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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