Word cloud

This is a word cloud of all the words on our blog - check it out.

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6911775/Auckland

Things indoors: Alberton house

Alberton house is one of many historical homesteads around Auckland, and takes us back to a simpler time when Auckland was just finding its place in the world. It looks fantastically gothic and victorian and is furnished in traditional victorian era decor. It's a building that few people have even heard of, let alone been to in Auckland despite it belonging to NZ's historic places trust.

The timber building began life as a farmhouse in 1863 in present-day Mt. Albert, and was later expanded into the 18 room villa that you see today. It has been expanded into a house that you could only imagine of in fairy tales, with an elaborately decorated verandah and tower.
It was originally owned by the Kerr Taylors family, until it was left to the trust in 1972. Allan Kerr Taylor was a prominent landowner and politician, while his second wife, Sophia, was an outspoken women's vote advocate and mother of ten children. The family retained the property for another 80 years after his death until it was given to the trust.

Although Alberton is not well-known today, it was relatively famous in the 19th Century for its balls, parties, musical entertainment, and hunts. Today, it retains a lot of its original 19th Century wallpaper and possessions which are available for public viewing.

Alberton Hall is still open to the public and can even be hired out for special events.
It is open every wednesday to sunday 10:30am-4:30pm, and is closed on Christmas and Good Friday.
Children are free and Adults are $10. You can buy an $18 Auckland passport which allows you to enter Highwic, Alberton and Ewelme for one year just by bringing your pass along with you.
It is also free to enter if you are member of the NZ historic places trust or the national trusts of a number of current and former commonwealth nations.
It is advised when you visit the hall that you do not wear stilettos as they can scuff the wooden flooring.

You can drive here and park on Mt albert road, or you could take the train to Mt. Albert train station and walk, or you could take any of the buses that go down mt albert road.

100 Mount Albert Road
Mount Albert
Auckland 1025

Kiwiana treats: Pavlova

The Pavlova is a sweet treat that the Kiwis and the Australians have been trying to take claim for since it became popular over 90 years ago. Though, as we have adopted NZ as our home here at Liv in Auckland we think of it as a kiwi icon.
Topped off with cream and a few slices of kiwi fruit on it's pearly white crunchy exterior, it can be a great option if you need to bring something over as a dessert.
This recipe has been tried and tested by our team, and we love the taste of the marshmallow-like centre melting in our mouth.
Check it out:

A Small Pavlova 

Ingredients (double to make a large pavlova):

4 eggs

1 cup of sugar

3 heaped dessert spoons of Cornflour

1 tsp of Vanilla essence 

1.   Beat 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff
2. Then add 1 cup of sugar. Beat again till dissolved into the mixture.
3. Add 3 dessert spoons of Cornflour and 1 teaspoons of vanilla. Beat till the mixture is stiff.
4. Pre-Heat oven to 110 degrees celcius (105 degrees if oven is particularly unreliant) 
5. Lay baking paper upon a flat metal tray. Leave it to cover the whole tray.
6. Put mixture onto the tray and mould into a cake like shape. Bake for 2 hrs.
7. Leave to cool and top with beaten cream and fruit.

      Tips: *Do not let any water be present in the bowl*If any yolk gets into the bowl start from scratch*Look up or ask someone how to separate egg whites beforehand if you're not sure*

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Make your own Maori Poi!

We came across these easy step by step instructions on how to make your very own poi!!!!!

This is a simple easy to make Maori practice Poi.

To make you will require : 

• Newspaper or Tennis Balls
• Colour paper or fabric,
• String/Cord
• And Scissors

1. The cords should be about 800mm long, so you can also tie around the paper ball.

2. # You can if you wish plait different coloured wool together to make a nicer looking Poi cord. 

 

3. Push the newspaper into a ball (or use tennis ball) and tie one end of the cord around the ball.

4. Cut the coloured paper into a square about 400mm x 400mm. 

5. Place the ball in the middle of the paper and gather the material over the ball. 

6. Cut another piece of cord to tie the opening in the material up.


7. You can also add a layer of plastic over the Bag Poi and tie as before. This will make them last longer when used outside.

8. Trim the gathered paper with the scissors. 

9. Tie loops or knots in the ends of the cord to hold onto as handles.

10. Make another one and you have your first set of Poi.


This is a very basic bag Poi. You can easily add to and decorate as you wish. 

