Auckland, New Zealand

A view of the Central Business District of Auckland, New Zealand, from Viaduct Harbor, near the cruise and passenger ferry piers

 

Auckland, on the North Island of New Zealand, is the most populous urban area in the country with a population of 1,495,000, which constitutes 32 percent of New Zealand’s population.  Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world — and New Zealand’s largest by far — Auckland’s dazzling beaches, sunny climate, and profusion of parks, trails and vineyards are all within reach of the culturally dense Auckland Central.  With a Polynesian background and a modern passion for food, wine and shopping, it is easy to see why the “City of Sails” is such a favorite.  “A diverse and multicultural city, Auckland is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world.  The Māori language name for Auckland is Tāmaki or Tāmaki-makau-rau, meaning “Tāmaki with a hundred lovers”, in reference to the desirability of its fertile land at the hub of waterways in all directions.” – Wikipedia

 

The historic 19th century Ferry Building on the quay by the cruise and passenger ferry piers, Auckland, New Zealand

 

New development along the harbor in the Wynyard Quarter (a current redevelopment project – look at all the cranes!) includes the ASB (sponsored) Waterfront Theater (for the NZ Opera, etc.) and the new ASB headquarters building, Auckland, New Zealand

 

The Te Wero Bridge is a pedestrian only draw bridge (all boats have priority!) connecting the waterfront piers with the redevelopment area of the Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand

 

We had the opportunity to explore an up and coming new neighborhood in Auckland – the Wynyard quarter.  After visiting the Auckland fish market and procuring some great fresh, local seafood for our kitchen on the ship, we enjoyed a nice restaurant luncheon.   In the evening we attended the NZ Opera performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Mikado” in the new ASB Waterfront Theater (that opened three months ago).

“The Wynyard Quarter is a reclaimed piece of land on the Waitemata Harbour at the western edge of the Auckland waterfront, New Zealand…  As of 2012, a good part of the area [was] still covered by petrol and liquid chemical storage facilities of Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) and various other companies, that gave the area its now slowly disappearing “Tank Farm” moniker.  However, major changes are underway, with the area intended to be redeveloped into a mixed-use residential-commercial area, with a major park to run along the northern headland and up to the point.  As one of the first changes, the eastern section of the Quarter, as well as one of the main west-east roads running across it, were revitalised with new office and entertainment/restaurant areas, with several major projects finishing in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament.” — Wikipedia

 

The new ASB (Australian Savings Bank which is now internationally owned) headquarters building is a standout example of contemporary architecture in the Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand

 

Details of the exterior decorations and window “shades” on the new ASB headquarters building in the Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand

 

A close up of the “aquarium” window coverings on the new ASB headquarters building in the Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand

 

Another striking modern building at the entrance to the Wynyard Quarter is the popular ANZ (Australia – New Zealand Bank sponsored) Viaduct Events Center, Auckland, New Zealand