Botanical Gardens, Remembrance & Quay Side

Botanical Gardens Splendour:

What an immensely fabulous display of colour! Our visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens was nothing short of spectacular, with every corner offering a fresh burst of life.

Even the majestic Amazon Lily made a grand appearance, its lush bloom clearly not camera-shy like its more reserved cousin down in Adelaide.

The fernery was quite captivating, a cool, shaded world of its own. We wandered through a landscape of black-stemmed plants, towering specimens and ancient-looking trees. But the true star was undoubtedly the iconic Silver Fern.

Its Māori names, ponga or kaponga are as lovely as the plant itself. We were captivated by the intricate outline of its fronds and the fabulous deep green that, when caught in the sunlight, almost shone like silver against its silvery-white underside. It’s an unmistakable symbol of New Zealand and seeing it up close was a real highlight.

A Moment of Reflection: War Memorial

A moment of reflection followed our visit to the adjacent Winter Garden. Only a few hundred metres away, we found ourselves standing before the magnificent Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Standing proud above the city scape, the memorial itself is possibly the most wonderful tribute we have ever seen.

We were particularly moved by the cascade of water flowing over “The Ode of Remembrance.” It is stunning and emotionally strong, holding great meaning to all cultures. For a deeper understanding of its history and cultural significance, you can read more here: Memorial.

Quayside Feast at The Good Luck Coconut

After working up an appetite among the greenery, a perfect quayside lunch was next on the agenda. We found just the spot at The Good Luck Coconut quayside bar.

This wasn't just lunch, it was joy in the sun food! The Wagyu sliders served on a purple kumara bun and the crispy Chicken Karaage were seriously succulent and a true joy. What a magnificent culinary surprise and wonderful views to complete our afternoon.

As for the service, it was absolutely great and came with more than just a smile. Our waitress actually offered us sunscreen, that must be a first for two’s company! It was a thoughtful touch that perfectly sums up the warm hospitality we experienced.

Farewell, Auckland!

What a fabulous afternoon and a grand way to complete our stay in Auckland. Tomorrow, we head south! Our travel plans may have shifted slightly, but nevertheless, Wellington, here we come!