Maori Kapa Haka (performance) Poi are fairly light and you may want to use seeds or rice to make them heavier. Be aware that if you hit yourself you may want it to be soft and light enough not to bruise. 

The heavier you make it the slower you can spin and the less likely the Poi will be effected by any wind.

NZ recipes: with locally sourced ingredients: Anzac biscuits

Although these biscuits usually are only seen around Anzac day on April 25, they can be baked all year round with locally grown ingredients. Traditionally these biscuits were sent during the war by the wives of army personel, and were sent overseas because they don't spoil. So they are great if you want a treat to nibble on along the week.
This because it lacks eggs (which was scarce during the war), so if you're allergic to eggs this is perfect for you!


Anzac biscuits

• Serving size: Serves 10 or more
• Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup plain flour, sifted
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 125g butter, chopped
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method

1. Preheat oven to moderately slow, 160°C. Lightly grease 4 baking trays.
2. In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar and coconut.
3. In a small pan, combine butter and golden syrup. Stir over low heat for 2-3 minutes until melted.
4. In a small jug, combine water and bicarbonate of soda. Stir into butter mixture. Pour into dry ingredients. Mix well.
5. Roll walnut-sized pieces of mixture into balls. Arrange on prepared trays, leaving a 4cm space between each biscuit to allow for spreading. Press lightly to flatten.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Recipes with NZ ingredients: Feijoa biscuits

Now that it's getting cold and miserable out on the weekends, you may be finding yourself with nothing to do but curl up under the blankets. Sounds great, but it would be even greater with something nice and sweet to watch those movies in front of the TV on the freezing grey day. How about a feijoa biscuit recipe that we came across on the internet. It would be a great way too, to use up the rest of those feijoas on the feijoa trees at the end of your garden. YUM! Here's the recipe:

• Feijoa Biscuits

• Serving size: Serves 8
• Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes

• 
  
• 100g Butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 feijoas
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg, then add sifted flour, baking powder alternatively with peeled, mashed feijoas and vanilla.

Drop spoonsful onto a cold tray and bake at 180C for 15-20 mins.

Leave to cool, and serve!

Mt. Hobson

Mt. Hobson is one of the least modified of the 50 volcanic cones in Auckland and is located right in the heart of Remuera. You can access it via the Remuera Road entrance (181 to 225 Remuera Road, Remuera), though you may have to park down one of the side streets on the opposite side of Remuera Rd. 

Mt. Hobson is visible from various parts of the big little city. Mt Hobson has a long history of Maori occupation, though today it is a public park with various walking tracks. On these walking tracks there are a number of benches to rest on along your way to the top, and drinking fountains if you're parched. You can also use it as an opportunity to walk your dog. On the top of the hill you can get at 360 degree view of most of central Auckland.

Today, most of Mt. Hobson (like Mt. Eden) is currently grazed by cattle. Though most of the mountain is used as a public reserve, and is used for a number of different past times. Most people that visit the reserve are there for sightseeing of recreational walking.

The hill's ancient maori name is Ohinerangi, 'the dwelling place of Hinerangi'. Later the hill became known as 'Remuera', meaning 'the burnt hem of a garment'. This was due to Hauraki woman who was killed and eaten at the pa in 1700's.

A mixture of foreign and native plant species occupy the land next to the track. Pohutukawa trees scatter the reserve, as well as traditional English oaks on the summit ridge. Also on Mt.Hobson is the long established commemorative planting of daffodils in a war memorial on the lower northern slope. On the memorial is a plaque dedicated to those lost locally in the wars of the 20th Century. The vegetation on the reserve provides an important habitat for native wildlife.

