Monday, January 29, 2018, Auckland, day 1, NZ "City of Sails"

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Cultural capital of New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is known as the "City of Sails" for its residents' love of boating.  With a stunning setting between two glistening harbors, the city's Maori name explains its beauty well as it translates to "the maiden sought by a hundred lovers."  This seafaring city has hosted two America's Cup challenges and its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts.  In the tree-lined Albert Park, flower beds and towering palms point the way to a picturesque central fountain.  The neoclassical Auckland War Memorial Museum chronicles the nations' history within its edifice-like walls.  For a bird's-eye view of Auckland's setting, the observation deck of the Sky Tower offers breathtaking views.

This is a BIG port that our cruise ship has arrived at.  Will try to get a picture of our Viking Sun tomorrow.
 Definitely a "City of Sales."
 The first New Zealand Labor Party Prime Minister; interestingly he was an Australian.
 Michael Joseph Savage memorial, on a hill top east of downtown.

Mount Victoria, the last active volcano which erupted over a thousand years ago.
Auckland from the Michael Joseph Savage memorial.

 Auckland War Memorial Museum.


 Could not pass up this sign; note two words where we use "YIELD"


 "City of Sails" (did I say that before?)




This evening we had a Maori entertainment group come on board ship and perform an authentic Maori cultural folkloric show, including a number of native songs and dances and a powerful Hakka.

 Hakka people are thought to have originated from northern China centuries ago.  Many scholars believe the early Polynesians originated from today's Taiwan.  This evening's Hakka ceremony was a demonstration of warrior power and could well have Chinese origins.  Unfortunately we can no longer put video into YouTube due to limited Internet so you will have to wait until May or more to see video of tonight's performance.  The quality of the pictures is poor due to the 9 PM performance under the stars.

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