New Zealand: Farewell!

It’s time to leave New Zealand and head off to the next adventure! Farewell!

New Zealand, Auckland: Bastion Point Lookout

Piggletino took a walk to see Auckland city from Bastion Point Lookout. This is a leisurely walk that offers amazing views out from the Waitemata Harbour. Estimate 2 hours for a stroll around the Joseph Savage Memorial Gardens and down to Mission Bay.

Plenty of photo opportunities – Piggletino took a quick snap too!

 

New Zealand, Auckland: Auckland Museum and the history of NZ

Making use of the Auckland Explorer Bus, Piggletino arrives at the Auckland Museum, a three-storey building that holds the history of New Zealand. Within this building, war memorials, Maori cultures and geographical information abound.

Piggletino also learnt about another fascinating creature – the Kiwi.

Remember to stop by the Winter Gardens just a stone’s throw away from the Museum!
For more information of the Auckland Explorer Bus, go here: http://www.explorerbus.co.nz/index.html

New Zealand, Auckland: There’s a Hole in the Rock!

Piggletino was enjoying the vast oceans and great view of Cape Brett Lighthouse when the skipper manouevred towards a huge rock formation – and steered through that narrow space! So says the skipper, if a drop of water from the ceilings of the rock fall upon you, you shall enjoy good luck. But remember to keep your limbs on board! Hole in the Rock! What an amazing experience!

New Zealand, Auckland: learning about the Maori culture

The Maori culture forms a distinctive part of New Zealand and also has strong ties with the development of NZ since 1250s. A trip to New Zealand cannot be complete unless some exposure to the Maori culture is experienced. Piggletino’s trip to the Bay of Islands included a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Treaty House. The traditional Maori meeting house stood majestically in the sun, emitting a strong cultural aura that one was naturally drawn to. Briefly, the Treaty of Waitangi was to protect Maori interests from British colonial influences and to maintain peace and order in the co-existence of the two parties.

Another eye-catching cultural icon – with 70 years of history and 35metres in length, a large waka or war canoe sits in the open.

It doesn’t stop here! Piggletino will be back with more of his adventure!

 

New Zealand, Auckland: en route to the Bay of Islands

Yet another beautiful day to be on the roads again, this time from South to the North Islands to check out the most populous city of New Zealand, Auckland. Heading over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the Bay of Islands, Piggletino sits back to enjoy the rural scenery.

New Zealand, Wanaka: last day at Clearbrook

It’s time to leave the beautiful South Islands of New Zealand and head up North. Piggletino’s enjoying his last day’s stay at Clearbrook Apartments, checking out the brook and taking a sun-tan at the balcony!

Goodbye Lake Wanaka! Piggletino shall be back for a visit soon!

 

New Zealand, Wanaka: Mt Difficulty Wines

Piggletino decided to get some exercise, heading over to the Bannockburn area to check out Mount Difficulty vineyards! Oh the finer things in life…

(More about Mt Difficulty wines: http://www.mtdifficulty.co.nz/index.html)

 

New Zealand, Wanaka: Piggletino’s guiding principles

Ah, what a wonderful world! Lake Wanaka and its surroundings are beautiful! Piggletino’s believes that life should be all about relaxing…

and making friends…

New Zealand, Wanaka: stalked by celebrities

Piggletino found a great place to rent a car to travel around this awesome place!

Piggletino spotted an interesting place – Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World – and decide to check out the attractions. Lots of fun in there – puzzles, illusion and hologram rooms, a huge labyrinth (The Great Maze) and Piggletino was also “stalked” by Churchill, Lincoln in the Hall of Following Faces!