Four Seasons in One Day
by 4streegrrl
When going in Auckland in the spring, or for anywhere in NZ for that matter, be prepared for any kind of weather. When the sun is out in November, it's hot. When it's raining, it can be a deluge. It can also snow at higher elevations, and I experienced a morning run in thick frost while at Lake Taupo. Bring long sleeved shirts (synthetic or wool, to keep you warm), pants, warm socks and rain gear, as well as any summer clothes you hope to use when the sun does come out. And dress in layers if the weather looks iffy, so you can put on and take off clothes when needed. While in Auckland, a spring rainstorm would roll in out of nowhere and drench me to the bone in one minute, then the sun would come out shortly to blast me with heat and I would be steaming gently the next minute. Thank goodness for long- and short-sleeve Merino wool shirts (made in NZ, naturally), which are light and warm, and a good umbrella.
Meet the Takahe on Tiritiri Matangi
by Kakapo2
Update 24 July 2008
The ferry company operating the trip to Tiritiri Matangi has changed (and if only the name...) since I wrote my tip: It is no more the Kawau Cat Ferry but 360 Discovery - and it now costs NZ$ 66. Contact details for 360 Discovery at the end of the tip.
Only one word is good enough to describe Tiritiri Matangi: Paradise! Once this little island in the Hauraki Gulf, only 30km north of Auckland, was destroyed by extensive farming, now it is a bird paradise, run by volunteers who replanted native vegetation. They also look after many endangered and common endemic and native birds.
The stars are the takahes. Those big flightless birds have been thought to be extinct for 50 years until they were found again in 1948. On Tiritiri M. you can easily imagine how this could happen. They are absolutely fearless and do not bother your company at all, they walk and graze a metre in front of you. That is the reason why they now have to live in protected areas and on predator-free islands like Tiritiri Matangi.
Other birds enjoy such perfect conditions as well. You will see red-crowned parakeets sitting on the stakes of flax, tuis, etc. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you readily walk amongst so many species. 78 different kinds of birds have been spotted on the island.
You can walk on your own in this open sanctuary. Take the ferry from Auckland (1:15h) - departure at 9am, Wednesday to Sunday only, return at 3.30pm. (From Boxing Day - 26 December - until mid January daily.) Sailings via Gulf Harbour (9.50am - 4pm).
This service ensures that there are only 150 visitors per day on the island. After an introduction by a volunteer at the wharf you can explore the island. Buy a map in Auckland or on the ferry (1 NZ$) or download it from the Tiritiri website, take something to eat and drink with you, then keep to the left (towards Hobbs Beach) while most people walk directly up to the lighthouse and a takahe enclosure. Take your time to sit on the benches in the forests - when you are still a lot more birds will fly around you. The fantails are the exception. As you know, they try to catch the insects that flee from you... ;-) The takahes spend their day in grassland.
Allow four to five hours for the walk. There are also short guided tours on offer. Accommodation in simple bunk rooms possible - but you have to bring your own sleeping bag.
Bookings with 360 Discovery are essential.
Freephone 0800 360 3472
Phone 09 424 5510
Fax 09 424 6093
Internet: www.360discovery.co.nz
To confirm sailing on the day phone 0800 326 824) after 7am.
Showgirls
by keeweechic
If you are looking for something a little ‘hotter’ in nightspots then this is claimed (by them) to be the hottest spot in Auckland. Lots of ladies in quite a flashy décor complete with lasers, lights waterfalls and smoke (for effect). They also claim to have a large range of alcoholic choices which are not available anywhere else in NZ. There are also private rooms and yes, it is a strip club and not personally checked out by the writer.
Wonderful Prawns and asparagus in Devonport
by BeverlyTyler about Monsoon
PHOTO: DEVONPORT'S VICTORIA RD. MONSOON IS IN ONE OF THE VICTORIAN BUILDINGS ON THE LEFT.
Monsoon is a delightful Thai/Malaysian on the main street of Devonport. The service is excellent and attentative. The wine and beer choices are good and they always have a board with a few evening specials. Go with the specials unless you have a definate preference. I had the special which on Sunday 6 October was Prawns and Asparagus. Barbara had a delicious Thai pork. Both meals were outstanding and substantial in size. (In many New Zealand restaurants the Entree is a small meal portion, the Main is the larger portion). We usually suggest splitting a dessert for all meals in New Zealand and Australia, but here the selections are so good we each indulged. Good coffee too!
We ate here again on 7 November (our last evening in NewZealand before flying back home to Long Island) and the food, service and atmosphere were just as great as we had remembered.
The New Orient
by keeweechic
This restaurant has been around forever.. they specialise in Hong Kong style buffet food but also have an a la carte menu also. The restaurant have a seating capacity for 200. They also have a private room for 20 people. The New Orient .. from what I remember, is good value for your dollar and worth a try. They are open 7 days and nights a week. Lunch: 11.30AM-2.30PM, 7 days. Dinner: 6PM-late, 7 days
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Auckland's Harbor
Anatola's big steak - lots of tomatoe sauce!
Winter Gardens
Standing on the glass floor at Auckland Skytower
