Australasia 2009

Ending the decade down under, visiting Auckland, Wellington, Picton and Nelson in New Zealand before heading to Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.

Items in this collection

  • Ending the decade down under

    I’ve long held two ambitions. The first: to return to Australia before this decade is out. The second: to welcome in a New Year on Sydney Harbour before I turn 30.

  • The Encounter Restaurant at LAX, where I would have eaten that evening had I not been interviewed by immigration officers.

    My LA ex

    I hoped that almost missing my flight would be the worst my trip to New Zealand would have to offer, but thanks to overzealous immigration officials at LAX, that was nothing but a minor blip.

  • Auckland’s CBD viewed from atop Mount Eden.

    Auckland: A city in search of itself

    Before the tan disappears I’d like to record my short journey across New Zealand and Australia. So over the next few days, I’ll describe how I ended the decade down-under.

  • The Overlander during its lunchtime stop at National Park railway station.

    A small taste of the South Island

    Having arranged my flights into and out of New Zealand before deciding upon an itinerary, meant I had little time to really explore the South Island.

  • The Wellington Cable Car takes passengers from Lambton Quay in the CBD to the suburb of Kelburn, and the Wellington Botanic Garden.

    Absolutely, Positively, Wellington

    Wellington will remain the most memorable stop on my brief tour of New Zealand, although perhaps not entirely for the right reasons.

  • View of Sydney Harbour on the approach to Sydney Airport.

    Celebrating the New Year in Sydney

    Since visiting Sydney in 2003, often considered which city in the world might be my favourite. As I flew over Sydney Harbour I realised there was no contest.

  • Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.

    Magical Melbourne

    After two and a half weeks exploring various cities, it was finally on to Melbourne, the final stop on my short tour of Australasia.