New Zealand:
Auckland, Parnell
This is the first of my multi-part series on New Zealand. It is such an
amazing place to travel that it is going to take some time to give you a
real feel of this stupendous land. It has always been one of my most
favorite places to visit. Over the years I have been there many times for
business, hiking, touring, sightseeing, or skiing. Come join me traveling
around Aotearoa or New Zealand.
New Zealand is the 75th largest country in the world with a population of
approximately 4.4 million. In comparison the UK is the 79th largest country
in the world and has a population of some 61 million. You can see that New
Zealand has lots of room to move; one of its most attractive aspects.
Most people arrive first in Auckland the capital city. The metropolis is
located in the North Island of the two main islands that form the country.
Actually New Zealand is made up of 33 islands, but the largest are known as
the north and south islands. Auckland is home to the principal population in
the country, around 1.4 million.
Auckland straddles a volcanic field, which has produced about 50
volcanoes. These take the form of cones, lakes, lagoons, islands and
depressions, and several have produced extensive lava flows. One of the most
beautiful examples of all this volcanic activity is Rangitoto Island. It is
a widely visible landmark of Auckland with a distinctive symmetrical shield
volcano cone rising 260 meters (850 ft.) high over the Hauraki Gulf.
Parnell is a suburb of Auckland and is home to several beautiful parks.
Besides the main park known as The Rose Gardens, there are several others
scattered around the area. Fraser Park, known by locals as "Mike Robinson
Park", is a wonderful place to get a feel of the extraordinary flora in this
remarkable place.
Parnell is also a great place to stay as it has
terrific serviced apartments, hotels, coffee shops, and
is host to bustling shopping on Parnell Road. Much of
Parnell will remind you of so many streets in San
Francisco filled with open restaurants and chichi shops.
From 1921 to 2002, Carlaw Park, which is located in
Parnell, has been the home of rugby league football in
Auckland. This is a must see if you are a fan of the
sport.
New Zealand is full of vistas, mountains, volcanoes,
tropical forest, glaciers, and attractions of all kinds,
but it is not full of people. However, the few people
that are there are warm and friendly. Come join me on
our continuing tour around the surprising land of New
Zealand.