River duck

There are lots of ducks in and around the waterways of Hamilton. This little duck is venturing up a stream in Memorial Park. It's got quite a challenge ahead if it wants to get to the top of the stream!

Waiheke Island (2)

Yet another beach on Waiheke Island. I don't know the name of this beach, but I believe that it has a "clothing optional" policy ...

Waiheke Island

A beautifully secluded beach on Waiheke Island, just a ferry ride from Auckland. It is one of my favourite places in New Zealand. It is home to many interesting people, from paupers to millionaires! (You can see Waiheke Island on the map that forms the subject of Monday's photo!)

I want to ride my bicycle!

Hamilton is such a lovely and comfortable town for bicycle riding. Now you can rent a bike almost anywhere in town, drive to your destination and drop it off! What a great idea! This is a photo of one of the bicycle stands at the university.

Hibernating ducks

Two ducks having an afternoon nap next to the lake!

Where in the world is Hamilton?

I thought that I would take a photo of the map to show exactly where Hamilton is located, relative to Auckland. Of course, I couldn't resist putting my public transport card, with this lovely pic of a balloon, in the shot as well!

Autumn flower

A beautiful little flower battling the autumn frost. Isn't it just a gorgeous colour?

Saturday rugby

Today is a very important rugby day in New Zealand. It is the semi-finals of the Super 14 Competition. Two New Zealand teams are playing against each other in the one semi-final, while a South African team and an Australian team are contesting the other semi-final.

This photo was taken this afternoon at the University. The colour of the leaves shows that it really is autumn here in Hamilton.

Rotorua Museum sculpture

A beautiful sculpture in the gardens of the Rotorua Museum.

I wouldn't mind living here

This house is ideally located next to a beautiful park. If I were the owner of this house, I would imagine that the park was an extension of my own garden! As an added bonus, it has a view of the Waikato river! Some people have all the luck!

Brainy cow

This cow loves to read the local newspaper, the Waikato Times!

Rugby field vista

New Zealanders love sport, especially in the winter months. Look how beautiful the university rugby fields look! I love the simplicity of it. No stands or a stadium setting. People simply stand around and watch the games. That's the way it's supposed to be!

Relaxed surfers

Two surfers relaxing at Raglan Beach, waiting for the weather conditions to improve in their favour. Looking at their body language, they really are v-e-r-y relaxed!

In and out for breakfast

How lovely to have the choice between having your breakfast indoors or outdoors! Indoors you have the benefit of art and the sounds of the espresso machine, while outside you experience the fresh air, sunshine and friendly chatter of other patrons.

Eerie blue sky

For once, it was a sunny day in the Waikato. I took this photo at sunset, with the sky an eerie blue!

Through the looking glass 2

A wave from the friendly jill-of-all-trades Barista!

Through the looking glass

A photo of a barista who operates a mobile espresso kiosk on a rainy day in Hamilton. In this photo, she is opening the cash register. There were many people waiting in line, so she had her hands full taking orders, filling the orders and then receiving payment also!

Poster collage

A collage of posters. The main poster is of Michael Douglas portraying an anti-nuclear stance.

Tools of the trade

My camera charger and my camera pouch. I don't leave home without them! Question: why is there no photo of my camera?

Koru reflection

A while back, I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Fiji. My plane was scheduled to leave Auckland very early in the morning and I was required to be at the airport at 5:30 AM. Whilst in the departure lounge, I took this photograph. You can clearly see the reflection of the plant and the gate sign, but right in the middle of the shot there is something else that is not a reflection. If you look closely, you can just make out the familiar livery of Air New Zealand on the tail of an airplane outside the departure hall. It represents a koru, which is the Māori name for a fern frond unfolding. It signifies new life, growth and renewal.

To make a long story short, I had a fantastic flight to and from Fiji on Air New Zealand!

Tauranga beach

This is the beach at Tauranga, which lies to the east of Hamilton. The sand here is white and not black like the west coast beaches.

Another sidewalk scene

Yet another lovely place to sit and have an espresso!

Raglan

Raglan lies to the west of Hamilton and is its closest sea village. Interestingly, the west coast beaches all have black sand whilst the east coast beaches have white sand! Raglan is a groovy place and very popular with surfers. It's only a 45 minute drive from Hamilton, depending on whether you drive a Ferrari or a Mini!

Waiting for the shops to open

Last Sunday I arrived a few minutes early at the newsagents to buy the Sunday paper. This is my foot as I sit with outstretched legs on a chair similar to the one in the picture, waiting for the shop to open.

Italian Renaissance Garden

The Italian Renaissance Garden is one of six in the Paradise Collection of the Hamilton Gardens. It is exquisite and a nice place to visit on a Sunday afternoon.

Reading

Reading makes up a large part of my job as an academic. I have several reading stands in my office, both at work and at home. My office is always in a total mess, but that is how I prefer it.

Space cadet!

This is the neighbour's dog. He had an ear operation and is not allowed to scratch his ears, even though it's probably the thing he would most like to do!

View through the trees

Hamilton has some beautiful tree-lined walkways.

Side mirror

Sometimes I take photographs with the point-and-click whilst driving. This photo is one of this afternoon's better efforts. See the footbridge in the mirror's reflection.

May Theme Day: Numbers

My telephone and the Hamilton telephone directory! Enough numbers for you?

Please support the following Daily Photo Blogs who are also participating in the May theme day:
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