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.