AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Māori were the first to arrive in New Zealand about a thousand years ago journeying in canoes from Hawaiki, which, according to Polynesian mythology is the original home of the Polynesians before dispersal across Polynesia. Hawaiki also features as the Underworld in many Māori stories.

A dutchman, Abel Tasman was the first European to sight the country, but it was the British who made New Zealand part of their Empire. In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed as an agreement between the British Crown and the Māori. It established British Law in New Zealand and is considered the country's founding document and an important part of its history. It ultimately ensured that its inhabitants had a Voice to Parliament. Currently, seven electorates are reserved for MPs elected on a separate Māori Roll. However, Māori may elect to vote in and run for the non-reserved electorates and for the Party List.

Auckland Harbour

Port Auckland's cruising industry is a large contributor to the city economy. Each ship call brings in about NZD 1 Million from passenger spending. New Zealand was ranked as the fourth largest international passenger cruising market - following Australia, UK, and the USA.

The city of Auckland straddles a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes. Auckland served as New Zealand's capital from 1841 to 1865 when the seat of Government moved to Wellington. Rangitoto, Auckland's youngest and largest volcano sits in majestic splendour just off shore. Mt Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Māori earthworks, overlook the city and one of NZ's fine wine districts lies just to the north of Auckland.

Like most of New Zealand, Auckland is steeped in fascinating Māori legend. When they first arrived around 1350, they believed they had sailed into an enchanted land populated by warring fairies. They lived a relatively peaceful existence until the British arrived and established a colonial base here in 1840. The gold rush twelve years later swept through Auckland and by 1900, Auckland was NZ’s largest city.

We arrived in Auckland on a cool cloudy day that soon turned to bright sunshine. The Auckland Harbour Bridge may not be as spectacular as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but at night it lights up in a variety of colours kept watch by the Harbour Masters Cottage looking like a doll house from our our balcony above?

Auckland is a beautiful modern city with its Main Street dominated by the land marking Skytower. We are sorry Harley and Mary were unable to show us the sights. There is much to see here in this city of 1.673 million.

Tomorrow we sail quite a short distance up to the Bay of Islands and the location of the Treaty of Waitangi. Farewell Auckland on a clear cool, breezy night.