Don't miss the Train Glenbrook Vintage Sweet Train Experience in Auckland
Geeta Kashyap
December 26, 2024
My childhood memories always take me back to long train journeys. The train journey means visiting our native place in Bihar, India. My father’s services in Railways gives us a soft corner for railways, a habit of traveling through trains, and never missing the trains. The comfort of trains was always preferable over any other means of public transportation.
After a long time, I got the train experience in Auckland in the vintage Glenbrook’s Christmas train. A seasonal train to get an short and sweet journey with beautiful side views and vintage train look inside and out.
If you are in Auckland and new to the country or your family is here on a visit during summer, I think it is a good day out for everyone. The train does not take you anywhere but it gives you an experience. The train is a well thought idea- Ticket examiner checking your tickets at the entry, punching tickets inside the train, dummy luggage inside the coaches take you back to the old train journeys.
We visited the place on Sunday, so it was quite crowded especially at evening. Never experienced such a big crowd in Auckland but seeing such a big population at the site was surprising. The wait was almost for one hour in the queue but then wait was worth.
Tip: Buy the tickets online and avoid the cue but platform queue is different. Reach early and try to catch 8:30pm-10:30pm train that will give you beautiful night view. You can get the Car parking as well.
Merry Christmas!
Cultural Heritage: Maungakiekie in
Auckland
Geeta Kashyap
December 09, 2024
For Indians, Auckland is mini version of India’s Mumbai. The fast, crowded and heavy-traffic as per New Zealand standards (believe me for Indians it’s nothing) but it has places of cultural and historical significance.
On December 8, we (my partner and me) took a guided geological walk and got a chance to see not only One Tree Hill but also the full view of Auckland from a high altitude. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) is a popular site for both locals and tourists. So how it happened? My partner plays club cricket for Cornwall which is located in Cornwall Park. But He never explored the park beyond his cricket ground. I found this geological tour on eventbrite and book tickets for both of us.
Despite a tiring cricket day before, I managed to convince him (wasn’t much difficult). So, we went for the walk and ended up here. The guide Dr Bruce Hayward is a renowned Geologist in New Zealand. He gave us real insights about the volcanic land with his drawings on the road to make it clear and interesting.
This image is the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, known as the “Father of Auckland”, modern New Zealand. This prominent spot has the breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape. We had a chance to experience the one of beauties of Auckland city.
This photo (below) feature the striking obelisk and accompanying Māori warrior statue, standing tall atop the hill. The monument was built in honor of the Māori people by Sir Campbell who gifted the land to Auckland. The warrior statue—stoic and powerful—represents the indigenous legacy of Māori culture.
One Tree Hill is not just a physical landmark but a symbol of Auckland’s cultural diversity and colonial history. For us, it was a perfect blend of exploration and reflection. Top of hill gives you stunning sights of the Auckland city and nearby islands. Want to have some quiet moments with serene view, then spare some time and visit the place!!
