23rd to 28th February 2026: Blog Post 13

At picturesque, serene Bay of Islands we chose “Relaxing Russell Cruise” from Paihia village to quaint Russell, explored the village’s attractive Victorian wooden clad buildings, houses, little shops. Then cruised past enormous beach houses, their yachts tethered to nearby buoys. Small boat fishermen, swimmers enjoying beaches within bright turquoise seas, emerald green backdrop views.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city: modern, multilingual, multicultural. Our enthusiastic guide / bus driver drove us through the multi-billion-dollar city centre redevelopment project underway, then to scenic North Shore, views of 5 beautiful beaches, explanations of its history, landmarks, economic situation. House prices now higher than Australia. Jobs are scarcer. In Devonport supermarkets have replaced erstwhile small fruit sellers, butcheries, food specialty shops. Leisurely walking; fish & chips to go; window shopping charming boutiques before ferrying back to the mainland.

Lovely dinner with ex South African friends, in Auckland over thirty years, before driving us around, pointing out landmarks only locals would know. Next day walking included the Art Museum, wood fashioned to resemble a yacht and through surrounding lush gardens. Brief time with a cousin: Always special to reconnect with family and friends. Auckland’s celebration of diversity widely visible, including Chinese New Year, Gay Pride month.

Another fabulous (albeit brief) time in New Zealand.

“The World is too much with us” wrote Wordsworth.

Which World?

Out here Middle East and Iran feel far away. A different world! 

“About suffering they were never wrong, the old Masters: how well they understood its human position: how it takes place while someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along”. (W.H. Auden).

We do not feel the immediacy, intensity of the conflict’s anguish and pain. But we cannot avoid seeing “without looking too far, that not much is really sacred” (Dylan).

Advice is: “wherever you are, be there”.  But this war is too consequential. We cannot be entirely present “here”, even in spectacularly beautiful New Zealand. Whatever we do, there is some level of distraction. Sadness and dread in our hearts follow us everywhere.  

Been rough seas and discomfort heading towards Hobart, Tasmania.

Auckland’s Sky Tower seen through a sculpture in the gardens surrounding the Auckland Museum