Britomart II

The train station. More decorative than functional.

University Quad II

University Quad I

Britomart

Britomart, sandwiched between the port and the brothels, is remodelling itself as the new cool quarter in the city.

On the Waterfront

The steam crane Rapaki and the new extension at the Maritime Museum near the Viaduct Basin in downtown Auckland...

South Head - Kaipara Harbour

Mosquito Bay V

Mosquito Bay IV

Mosquito Bay III

Mosquito Bay II

Mosquito Bay I

Shelly Beach

Kiwi Classic

We attempted a kiwi classic last night - the whitebait fritter. Quite different from their European namesakes, New Zealand whitebait are tiny and not fit for individual consumption. Traditionally caught using nets strung across rivers, whitebait are now the subject of extensive regulation designed to protect the stocks of adult fish.

We took the responsible approach of purchasing ours from the supermarket. Here they are looking rather unappetising in their frozen state.


Here's the pancake batter in the pan with the whitebait mixed in and lots of parsley and butter...


And here's the finished article - success!

Fossicking About

On the beach this afternoon, my attention was drawn to some rocks by a scrabbling sound. I was amazed to find two huge green and purple crabs and their babies - like nothing we'd ever seen before.

Signs of Summer III

Signs of Summer II

Signs of Summer I

East Coast Path

We have embarked on a challenge - to complete the clifftop walkway down the east coast bays, between Devonport and Long Bay.

It's a bit easier than the South West Coast Path, thankfully - more like 30 km rather than 630 miles and much gentler inclines - but the views are no less stunning.

White Rabbits!