Albert In A Park

New Zealand is very British. England provided New Zealand with strong security and a powerful trading partner, which is part of why New Zealand has never made any moves toward breaking from the Empire. This is not to say that Kiwis have held onto all of the British customs: in particular the strict social stratification of England has been cast aside in New Zealand. Someone explained that it was because the British immigrants came to New Zealand to escape the class structure. Someone else said that New Zealand was an egalitarian agricultural society in which everyone had to work hard, and didn’t have time for frivolous things such as class structure.

Albert Park demonstrates New Zealand’s Britishness, but it also showcases what makes New Zealand unique. Built on top of volcanic rock, Albert Park features ornate flower gardens, a fountain, and, of course the most British thing ever, a statue of Queen Victoria. At the same time, it is uniquely New Zealand: On top of an extinct volcano, that used to be a Maori fortification, with really cool looking trees. Since it’s in Auckland, you don’t get dirty looks for playing in the grass, and climbing the trees like you do in London. Oh, and one other thing you can do in New Zealand that is probably frowned upon in Great Britain: go barefoot! Kiwis go everywhere without shoes, even in malls and restaurants.

What could be more British than a statue of of Queen Victoria in the park. This statue, located thirteen hours ahead of GMT, is a reminder that in a bygone era the sun did not set on the British Empire.


Perfect English flower beds, with palm trees in the background.


A flower clock.



Kiwis are very proud of their military sacrifices. Particularly their brave service at Gallipoli during World War One, and in Crete during World War II.


The Ombu tree is from the New World, but does quite well in New Zealand. Rachel is giving her "quick Frodo we must go" look while standing on the root of a tree that could be cast in Lord Of The Rings.