[203/365] View from the Chifley Suites, Auckland, New Zealand

This was the view from our hotel in Auckland. Looks like something out of a futuristic Sci Fi flick.

[197/365] Cloth Heart on Bench, Devonport, New Zealand

This is another from our walk through the suburb of Devonport, a short ferry ride from Auckland. This was the second bench we saw with these cloth hearts...

[191/365] Victoria Park Bus Stop, Auckland, New Zealand

It seems as if I saw my name everywhere in Auckland. There's a Victoria Park Market that we went to to look for souvenirs. Here's a photo of the bus stop right outside the market.

[190/365] View from Chifley Suites, Auckland, New Zealand

We were lucky to find a great deal on a hotel in Auckland. The room I was in was on the very top floor, and from the bed, views of downtown Auckland could be seen. It was a suite, with all kinds of amenities, even including a washer/dryer in the room! From the balcony, I walked outside and was able to take this photo of the streets below, along with the Sky Tower. The rainy day made for a hazy night sky.

[189/365] Rangitoto Island, New Zealand

Rangitoto Island is about 30 minutes from downtown Auckland and is a recently formed volcanic island. By recently formed, I mean that it is between 600 and 700 years old. We were dropped off by the ferry to a seemingly deserted island where we hiked to the top of the mountain, passing lava fields and lush greenery, and taking detours to explore caves in the area. We were lucky to have a day without rain to make the trek much easier. After we descended to the area where the ferry would pick us up, we rested and this is where I took this picture. The waters were so peaceful and such pretty colors. Islands could be seen in the distance, with lava deposits seen right there in the water.

[188/365] Top of Mount Victoria, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

At Devonport, we did a short hike up to the top of Mount Victoria. 360 degree views of the surrounding areas could be seen from up there. Across the water is Rangitoto Island, a volcano that we hiked to the top of the very next day. The weather in New Zealand was chilly and rainy, so we were all soaked by the end of this day.

[187/365] Quote, Travel Journal, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

This quote was found at the bottom of a travel journal I found at a bookstore in Devonport. I liked it.

[186/365] Heart on a Bench, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, New Zealand, brought us to the quaint suburb of Devonport. Using the self-guide map, I acted as a tour guide around the town. As we walked along the water, a number of the benches had these cloth hearts on it. I wonder what the story is behind it...