Day One Auckland, NZ

Sailing in Auckland Harbour

Had a fantastic first day in Auckland. The weather was clear and in the upper 60s. We began the day with a lecture on New Zealand history including the migration from Polynesia of the Maori, NZ's original people - think American Indians for the USA.

We then went for a sail in Auckland Harbour (yes, that's how they spell it in NZ).

Auckland Harbour Bridge

We heard a great story about the Harbour bridge. When the bridge was first opened, it only had four lane. Traffic quickly exceeded capacity so the government contracted with Nippon, a Japanese firm, to add four more lanes. At a site in Japan, the firm constructed two sections with two lanes each, transported them to Auckland and clipped two lanes in each direction onto the existing four lane bridge. So the locals call the bridge "the Nippon Clip-ons". For many

weeks after the bridge opened, locals refused to drive on it

A respite among the bromeliads & ferns

because they thought the added lanes would fall into the Harbour. I thought that was a great story.

We had lunch at Eden Gardens, a huge, lush green garden built on an one of Auckland's many  volcanic mountains.

Maori art

Both indigenous and imported plants thrive year round in an intact ecological zone. Plants include camellias, rhododendrons, roses, hostas, Japanese maples, bromeliads, succulents, palms and ferns.

Our last stop for the day was the Auckland World War I Museum. It has outstanding displays that tell the story of Maori culture, the indigenous animals of NZ and Auckland's involvement in The Great War when more than 7,000 locals died.

Auckland's Queen's Wharf

We wrapped up the day with a dinner overlooking Auckland Harbour.

There are 29 people in the group but it doesn't seem that big. Everyone is well travelled and in the same demographic as me - well, almost. With no exception, the conversations have been interesting and varied. I think this will be a fantastic trip.