Backtracking to my post about the Auckland Zoo, I must mention this trip was for penguins. While New Zealand, Northland has so much more than waddling critters, this is why I wanted to visit this beautiful country.
So when we head to Auckland to get swept up by the airport, we decide to make a stop at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter. We come from California – just like these San Diego Zoo penguins – but we don’t get to take a snowcat ride into their enclosure! This is definitely worth the pit stop.
I enjoy seeing the penguins up close so much, I insist on seeing them again. We take a tour of the stingrays, sharks, and seahorses, then head back for another snowcat cruise. Once you pay for entry, you can see the penguins as much as you like; and I want to see them more, but we’re on a strict time table! On the second go, we spot a parent tucking an egg under tiny feathers. We missed the penguin feeding by only minutes, so they’re all plump and cheery.
After we leave Kelly Tarlton’s, John’s epic hunt for New Zealand Magic: the Gathering continues. We locate a small shop mall called the Queen’s Arcade, where the King of Cards is nestled in a den. John gets his geek on talking up MtG with the store owner and local customers, who are all just as pleasant as everyone else on this trip. As our vacation comes to a close, it only validates my theory New Zealand’s full of awesome people.
John takes his time acquiring his rare finds. I enjoy some hot cherry blossom tea at a little hole-in-the-wall. They bring out dishes, milk, and other goodies to make the tea an orgasmic experience. The wind is wafting gently through Queen’s Arcade doors. This is a peaceful Auckland. It’s unlike our last visit.
Our trip back to the Auckland Airport is nothing worth mention. The plane’s a little late. The coffee’s good. The Burger King’s a quick-stop om-nom. For the first time in many years, I don’t want to go back home. My vacation’s coming to a close, but my memories of it will last forever.
I could totally come here again. Maybe next time, we’ll visit the south island!
