The next weekend after Bangkok we flew out to New Zealand for Christmas holiday. We stayed 2 nights in Auckland to see Katherine and her family and do a little sight-seeing together.
As a South Islander Ive tended to view the North Island of NZ a bit like I view Australia - mere 'fly-over' territory between home and Asia which doesn't normally merit a stop. So I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite habitable.
Kath, Thomas and Willie.
On Kath's recommendation we went to the Auckland Zoo, which I have to say was absolutely first-class. Easily the nicest zoo Ive been to with very clever and pleasant landscaping.
It was very nice to be back in New Zealand with the vibrant colors and amazing visibility. Although compared with Hong Kong the air is rather tasteless and lacks 'body'.
Auckland Zoo is one of only two zoos outside China to have a real chinese dragon. This was a gift from the PRC to sweeten a trade deal, and NZ readily agreed to the conditions of upkeep - fresh meat including one live human baby per month.
Feeding-time for the dragon
Actually the dragon is a sculpture in the kids section.
Hannah riding the dragon.
Penguins
Video: penguins and seals at Auckland Zoo
After the Zoo we went down to Auckland Harbour and took a ferry across to Devonport and back.
Video: Auckland harbour
Then we went up Sky Tower to see Auckland and its harbor from 222m up, before having a meal in the complex. It was very nice to be able to hang out with Kath, Willie and Thomas.
Auckland Harbor from Sky Tower
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