Walking north from the hotel we went downhill to what was the Parnell rose Garden, now renamed after Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, the longest-serving former Mayor of Auckland. The arched stone entrance opened onto a path leading past the now-desolate-in-winter rose beds to a lawn area of old, gnarled pohutukawa trees and a limestone chip side path revealed an intimate arbour with seats and fountain – very pretty. From the perimeter of the park we could see impressive vistas of the Port and city of Auckland, as well as of nearby Judge’s Bay. Traversing the shore of Judge’s Bay, we followed the pedestrian walkway around the Parnell salt water public pools (closed at this time for winter) and crossed the waterfront Tamaki Drive on the overpass, enjoying further views towards the port, the suburban eastern rail link and the eastern bays.
Seeing parts of Parnell and environs on foot greatly added to our pleasure in attending the NZ Founders’ Society’s 80thAGM and I hope this photographic tour gives other members an idea of the beautiful area we enjoyed in our free time during the weekend. Thank you Auckland Branch!