Darling Devonport

Walking around this pretty little 'village' I feel as if it comes straight from a Mapp and Lucia book!
I thought it would be fun to show you round some of the interesting places, splendid buildings and colourful gardens.

The houses here are all wooden villas, built mainly from the original Kauri trees which grew here. The main reason that Auckland became important after Captain Cooks visit was to collect Kauri trees which were used as tall straight masts for the naval vessels of the time.

 A typical street

 There are many beaches all round the thin peninsula. on the East side they are sand on the West it is mud and mangroves.

Devonport is on the end of a peninsula of land across from the CBD, it was originally called Flagstaff as this was where flag signals were put up to let Auckland know that a ship was coming into the harbour.

The area has 2 extinct volcano hills - Mt Victoria & North Head, Auckland itself is built on 50 volcanoes - the most recent addition is Rangitoto Island just off Devonport!

 This is North Head and Chelsea beach from the Officers Mess at Narrow Neck Beach

The main street is down a hill from the quirky cinema/theatre to the ferry terminal opposite the Esplanade Hotel where we have watched several very early World Cup Rugby matches in the packed bar over coffee.

 This is looking up the hill from the ferry terminal behind me towards the Cinema at the top.

 There are many bars, coffee shops and restaurants - very like Knutsford!

Some buildings are definitely in need of some tlc! this is a boat house near the marina where we went sailing last weekend.

 

The flowers and gardens are gorgeous at the moment and there is lots of wild jasmine in the hedgerows, which adds a wonderful scent to our local walks. Shona has started walking once a week with our landlady Am who is from Thailand and her friend Margaret from Singapore, the latest one included coffee and donuts at Little and Friday - the 'best' coffee shop and bakery ever!

 lavender and fushias

 This is a bottle brush tree!

We are so lucky to have landed here!