Western Springs

The Western Springs Park  is just outsdie the Auckland zoo and is a sanctuary for people and wildlife. It surrounds a natural spring-fed lake, one of Auckland's early water supplies.  Around the shores and wetlands, wild fowl including native Pūkeko, Teal, Australian Coot and Shovelers can be freely viewed amongst regenerating native plants, wide-open lawns, gardens, water gardens and water lilies.

pukeko - most hilarious when running, reminds me of learning about pterodactyls (flying dinosaurs).  Oh and they are flightless but can out run a seagull flying after it (definitely witnessed that one!)

Enjoying my walks and discovering Auckland

Winter Gardens & Fernery

The Winter Gardens of the Auckland Domain

Having first discovered this place when I was out for a run, I knew I had to come back with camera in tow. 

The biggest lily pads I have ever seen

The colours speak for themselves

Taking it all in

The fernery.............

with over 100 species of ferns.......

most of these are native to new zealand.....

including the silver fern....

with all this green, one might think that New Zealand's favourite colour would be that.  Check out this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMCAV6Yd0Y

of New Zealand's National Rugby team. the All Blacks.  I would say it's All Blacks all the way. :)

It's fall and soon to be winter here in Auckland.  There won't be snow but plenty of wind and rain, I am told. 

cheers

Devonport & Rangitoto

So what did I learn today............. even if it is bright and sunny without a cloud in the sky, that will change quickly.  ALWAYS take your raincoat... & maybe an umbrella too. 

Today, I travelled by Fullers ferry to Devonport, a village just across the bay and then on to Rangitoto Island. 

Wearing my new green raincoat, I guess one can never have too many. 

Rangitoto Island

Much like most of the hills and mountains in Auckland, Rangitoto Island is a now extinct volcano that erupted over 600 years ago.  In my walk I enjoyed the terrain of lava in many forms and at many levels of steepness

Walking up to the summit of Rangitoto

There are no animals on the island and few birds making it a very quiet hike. 

This shot is much steeper than it looks. 

Inbetween rain showers and a rainbow to prove it.

Summit of Rangitoto Island - Looking back at Auckland's downtown core.

Although hard to tell, this is inbetween rain showers but it sure is windy. 

Walking the crater summit of Rangitoto Island

Looking into the crater of Rangitoto Island

Walking down the trail, don't fall off the edge

Even though along the path, I still had to watch my footing. 

Taking a break at the Green Fernery

Waiting for the ferry return to Auckland 

Resting my feet

A great hike on a gorgeous day. 

To Mt Eden and return via Auckland Domain

This photo seems simple, stairs up to a fence.  But really it epitomizes what I have learned of New Zealanders, Kiwis, so far.  Think outside the box, and get out there and start exploring and adventuring!!

Today, I went for a great walk from downtown to Mt Eden, checking out the village of Mt Eden as a potential place to live longterm.  The trails and walkways up the hills were so green, full of fall leaves and I had the biggest smile and sigh of relaxation as I came up over the crest of this extinct volcano, known now as Mt Eden.  Hard to describe how nature and your surroundings can just seem to get it all right and at just the right time!

It only took 25min to walk to work, Starship Children's Hospital, from there. A pretty nice commute :)

 I then took the remaining minutes to hour of sunlight discovering the relaxing Auckland Domain, full of trails that I look forward to running in and so many different types of trees, and the Auckland War Memorial. 

A truly awesome walk, discovering new parts of nature, wildlife, trails, fauna and Auckland all in one.   :)