Mon 27.Apr.2026
Auckland, NZ
NZ imagery Feb 2026
CA imagery Jan 2026
Long ago, when dinosaurs roamed the land ...
when Gaul was in three parts,
and Istanbul was Constantinople,
I last posted a photo page. We were on the quiet coast of central California.
Let's wrap up that beautiful spot, and move on!
A self-conscious Tesla.
And now for Something Completely Different
Auckland, New Zealand
Double incentives were at work: first, February in Europe is cold and wet.
Second: the Schengen (common borders) countries are starting to enforce their rule
about 90 days at a time for visitors. Not 90 days for individual countries -
90 days in any or all of them. That includes everyplace except UK, Albania, and the
"cyrillic" Yugoslav countries.
New Zealand kills two birds with one stone - outside Schengen, and ... it is still
Summer here. An extra bonus - I had never been there before!
A short hop to LAX, then an endless flight, and here we are!
Where do you start in a new city, when you have been too lazy to any research?
The Central Business District is an easy choice. Auckland's looks nice enough!
I based myself in Ponsonby -
a colorful neighborhood outside the CBD
Between Ponsonby and downtown is the Western Park.
We'll be here for the rest of the page.
I am still a complete beginner on Auckland. For seasoned expertise, find somebody
else. A couple of random first impressions.
Auckland is pronounced a lot like Oakland!
Be sure you are getting on the correct flight!
The airport is far from the center of town and I couldn't find any good public
transit connections. Pre-booked shuttles (or cabs) are pretty much it.
New Zealand fun facts:
City bus riding is easy. They "tap on / tap off" using ordinary credit or
debit cards.
Bus passengers always thank the driver when they exit, even if they are
using the rear door! An oddly pleasing custom!
Next: More New Zealand