Sunday 2 October 2011

NZ: Auckland, the largest city


The largest city in New Zealand has a small town feel, that's the remarkable thing about this country, this city.  It has a population of over 1.3 million, but the streets are not crowded.  The city is quite spread out and it doesn't have a lot of high rises except in the downtown area.  It has the largest Polynesian population in the world, which explains why the city is bilingual everywhere.  We were surprised to see bilingual signs all over the library, even in the book return slots!  What strikes us was that the aboriginal population here in NZ seems to be in a much better position than their counterparts in Australia, the little that we have seen of both countries.  

Historic clock tower (1926) on the University of Auckland campus


Downtown Auckland - a traffic jam, heaven forbid!


See the mix of architectural styles, Italian renaissance revival Town Hall beside art deco

Historic art deco theatre

Landmark SkyCity - tallest man-made structure in the country

Lush Botanical Gardens in downtown 



Birds of paradise in the gardens


Gorgeous tree!



It's just a condo - but I love this photo!



Aotea Square -  amazing Earth from Above exhibit by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand behind Maori gate

Love this!

The downtown library is a converted cinema

Inside the library - you can almost picture the cinema lounge...


Iconic burger van eatery in downtown Auckland since 1948

SkyCity at night

Crispy Chinese BBQ duck cafe near the university was a pleasant surprise

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