Auckland, New Zealand

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I arrived in Auckland at 2:30 AM...

... and was greeted with a welcoming hug at the airport by Leonie, the cousin of my good friends back home, Marjie and Nigel. What a great introduction to New Zealand, a country I've never been to before, but have always wanted to visit. The Kiwis definitely live up to their reputation for being warm and friendly.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, located on the North Island. I spent five relaxing days with Leonie and her boyfriend, Lindsay at their cottage in the rural town of Beachlands, just east of Auckland. Leonie showed me around the Auckland Area, with all of its diversity - from city life to rolling green pastures to ocean beaches and rain forests.

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Photos

My new Kiwi friend, Leonie
Leonie is the cousin of my friends, Marjie and Nigel.

Muriwai Beach West of Auckland
Looking north over the Tasman Sea

Westcoast of North Island
Looking south over the Tasman Sea

Gannet Colony
Zoom-in shot

Silver Fern Tree in the rain forest
My favorite tree in New Zealand - like a giant fern - makes me feel like I'm in Jurassic Park.

The Kauri Tree
New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree. The oldest living Kauri trees in New Zealand are 2,000 years old!

Auckland Skyline from the highway
The Sky Tower is the tallest building in Auckland. You can even bungy jump from the top!

Cappuccino Art
Okay, sometimes I get a little homesick for Seattle...

Comments

[e]

Awesome!
Laura, Your photos are brilliant! Thanks for sharing. Wish we could join you for Christmas. ;-) Love, e and the gang

[craig and brandi]

Love New Zealand
Laura - we remember being in New Zealand and thought it was one of the most beautiful places in the world. We hope you are enjoying yourself and really seeing all the sites to see there. Thanks for continuing to keep us updated. WE love to see where you have been and where you are going. Take care, Craig and Brandi