Auckland's art gallery

Well, as you have noticed it is starting to feel a bit more like winter. Everything is wet, damp and soggy. Hanging outside isn't really an option in this on & off drizzly rain. Feel like you don't have anything to do? Why not check out Auckland's art museum.
The Auckland Art Museum borders Albert Park and you can enter the gallery at the centre of Kitchener and Wellesley st. The best part about the art museum is that it's free (except for the special exhibits)! It's open 10am-5pm everyday (except Christmas), so you can go anytime this winter.
It was opened to the public in 1888 as a gallery, and has recently been renovated and extended in 2011. The architecture of the gallery itself is an artform, and as a historical landmark.
Getting there is easy. It's only a short walk from Symonds street down Wellesley st. to the gallery and a short walk up Wellesley from Queen st. There is also a car park across the road on Kitchener street and on the weekend it's $4 to park all day at the Victoria Street carpark when you pick up your discount coupon from the front desk.
However, the annoying thing about going to the gallery is that you must check your umbrellas and backpacks in at the cloakroom.The staff say it is to protect the displays from getting damaged and knocked over.
There are range of art works in the old and new part of the gallery. In the main foyer there is a beautiful visual art piece in the shapes of flowers hanging from the roof. It opens and closes every few minutes. There are a range of New Zealand artists on display from contemporary installations to traditional oil portraits of nz historical figures including artworks painted by Lindaeur. There is also a number of foreign works (kindly donated) displayed throughout the four levels of the gallery. Every once and while there are limited time exhibits that you usually have to pay for. In the gallery's collection there is over 15,000 artworks. These include not only well-known European artists (paintings, sculptures and prints) but also local maori and pacific island artists.
Generally you will be able to take as many photos as you want for your personal use. However tripods and flash photography is prohibited, and taking photos of maori portraits.
At the end there is a gift shop where you can buy reproductions, artwork and gifts to take home. There is also a cafe if you want to eat there, but there are a number of cafes and restaurants just down the road on Queen Street.

Mt. Eden

Auckland is built on over 50 volcanoes, with Mt. Eden being one of tallest in Central Auckland. It is great for a 360 degree panoramic view of Auckland, and taking photos on.

Mt. Eden is only a 5 minute drive from Downtown (during non-peak hours), an has an array of cafes and restaurants nearby after you visit after your walk or drive up to mountain. If you're in a car you can access the road to the top through the mt. Eden road entrance, and there are a number of walkway entrances on all sides of the mountain. The vehicle entrance opens at 7am each morning and closes at 11pm. 

On the base of the mountain on the North Eastern flank there is a large section of native bush. Some of the trees on this walk include puriri, karaka, titoki, rangiora and whau. These plants and trees grew on what was the area where the lava flowed during the eruption of Mt. Eden. This are was alos once home to maori villages before the Europeans settled in Auckland. The maori in this area, used to cultivate the lower parts on the hill and planted many of their gardens near this native bush.

The city council runs it as of it was a park, so it is free to the public to visit. They lease out lower parts to grazed by a herd of cows (about 15-20), but no fear - they are fenced in most of the time and will not hurt you unless you provoke them. Cows have been a common feature in the lower parts since the 1890's. 

At the top not only is the view spectacular on a fine day, but also the 50m deep crater cone that is visible at the summit. Though this is now a dormant volcano, it is still a fascinating site and stop on your tour around Auckland.

If you happen to go past, it would be worth your while to drive up to the top and grab a few pictures. Wherever you are in Auckland, don't forget to bring your camera!

NZ animals: The Kea

Although New Zealand is famous for the Kiwi bird, their are a number of other other native birds that dwell our native forrest. Despite many of our bird species being endangered, you can still see a glimpse of them in NZ zoos and sanctuaries. You may even be lucky enough to see one in the wild during your travels. If you are traveling through the South Island alpine and forested areas you may be lucky (or unlucky depending on the way you see it) to see the native green parrot known as the Kea. The Kea is a now protected species, but before it became protected it was hunted by the farming community as the bird was seen as a pest. They feed on berries, roots, bugs and insects in the wild.
They are very social animals and live in groups of up to 12 birds. They are very mischievous social creatures that will come right up to you and your car. They are especially attracted to shiny objects such as mirrors and keys, so leaving them in the open on an alpine trip would not be wise. Kea's enjoy rummaging and exploring, especially through camping gear and shoes. They have long sharp beaks so be cautious of them if they fly up to you.
However, the Kea is still a vulnerable NZ bird species. Only 10% born live to age 20, and the oldest captive Kea has be estimated to be around 50.
Though they can sometimes be 'cheeky' creatures, who are known to come up close and personal, they are an amazing creature to see in the wild. So if you do catch a glimpse of one, don't be shy to take a picture - just make sure the Kea doesn't try to take the camera.

