After arriving in New Zealand, we really didn’t have a plan and we probably should have had one. In our planning stages, we never could set anything in stone. Julia (my NZ travel partner!) and I were both a bit indecisive about what to do and when. But for me, and I think for Julia as well, it didn’t matter. We were glad to be there, to be standing on this big island in the South Pacific. If you have ever looked forward to traveling someplace and it had been years before you got there, you will understand that feeling.
On our first day in Auckland area, after getting coffee, we went to the suburb of Devonport, a beautiful little town across the bay from downtown Auckland. Walking along Cheltenham Beach made me wonder where all of the people were?! It was a gorgeous afternoon, during school holidays, the temperature was about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water was clear and lacking any fishy smell. How was this beach so empty?!?! Maybe since it was a Tuesday, most people were still at work. If this was back home, I am positive people would cut of work early to enjoy a day like that.
Walking up the hill from the beach, we made our way up to North Head Historical Reserve. Here, we explored a whole series of military tunnels, rooms and disappearing gun emplacements built starting in 1888 for protection from a feared Russian invasion. It was cool and dark inside these tunnels, nice to explore on a hot day but if you visit, walk slowly. Or pull out your cellphone flashlight!
I remember my Grandma would say davenport when referring to the sofa. Davenport sounds a lot like Devonport…this is what I was reminiscing about as we strolled through the town of Devonport. For anyone who isn’t familiar with a davenport, it’s what my Grandma used to call a sofa.
The Devonport library is a wonderful place. No davenports, but plenty of places to rest your derriere and delve into a good book. I don’t know what to call that chair with the purple-ish cushions, but I love the design.
Dinner at the beach? Why not! We picked up some food at the grocery store including Kiwi BBQ flavored potato chips and feijoa and pear soda. (My adventures with feijoa to be continued.)
We were really blessed with beautiful weather during our week long trip. It was sunny and perfect for being outdoors every day. I was also blessed with travel partners who were amazing and made it a fun trip. As I look back now, I think about the places I have yet to visit, the photos I should have captured, and the conversations I wanted to continue.
Definitely next time.
What a beautiful town Devonport is! My grandma also called the sofa a davenport.
I am curious as to why they thought they would be invaded by Russia in 1888. I’ve never heard that.
Thanks Jeff! I’m not a NZ history buff myself, but from what I gather, there were a few things leading up to the “Russian Scares”. One of them being a fake article in the newspaper about a Russian warship landing in the harbor, another, some Anglo-Russian conflicts in Afghanistan. Nothing actually happened, though, from what I learned!