It is always a pleasure to come to New Zealand. Years ago, while living in Hawaii, we were enchanted with the tales of Polynesia. And today, the lure of the exotic is still strong. We have seen quite a bit of New Zealand but neither of us could remember ever touring Auckland on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. So this time, we decided to take the HOHO and see whatever we might have missed. (If you’d like, take a look at the post of February 1, 2018 when we took the ferry from Auckland to Devonport.)
And lo-and-behold, stop #2 the Bastion Point lookout was our very first exit from the bus. Bastion Point was home to several gun emplacements during the Russian Scare of the 1880s. Today, it is the site of the Michael Savage Memorial commemorating his support of the Maori people during his time as Prime Minister. The views from here are spectacular.
Or next exit from the HOHO was at the top end of Parnell, the oldest suburb of Auckland. It dates back to 1841. But by the early 20th century the suburb’s main street had become run-down. It was local property developer, Les Harvey, who set about transforming it. He renovated the historic villas and created a series of boutique shopping and entertainment areas. We found this to be a stylish and charming place to have lunch and our afternoon libation.
Why don’t I let the photos tell the story:
We are docked within easy walking distance into the city. And the ferry terminal is right next door–great for a quick run over to Devonport or Waiheke Island.Because we have been here many times, we chose to simply sit back and enjoy the HOHO bus. Here, we are passing the Kelly Tarlton Aquarium which is actually built under the road!!! The crosswalk leads to the entrance!.The Michael Savage Memorial at Bastion Point .View of Auckland and the Sky Tower from Bastion Point. I have been told that one of our passengers bungee jumped from the tower because it was free for anyone over the age of 65!!!!! I’m not at all sure that is true!!!We exited the HOHO at The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. Parnell is the oldest suburb of Auckland.The magnificent altar of Holy Trinity Cathedral..Rog lighting candles of payer for all our friends suffering from illnesses of one kind or another ( and for us , too!) Another passenger on board gave me a pin stating, “Don’t Postpone Joy.” I’d like to live by those words!The Parnell Village ShopsThe Parnell Village Shops area was created by Thomas Leslie Harvey. Rog & I share the desire to take an historic area and make it relevant and useful in the modern age! Well done, Harvey family!What’s missing from this picture? Roger is missing his afternoon libation!!!!Rog’s McLeod’s lager.Ahh, the afternoon libation.A great shop for all things paper! I am known to family and friends as a “paper magnet,” so you can imagine my delight in finding a shop like this!They had a window display of Crane & Co. stationery on sale! Who could resist? Certainly not me!It was suggested I post pictures of the souvenirs picked up along our travels. I often buy little tchotchkes, but today,at the shop, Passion for Paper, I made a substantial purchase of Crane Paper and a mini Campo Marzio pen. Joy for this paper magnet!!We had exited the HOHO at the Holy Trinity Cathedral stop. This is the downhill pick-up point for the return HOHO back to the city.We passed the old Railway Station on the way to the dock.Isn’t this Interesting artwork? We spotted this at a city bus stop.Even the architecture is interesting. This is quite a modern building.You’ve got to love the juxtaposition of the historic architecture with the modern!As we walked back to the ship, we ambled along Queen Street, the wonderful downtown shopping district with its beautiful high-end stores.And there she is: home-sweet-home!
RovingRaconteurs.com 
Beautiful country. And great beer I bet.
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