The national Anthem

In New Zealand you may get asked to sing the national anthem at an event or ceremony. There is officially more than one verse, but when it is sung it is typically these two verses.
If you don't know it already here is the maori and english versions:

Māori verse: "Aotearoa"

E Ihowā Atua,

O ngā iwi mātou rā

Āta whakarangona;

Me aroha noa

Kia hua ko te pai;

Kia tau tō atawhai;

Manaakitia mai

Aotearoa

English verse: "God Defend New Zealand"

God of Nations at Thy feet,

In the bonds of love we meet,

Hear our voices, we entreat,

God defend our free land.

Guard Pacific's triple star

From the shafts of strife and war,

Make her praises heard afar,

God defend New Zealand.

Auckland fireworks

Fireworks in Auckland are usually spectacular shows. They come for a range of reasons from public holidays to cultural events. When you see fireworks they may also be fireworks let off by members of the public on their property, as fireworks are legal to buy between 3-5th November. This time frame is the lead up to a commemorative day known as 'Guy Fawkes day'. On this day people remember the foiling of Guy Fawkes's (and his conspirators) plot to blow up Parliament in England in 1605. It is also known as bonfire night, as it used to be night where people used to burn effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire - which they still do today on this night. People in countries such as New Zealand (and other commonwealth nations) also celebrate by buying fireworks and lighting them up in their backyard. Many people stock up on fireworks for the year to use on special occasions, as you can only buy them 3 days per year in November. You can buy them from a number of outlets all over the city, and many signs and advertisements will direct you to these shops. There are laws on where you can set them off so check beforehand. Also most firecrackers are banned in New Zealand so you probably won't find them here. However you don't have to buy fireworks, as there a number of public displays to watch. The location of these change each year, so check your local listings and ask around. Usually if you look up to the sky you may see some.

You may also see fireworks throughout the year for other reasons. The end of the Chinese lantern festival in either February and March has fireworks in Albert Park in the city.
You can also see fireworks on New Years on 12:00am January 1st. Many displays occur so check local listings and on the internet. They also have an annual display off the sky tower, which are usually shown on TV. Sometimes the waterfront has displays on Auckland anniversary day in January as well. Other events also have displays such as sports events e.g. when NZ when the Rugby world cup in 2011, and also music concerts e.g. like those held in the Domain.

There are beautiful and brilliant displays in Auckland annually. However you need to remember to be careful and safe, and take precautions when using fireworks. Don't light fireworks on properties in dense urban areas and make sure the hose or a bucket of water is kept nearby just in case.

Social Media: Facebook account

If you haven't already seen our Facebook page, it is up and running. Check it out by searching 'liv in Auckland' in the search bar and hitting like on our page. It is a great way to keep in touch with all things regarding our blog, and other things about 'liv in Auckland'. It also will give more information on  competitions and links to other useful pages. You can use this page to give us feedback and also ask questions about Auckland. We will also update with more information to come on our Facebook page, so hit up the like button if you have a Facebook account and remember to tell your friends.

Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liv-in-Auckland/601651483198266?bookmark_t=page

Auckland walks: Piha's Kitekite falls (Waterfall)

 The Waitakere ranges is a large regional park area on the west coast of the Auckland region. This lush bush is the closest thing to the wilderness in Auckland.  One of the most popular short day walks amongst tourists is the Kitekite falls walk; the falls being the highlight of the trek. The walk is suitable for beginners and average walkers, and walking times average around 45 minutes. The walk totals around 1.8 Kilometres, and is great for a day out. The track is surrounded by beautiful New Zealand plants including silver ferns, nikau palms and regenerated kauri. Native birds flock to the area, and if you listen carefully you will be able to hear the call of the Tui (a native bird). There are few streams near the track, which you can hear in parts of the walk.

Half way down is a lovely Macrocarpa bench in which you can sit, eat and enjoy the view.
Once you get to the falls, you will need to be careful and watch your step getting down to the rocks by the waterfall. This is why you may want to wear sturdy shoes and a warm jacket as the bush can get quite cold in the winter. The falls are a series of six drops that cascade into a large pool. In the summer some choose to swim in here, even though it can be cold some days. Around this area, there are a number of smaller pools to explore. On a nice day you may even be able to see a native eel.
On the other side of rocks is the continuation of the track. There a number of twisting stairs that lead you back to the start.
There are a number of tracks that lead off the main track so be careful to stay on the right path.
There are other places and tracks to go nearby if you have the time e.g. the Piha Beach. Make sure if you are going on any walking trip to tell a friend or family member where you're going and roughly the time you expect to be back and to check the weather conditions beforehand!

