Auckland War Memorial Museum

One of my favorite spots in Auckland, especially if the weather is throwing tantrums. 

Lots of history, artifacts and treasures. The best part, its free to Aucklanders! 

Le Roys Bush Walk

Le Roys Bush is situated in Northshore, Birkenhead. The entrance is easily missed, due to the ever busy Onewa Road. After a minute, walkers are greeted by tall majestic trees and lush greeneries. The footpath are easy to follow and are not difficult for the average Joe. 

There are waterfalls, streams, wetlands that are home to native ducks and fish. If you follow the path to the end you'll  reach Little Shoal Bay where viewers can see the Harbour Bridge from a ground level perspective. 

A real gem located in the heart of Auckland City, 

Matakana Village Farmers Market

Matakana Village Farmers Market lies just over an hours drive north from Auckland. This isn't just a a few stalls on the corner, on the contrary, the unique way its presented is visually not just to visitors but locals too.  Its fresh produce and friendly organizers certainly separates itself from other common markets. It offers a wide array of food such as local wines, sausages and assorted fritters. Live music is also a huge bonus!

Autumn Bloom at the University of Auckland

Action in the honeyhole

Carefree

Peace and Serenity

Depth and Leading Lines

Karekare (part 4 of 4)

Its 5:15pm, my gears packed and loaded into the car. Another vehicle pulls up, and a couple of photographers unload their gear and walk towards the beach. They appear to be carrying camera hardware and a couple of huge cases. I decided to follow.

They stood high on the dunes, mounting what appears to be a couple of 500mm primes. 

From a distance I noticed:  

a) Color of the clouds were changing, almost glowing. 

b) Under golden light, the huge crashing waves over the banks, was mesmerizing

Unfortunately the crashing waves were some 4km away, and would be too far to reach within the 'golden' time frame. Regrettably I could only focused on just the clouds, sun rays and sea.

Karekare (part 3 of 4)

Whilst walking around the dunes I came across a path that lets people climb up to the summit. 
I looked up and my initial thoughts were:
a) What a great opportunity to get some elevated/panoramic shots of Karekare
b) About time I conquered my fear of heights

Karekare (part 2 of 4)

May I present - Karekare falls. 

(Told yer she was a stunner) 

Karekare (part 1 of 4)

Follow me, as I head out towards Karekare. Situated on the outskirts of the Waitakere Ranges, it is truly a beach lovers haven. Lets get this show on the road! 

Oakley Creek Walkway

This is the Oakley Creek Walkway, also known as 'Te Auaunga' by the locals. Situated in Waterview, right off Great South Road. Its very close to the motorway, so although a scenic ground, be weary that at times there can be noise and congestion. Not the ideal picnic ground unfortunately....

Old Cement Works (part 2/2)

I give you, the aforementioned river. Its a pity by the time I came around to taking these shots, all of the families had packed up and left. Perhaps they were camera shy? I so wanted to capture the kids running up to the edge and bombing and splashing around on what look like a perfect lil pond. 

Old Cement Works (part 1/2)

A trip up north to Warkworth would not be complete without visiting the infamous Old Cement Works. Established in the 1860's, decommissioned  in the early 1920's, whats left today is a structure that is barely standing, with warning signs on every corner of the premises. 

Upon arriving, a graffitied  'Keep out, Danger' sign welcomed me. The whole complex was  fully fenced, but even the rails looked like its had a battering. Certain sections were only waist height which didn't take much to hop over, and other parts were clearly vandalized.

Warkworth River & Township

Warkworth is a peaceful town up North of Auckland that is known for the ducks which live around the river running through the township. Fresh markets and local arts /craft makes this place a hit in my books.

Moirs Hill Walkway

Drove past this place many times never stopped to see whats in store. Moirs Hill Walkway, is on the western side of SH 1 just north of the Pohuehue viaduct, between Waiwera and Warkworth, 66 km north of Auckland off SH 1. It’s a short trail of roughly 1km, with a surprisingly beautiful mini-waterfall in the end. The walk is simply amazing! Though some parts can be quite slippery and dark! I really hate that feeling when the phone suddenly says ‘GPS signal lost’, especially in places like this!

Reached the end of Moirs Walkway your greeted with a beautiful waterfall. You can literally stand from the edge of the cliff watching the rushing water flow down. Wasn’t in the best position but it was pretty slippery from where I stood.

It’s as peaceful as can be, nothing but the sound of water. If only I had my tatami mat…