Day 25

Today I put my big girls pants on as I tackled Auckland. I woke early and saw the sun rise as I walked Takapuna beach. I passed a lot of elite properties today. The walk to Devonport was a mix of beach and road. Devonport is lovely and lots of beautiful villas.  Saw the home of poet ARD Fairbairn.I had a late breakfast at a cafe then crossed on the Devonport ferry. I had to buy a Hop card which allows me to use public transport in Auckland. With the help of a map I finally found the backpackers I had booked into. They wanted a passport for ID. I finally convinced them all I had was a NZ drivers license. I was able to leave my pack there and just took my front pack along with all my money and cards. My intention was to walk coast to coast. With the help of the AP on my phone I made it only getting misplaced a few times. The trail leads through a lot of the green corridor's in Auckland. I went through Albert park. Saw a person sleeping rough. I went through the Auckland domain looking at the winter gardens and the War Memorial Museum. I wandered several streets and walked past Auckland Grammar. Some absolutely beautiful houses.i was surprised  how the power lines were allowed to go through the old trees. I walked Mount Eden then Cornwall park where I stopped for a late lunch. Saw Acacia house which was John Logan Campbell origional home. I then walked up One Tree Hill and saw the monument and obelisk. The replacement Pohutukawa tree is growing well. The views were amazing. One tree hill is a working farm so saw sheep. I then walked to Royal Oak and on to Onehunga. I was about 200m from the beach at Manakau harbour when I diverted into Onehunga as I wanted to catch the 4:47 train back to Britomart. I had walked over 50,000 steps and my feet were a bit sore even though t have walked in Crocs all day. The train ride back was an experience. I really been made aware what a multicultural city Auckland is. I have seen heaps of people out enjoying the beautiful day. Lots of cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, swimmers, boaties, people having picnics, Xmas parties. People have generally been friendly. I have also seen the less desirable side. Graffiti, rubbish, a man suffering a fit on the pavement. I have taken heaps of photos but one day in Auckland is enough for me and I have booked a bus and will skip over 100 km. The  with the memorial arch marks the 600 km point of the trail.
G

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