AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND 

     Last February's trip to New Zealand made for a great holiday. It was the first time I had been out of Australia in decades. The people there were friendly and I was hoping to go back  in 2022 but, unfortunately, there is this pandemic in the way of doing so. New Zealanders haven't been as badly hit by as Australians and I don't blame them at all for keeping it that way. Meanwhile I have my memories of that time away and also a fistful of pics you might enjoy. I know there will come a time when we will again be able to venture overseas. 

     Like Sydney, the city of Auckland is a mixture of old and new. This needle is a place of gambling and also fine dining. Personally, I don't care for games of chance.

     In Auckland there are signs that New Zealand, like Australia, is connected to the greater British Empire.

     There are such lion's heads in Sydney. This one was found in Auckland.

     The water in Auckland's harbour is surprisingly green. From this harbour it is possible to take day trips to nearby islands.

There are terns on some of the outlying islands.

There is also art to be found on some of the outlying islands.

     Like Sydney, the city of Auckland has birdlife that originally came from elsewhere such as this blackbird.

     The museum at Auckland has many treasures of the past and touches upon the history of New Zealand in a profound way. 

      It should be noted that if you really want to have a good time in Auckland and you are over fifty then don't stay at a backpacker's hotel.