The tropics of Wintergarden and a walk to Grafton.

Let's review this series of posts in case anyone has joined us late. I had originally detrained in Parnell and hiked up through the forest of the Auckland Domain, coming out in front of the War Memorial Museum. That first post showed you mostly trees, and one ligneous life form. I came next to The Wintergarden, which is behind the Museum and showed you the first greenhouse, with its amazing display of peppers and eggplants. (You find real excitment when you follow me around, don't you? ) This final post will show you the tropical greenhouse and then shots I took along my walk to the Grafton side of the domain and the train station there.  

Giant lilly pads

Rather Hot and humid in here.

Huge pitcher plants

I'm leaving the tropical building. 

 I've walked down the hill from the Wintergarden, passed this cafe and am heading down to the ponds. Looks idyllic, doesn't it? 

I've taken pictures of some other cormorants looking sleek and elegant. This one looks like it's just waking up after spending last night carousing in the fish and birdy bars along K' Road. Look at it's face. Is that the look of regret, or what? 
If cormorants carried wallets, this one's would be empty. 

Beyond the ponds are fields large enough for a couple of cricket or rugby games to be played at the same time.  

This weekend, as you see, polo is taking the stage. 

I'm leaving the domain, at the far gate now, on the Grafton side of the domain, and this sculpture stands on top of it. 

And this stands across the street.

I'm on the hill not far from the train station now and look at that mountain in the distance.  I've looked at the map but can't be sure just what it is.  You can see how hilly NZ is.  

Thanks for coming along on this Saturday stroll.              -djf