Auckland, Museums and Wine
Exploring downtown Auckland
After a good night’s rest, we were ready to go out and explore the city of Auckland. It was fun to wander about the city and check out the shops.
Wonderful Mariner's Compass tile floor in an Auckland store
One shop that we wandered into had this gorgeous marble Mariner’s Compass style emblem. We were impressed.
Beth and I am looking over the city of Auckland
Our group traveled up to a hill top that overlooked the city of Auckland. The views were just spectacular. We could even pick out our hotel because it was situated right next to the sky needle between our heads.
We were joined by a herd of cows...
We were not the only ones on the top of the hill. There was a herd of grazing cows who seemed to have no interest in the people…just the grass.
Of course, what goes in must come out creating a very interesting design.
I’m sorry, it was so perfectly placed and seemed to have such an interesting design.
This little gecko was very interested in all the quilters looking at him.
Then the group was off to the most amazing museum, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. One familiar New Zealand creature, the gecko was displayed. Loved his color!
Very colorful quilt.
This very colorful patchwork quilt was on display at the museum. It looks like something that could have been made in the USA.
Hiapo, bark cloth
This style of Niuean hiapo featuring intricate free hand patterns that are painted in fine black lines appeared suddenly in the 1880’s. Looks like a quilt, doesn’t it?
Polynesian quilt
It is also evident that there was quite a Polynesian influence in New Zealand as shown by this colorful quilt.
Just checking out the vines
Then we were off to the docks to board a ferry boat to Waiheke Island off the cost of Auckland. We visited the lovely Mudbrick Vineyard were the setting was just amazing!
Someone had to taste their fantastic wines...
We were given the opportunity to taste a variety of their wines. They were all really wonderful and it was fun to be given the insight into their winemaking.
Tomorrow I will share the adventures of leaving Auckland and heading to Rotorua. Of course any bus trip should include a stop at a fantastic quilt shop….and we did!
All the best,
Carol
March 22nd, 2012 at 8:37 am
Carol Doak – RRS 2.0
Carol – Can you tell me where the Hiapo, bark cloth can be purchased – am looking for ways to produce a variety of Tapa cloth and this has the look needed. Thank you very much – Jerry
April 4th, 2012 at 11:16 am
I am afraid I can’t help you with that Jerry.
All the best,
Carol