Each armed with an umbrella, packed down with a small lunch, a map, and our GPS (belt and suspenders), we headed for the CBD of Auckland. As much as we have admired and enjoyed the natural beauties around us, I really do have an interest in buildings and architecture. So, not only did we want to see the heart of Auckland, but we thought others might be as interested in some of the architecture as we are. If you really want to see the place inch by inch and building by building Google Earth might be a place to start, but since you are already reading our blog, you might as well keep going and see if you’re not satisfied with just a sampling.
The heart of Auckland City is at the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets. There you will find the Civic Theater. Appropriately so, it is a composite of traditional and modern architecture. The city is full of beautiful 19th Century buildings with glass and steel high-rises sharing the same block.Our picture journey will focus mostly on the older and more traditional buildings that give Auckland its distinct flavor.
Walking the streets of down-town Auckland are people from all around the globe, many still speaking their native tongues. But the majority seems to be of oriental descent.
Walking down Queen Street is much like any other major city there is a mixture of fast-food, one-of-a-kind ma & pop shops, and elegant upscale restaurants.None of the name brand stores brandish their logo building styles, however. Here we are starting with Burger King. The only identifiers are the small signs. Otherwise, it is a beautiful building, with the original façade and glass work.
Not to be out done, McDonalds occupied the street level of this building. Their sign was no bigger that Burger King’s. I was more interested in the upper levels, so I cut of the level below the glass awning, where McDs resides. It appears from the window ad that one of the flats is available for “hire.” Rent here is paid on a weekly basis. There is no such thing as getting three months behind. You’re out after the second week of non-payment.
Wendy’s competed with the others from this storefront. Not quite as elegant, but they were present and accounted for… so was Subway, and Dominoes Pizza.
That is enough, about common restaurants. --- This building is occupied by Britomart – the Transit building. (Buses, trains, ferries, etc.) Think of it as a train station.
This is the original Ferry Building. It sits on the water’s edge of the harbor. It also houses some of the Customs activities. (Sorry the sun was behind the building).
This is the Auckland Sky Tower. It is the Auckland landmark. For $120 you can jump off the widest platform that goes around the tower. It is about 192 meters (630 feet) off the ground, and takes 11 seconds to free-fall.
It really isn’t a free-fall. Because of the high winds and the many buildings below, and the desire for a soft landing, the fall is controlled by two guy-wires.
For another $120 you can also bungee jump from the lower deck of the Harbor Bridge. It is only about 43 meters (140 feet) to the water. One of the young women at our office did this a week or two ago; and now she's saving up for a repeat performance. I’m going to do it too … right after Diane.
Back to the waterfront, this is this modern harbor control building. Auckland harbor is very active with commerce, pleasure, and ferries to the nearby islands. Recently the Queen Mary 2 docked here for a day… it was a massive piece of hardware.
Technically, these yachts are not buildings, but some of them serve the same purposes. Besides, I thought the peaceful placid waters, reflecting buildings, yachts, sky and clouds, made for a great picture.
I really liked this old corner building, housing retails shops and law offices. You can also glimpse the modern high-rise condos in the back and the pre-cast concrete building on the left.Which do you prefer?
The Guardian bank building is still used by its original owners, proving that they have guarded their building well. I wonder if they’ve done as well with their investors’ capital. Most other banks occupied more modern structures.
Speaking of modern structures, I thought we should include at least a few in our tour of Auckland’s CBD. This theater “Sky City Cinema” is clad with polished aluminum. Not more than a few feet from the entrance to the cinema, we came across several people practicing their yoga-style meditation. Without a doubt it was impressive that they chose the busiest corner of the city to test their powers of concentration.
While we were watching and musing over their enchanted postures, we were approached by a young Chinese lady inviting us to join them. They would be most willing to give a couple from America lessons, including tips on the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of their practices. There were probably some social benefits too, but we didn’t see any.
I was so enchanted by their ability to “relax” right there in the middle of the city, that I decided to try my own form – in the middle of a down-town park. I thought I did very well, even without the lessons.
As expected, the government offices are found in some of the more unique buildings. This is a picture of the Auckland Town Hall.
This “Government” building houses the judiciary (The High Court). How strange – a castle for the judiciary. Maybe they think their role is to protect the laws, rather than make them … how novel.
Pictures of this building in the summertime show it to be covered in green ivy. It is winter now, so this is what we got. This building is situated just a few steps away from the High Court building. It houses mostly law offices. (As you would expect).
While we were watching and musing over their enchanted postures, we were approached by a young Chinese lady inviting us to join them. They would be most willing to give a couple from America lessons, including tips on the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of their practices. There were probably some social benefits too, but we didn’t see any.
I was so enchanted by their ability to “relax” right there in the middle of the city, that I decided to try my own form – in the middle of a down-town park. I thought I did very well, even without the lessons.
As expected, the government offices are found in some of the more unique buildings. This is a picture of the Auckland Town Hall.
This “Government” building houses the judiciary (The High Court). How strange – a castle for the judiciary. Maybe they think their role is to protect the laws, rather than make them … how novel.
Pictures of this building in the summertime show it to be covered in green ivy. It is winter now, so this is what we got. This building is situated just a few steps away from the High Court building. It houses mostly law offices. (As you would expect).The name of this building is “The Old Government House.” It must not have been good enough for elected officials, so it is now used by the students of the University of Auckland.
In the name of open mindedness, diversity, and equal rights … I wanted to show that Auckland isn’t made up of all heathens. This is St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Still in the interest of fairness, we’ll include a shot of the Free Masons Hall. Do Masons accept Mormons? This building appeared to be well maintained, but was in the process of being renovated.
Finally, a shot of a typical commercial district. I’d call it an alley, it certainly isn’t a street. When they put a roof over the walkway, they call it an Arcade.
Hope you enjoyed our little tour. By the way, we didn't have any rain -- that is only because we were prepared.
In the name of open mindedness, diversity, and equal rights … I wanted to show that Auckland isn’t made up of all heathens. This is St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Still in the interest of fairness, we’ll include a shot of the Free Masons Hall. Do Masons accept Mormons? This building appeared to be well maintained, but was in the process of being renovated.
Finally, a shot of a typical commercial district. I’d call it an alley, it certainly isn’t a street. When they put a roof over the walkway, they call it an Arcade.Hope you enjoyed our little tour. By the way, we didn't have any rain -- that is only because we were prepared.
There are literally hundreds more like these. If you’re interested, come over some time and we’ll pull out the slide projector. ;>}
No comments:
Post a Comment