Parks to visit - The Domain

There are many parks and reserves for everyone visiting or living in Auckland to enjoy for free. The domain is one of the largest parks in central Auckland, and has lot's to explore. It was once a volcano, and is one of the oldest in Auckland. You can still the shape of the crater on the playing fields.
First of all the Domain is located in between Parnell, Newmarket and Grafton (just east of the CBD). It can entered at any part of the park, but most people enter off the main entrances off Park road in Grafton or via the Parnell Road/ Domain Drive entrance in Parnell.
So what is there to do at the domain?

• The Wintergardens: This is free to enter and consists of: two greenhouses, a courtyard with a pond and a fernery. This is a heritage sit built in the 20's. It is open 7 days a week, and is open between 9-4:30 during the winter. 
• There are also a number of public gardens scattered around the domain that are out in the open. 

• The War memorial Museum: In the centre of the domain on the hill. A variety of exhibits - including an Auckland volcano simulation and other exhibits displaying our cultural heritage. Free to those who live in Auckland (with proof of residence e.g. library card, licence, letter) although a donation is appreciated. A war memorial is outside the museum to commemorate those lost fighting for NZ in a number of campaigns in the past 100 years or so. ANZAC day commemorations are held every year year at dawn on the 25 April. Parking is available though it is mostly pay and display. Transport from the city can be via bus or train. A train stops nearby at the grafton stop from britomart and is about a 10 min walk. Buses stop of the outside of the domain e.g. the inner link bus. The museum is open 9-5. It has food and amenities available onsite. 
• Duck ponds: Beautiful ponds with bridges and gardens. Ducks and Swans congregate by the ponds usually throughout the year.
• Sports Fields: Available for public use. Depending on the time of year cricket, rugby, and soccer games occur here. Grandstands opposite to watch from or sit under. 

Autumn - The Eastern Beaches

It is mid autumn now here in Auckland and the leaves are starting to fall from the trees. It is still quite warm at 22 degrees celsius - though many people used to tropical weather start to bundle up. Most people here from New Zealand continue to wear shorts and t-shirts, even when it is winter. Don't be confused if you see this, it is quite normal for this to occur in autumn. Though you don't see as many people swimming in the ocean, people still enjoy the beaches Auckland has to offer throughout the year. There are many beaches minutes drive/ on the bus from the CBD of Auckland, and even more spectacular beaches within an hour's drive from the city. Mission Bay is one the many beaches east of the city and is one of the more popular city beaches, because of its closeness to the city and its many restaurants. You can drive along Tamaki drive along the waterfront from the city or catch one of the many buses that depart from britomart (route no. 745, route no. 755, route no. 769). If you are taking the bus many bus drivers will tell you where to get off if you ask them nicely to tell you when you are there. You can also walk along the waterfront, but it may take an hour or so. Before Mission Bay there is a beach that can be beautiful to look at at high tide named Okahu Bay. Further past Mission Bay is Kohimarama Beach and St Heliers. Kohimarama is the better of the four for swimming during high tide as it is quite a wide beach with new replenished sand from renovations to the area a few years ago. It also has a few cafes/ restaurants. However St Heliers has a greater variety of shops and restaurants, and has a park behind the beach for various activities. All these beaches have a park or one nearby, if you need a grassy spot to relax upon. Also you will find a playground at most of the beaches either by the beach or on the adjoining park. All these beaches east of the city have toilets and changing facilities if you are looking for a swim or just a rest stop. By car these beaches only take a maximum of 20 mins from downtown (not during rush hour) to reach. However on popular days such as holidays and weekends (mostly at night), you may find trying to find a park difficult. In this case parking in the back streets are the only option - especially in mission bay. Parking is free at most of these beaches except for the parking lots around the back of the shops in mission bay (which can be useful on a busy day). All of these beaches should have a great view of the harbour and the islands - except on a misty or foggy day.
Got any questions about the beaches to the east of the city? Comment or ask us on facebook.

Welcome

Hi everyone,
Welcome to the Liv in Auckland blog. This is where hints and tips to Auckland will be posted. Here you can find more extended reviews of spots around Auckland and cultural tips about New Zealand culture. You can also check us out on facebook - Liv in Auckland.
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