Opening of Wynyard Quarter

Today was the official opening day of the new Wynyard Quarter, an area of Auckland waterfront that was previously run down wasteland and old industrial area. A new footbridge links the Viaduct Harbour to this new area. http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/Areas/Wynyard-Quarter.aspx

The bridge opens for boats leaving the marina - not sure that they needed to raise the bridge for the lifesavers though!

The new area is home to the new Viaduct Events Centre which will be a good addition to the city for the arts.




The old North Wharf sheds have been converted into several restaurants and bars, so no doubt will become a popular evening destination.





A tram line has also been put in that loops the area, trams have been brought over from Melbourne and done up.








Further down is Silo Park and the wind sculpture. This apparently used to be in a different area of Auckland but had been in storage since 2002, looked good in its new home.




The park itself will be used for concerts and open air cinema.

They have also built a scafolding like structure that gives good views back over the area and to the city. The cranes show that construction is still going on - a new hotel being built as well as new offices for one of the banks.

The view from Silo Park to the Harbour bridge.

Murder at Margharita Land

This year's work mid winter do was a murder mystery set in a tropical island resort. Royston & I played the honeymooners.







The lunchroom was decorated with loads of leis, plants and tropical posters - made for a great setting.






Dean (Jack Daniels the barman) was murdered by Richard (Lifeguard Sam) not that many of us figured that one out...





Craig here as multi millionaire Thurston Howard III - great hat! A really fun night.

Taupo

This weekend we headed down to Taupo to meet the new addition to Anna & Tim's family - baby Jodie who is now about 8 weeks old. Caroline in holding baby shock...

Royston stuck to the four legged family members and Holly loved the attention and her new found love of her tennis ball.

RWC 2011 - Tickets Have Arrived!

55 days to go until the World Cup kicks off. We have decided to go to three games - two at the local stadium, and England v Scotland at Eden Park on Royston's birthday. Very excited now the tickets have arrived!

Rangitoto Island

Today was a beautful winter's day so we headed over to Rangitoto Island, a 20 minute boat ride out into the Gulf. This dormant volcano erupted about 600 years ago from the sea with the resulting island now the home to numerous native plants. The view across one of the many lava flows to the summit.




The steady climb up to the summit took us past many lava fields but also lush vegetation - quite a strange mix. The crater is full of native trees.





The views from the summit viewing platform were fantastic - views back to the mainland and city, here to Takapuna beach.





And also out to the other islands in the Gulf - Motutapu, Motuihe and Waiheke.





We then descended down the volcano and to the west side of the island. Royston here on one of the lava flows.






Lunch stop was at McKenzie Bay with the Beacon Lighthouse, a quiet spot compared to the number of people at the summit.







The walk back round to the wharf gave us great views back to the city, framed by North Head, Cheltenham Beach and Mt Victoria.






Close to the wharf are some historic baches (holiday homes), most are now abandonded but some still used. Most of them have been dismantled over the years so only a few now remain. A great day out enjoying the sunshine.

Fungi

This post is for Dad...

Location = our front garden
Sighting of fairies = 0

Easter Weekend at the Yurt, Hahei

For the long Easter weekend we headed back to stay in the yurt just outside of Hahei with our friends. The yurt is situated in lovely grounds surrounded by trees bearing all varieties of fruit - avocados, mandarins and feijoas most prominent.




We had a very relaxing weekend and visited all the local beaches - a spot of fishing at Cooks Beach at the Purangi estuary mouth before the rain came.




Hahei beach was as beautiful as ever, and quite busy the afternoon we went as the sun was shining. The view from the Cathedral Cove car park back down the beach.






Then finally Hot Water beach, unfortunately we were there at high tide so missed the opportunity to dig a hole in the sand and sit in our own hot pool.