Kia Ora

Kia Ora

Interesting facts.

NZ. or Aotearoa In Maori, means 'The Land of the long white cloud'. It is quite a young country, geologically active, with tectonic faults and volcanoes, glaciers and rivers constantly building and eroding land. It consists of many islands, the main ones being the North and South island. It used to be part of one land mass, Gondwana, and split off 80 million years ago, taking with it its unique plants and bird life. The first Eastern Polynesian settlers arrived 750 years ago, and the first Europeans to settle arrived in 1769 after discovery by James Cook.

As it is a long thin country, there are several climates and micro climates within, from sub tropical in the North and temperate (similar to UK) in the South. The total population is around 4.2 million ( UK has nearly 63 million) of which 1 million are based in Auckland. Auckalnd also known as the 'The city of sails' (due to a high proportion of boat ownership) is the biggest city, though not the capital, which is Wellinton. Auckland’s weather is warm/hot long summers with mild and wet winters. (average annual sunshine hours= 2050. Manchester=1200 hrs) and (annual average rain=1240mm. Manchester=810mm!) most rain falling as heavy tropical showers in the winter months of June-July

Sunday, 4 July 2010

City Slickers

As it was the Expats forum drinks meetup we headed into the city to check out the sights. Getting a good deal on wotif.com we stayed in the lovely Duxton Hotel. It was a beautiful day so we walked a loop around the city seeing the SkyTower, the wharf, Queen St, Albert Park and Aotea Square (though unfortunately this is being completely rebuilt and was just a huge building site!)

The hotel was excellent and included complimentary fizz and a spa bath which was a luxurious treat prior to going out.

We were dying to try one of NZ's legendary Beetroot burgers and on our walk we spotted Burger Fuel which came highly recommended by our car dealer!! (who despite being rake thin knew just about every restaurant in the area). Jacqui had the 1/3rd pounder Bio Fuel which was massive and contained a egg, copious amounts of beetroot, salad, dressing and a huge burger patty! and it was delicious, definitely going to go back there :)

The night out was great fun although the fact the organiser had ar
ranged cheap drinks all night didn't help the hangover in the morning!

More piccies here

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