took some photos and then drove back to Auckland Harbour and over the bridge. The Harbour Bridge stretches over the sparkling Waitemata Harbor, filled with colorful yachts. Unparalleled city views, Rangitoto Island, Devonport and the Waitakere Ranges can be seen from its heights. Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” has around 135,000 yachts, which is more per capita than any other city in the world.

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking downtown Auckland, mostly Queen Street where you find lovely shops and outdoor dining. The exchange rate is very good, so many people headed out to buy something special from New Zealand.

The day flew by and it was time to board the ship. As we sailed from the downtown Wharf, people were waving good-bye. The skyline was spectacular and the sun was starting to sink in the sky and made everything golden. There was a group of small sailboats that looked like a school. As we sailed by, we looked down and waved. They looked so tiny in the water.

Beautiful sunset! We went off to get ready for dinner and a show. Another great day to a place that I never thought I would visit. Auckland was a lovely, small city. Hope to see you again someday.