Pilgrim: A person regarded as journeying through life:
‘We should recognise our status as mere pilgrims in this world’ - From the online Oxford Dictionary
Wednesday 1st June 2016
Day 1: Parnell to Devonport
5km (approximately), 4 hours including multiple points of interest such as Mt Victoria and the shops and cafes in Devonport
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and its environs are the Anglican Bishopric of Auckland’s Head Quarters. Bishop Selwyn established the area in 1843 and initiated its gradual development. The Cathedral itself is surprisingly new and light. It comprises a mixture of neo Gothic and modern architecture that somehow works. The windows are stunning and allow the light to flood through even on a cloudy day. The acoustics of the Cathedral also allow it to be a concert venue as well as a place of worship. Look for the space age font, made out of four pieces of glass that weighs exactly one metric tonne. There are usually volunteer guides here who operate most days from 10 Am until 4pm. These guides are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Immediately next door to the Holy Trinity Cathedral stands the older St Mary’s 
which was built in 1860. Amazingly, the entire church was moved across the road on rollers in 1982 to the present site and remained intact apart from a few roof tiles being dislodged – a credit not only to the Victorian builders but also the modern Engineers of the 1980s. Inside the Church look out for the newer windows celebrating social progress throughout New Zealand’s history such as the pane commemorating votes for women. Also, look closely at the Lectern. Can you spot the church mouse? (See picture 1)
The carved mouse is the signature of all of, “the mouse mans” carpentry work, otherwise known as Robert Thompson of Kilburn, Yorkshire in England. See also if you can spot the little carved owl up in the lofty heights. Perhaps it is a Morepork – a native New Zealand owl. Another notable point of interest is Sir Edmund Hillary’s Garter banner, which used to hang in St Georges chapel Windsor (see picture 2).
Amble down to the tiny but beautiful church of St Stephens, which overlooks the 
coastline and then onto the Dove – Myer Robinson Park, where there are stunning rose gardens. Then down the hill and across Quay street, follow the bustling activity of the container port towards the ferry building. I walked past a tile memorial to the Rainbow Warrior (See picture3) commemorating the sad loss of the Green Peace vessel and crew member.
It was not long before I then reached the Fullers ferry information office at the ferry terminal and discovered that ferries go very frequently to Devonport. I was even able to use my Hop (Auckland public Transportation card) for this. The short ferry ride gives you a lovely view of Auckland. Devonport is an extremely genteel suburb full of interesting bookshops, cafes and galleries. I stopped for coffee at Correlli’s. This comes highly recommended, as it is halfway up the climb to Mount Victoria. Once you have reached the top of Mount Victoria you can survey the surrounding vistas for ”miles”. The view of Auckland is even better than from the ferry and you can see the surrounding islands and peninsulas too.(See picture 4)
Take the time to look into Holy Trinity Church, which is a lovely historic building. Be sure to leave your name in the guest book.
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