Sunday afternoon - Auckland Domain and Parnell

A beautiful afternoon for a walk in the Auckland Domain.

We need to keep walking fit for our Heaphy Track trek in two weeks.

Come, walk with me.

The Wintergardens.
The tropical houses are home to giant waterlilies and water hyacinth...

torch flowers,

cacao trees bearing 'cocoa' pods...

orchids,

 bromeliads and begonias.

People are playing cricket, having picnics and flying kites.

The sound of bagpipes quickens my step and draws me to its source - The City of Sails Pipe Band.

Nearby are two magnificent Sculptures in the Auckland Domain.

Kaitiaki: Fred Graham 2004

Spine: Peter Nicholls 1986

The biggest of them all is the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Beyond the Domain on Parnell Road the afternoon sun lights up St Mary's and the labyrinth which invites me to walk and to contemplate.

The air is filled with the glorious sound of the Cathedral Choir preparing for 5pm evensong.

Etched against the blue sky - the roof lines of Holy Trinity Cathedral,

and the Selwyn Library .