News this morning however was that Mt. Tongariro showed signa of eruption last night. Although having discussed its volcanic status with the family last night, still quite a shock - and everyone is keeping an eye on its status still, and any changes which take place!!
I got to the city before anything opened but thoroughly enjoyed wandering the main streets through the early morning! Views across the harbour were absolutely gorgeous at this time!!
After a lovely wander I realised it was time to kick myself into gear and put last nights organisation into practice. I got onto the LINK bus of the city (a fabulous route throughout various areas) making my way to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. A deceptive name as although there is a focus on the past wars and conflict that have occurred, there was also a vast floor on the native status, plants, marine and land wildlife of NZ, a floor dedicated to the Maori, and a short term exhibition on Wildlife Photography of the Year 2011.
A quick look around by myself and I soon found the Volcano exhibition. Apt considering the situation, but also an area of my favourite interests being a geographer. It was fabulous, although some displays dampened my fears of an expectant eruption while others raised them!
After this I took to the WPotY2011 exhibit. It was fabulous. Even the young applicants were fantastic! Well worth a look!
Finally I was booked onto the Maori Cultural Performance and Tour. The performance really brought an insight into Maori lifestyle, songs, dances, and war/weaponry. We witnessed several song performances, with the most memorable (as always) the Haka. After this one of the warrior performers showed us around the Maori gallery bringing particular attention to tradition, Maori tattoos, genealogy, (religious) beliefs, housing and carving, weaving, and the origins and travels of the Maori including their canoes and ocean crossings.
A bus back to the city and a free shuttle I was on to the next stop of the day - Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. To be frank, I was highly disappointed. I remember going and loving it as a child, but did not feel this today. It was an expensive attraction, with 4 main sections. 1-a recreation of Scott's Antarctic hut - I found this fascinating and enjoyed looking at all the items carried for the scientific experiment - including an entire printing press. 2 - an Interactive room - largely based around children's activities, but there was opportunity for close up interaction with small marine animals - starfish etc. 3 - Penguin housing - whilst doing up the attraction, they seemed cramped and crowded in a small room, but the fluffy chicks were incredibly cute - although I felt a little sorry for then. 4 - aquariums and shark tanks. Seeing the sharks and huge sting ray was fascinating, along with various fish tank sections, and a whole room full of different species of Seahorse. This was by far my favourite part - although my camera battery ran out! I do hope to upload a few grainy images taken on my iPhone at some point though!!
Because I did not spend as long as planned at KTs, I was back to the city. It was nice to get back a little early however as It gave me the opportunity to walk the length of the city booking the rest of the activities for my week! More exciting days to come!! I am absolutely shattered now, back after a lovely stroll home from the bustop in the last night of the day. Time for dinner, shower and bed!
:) back.
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