The unofficial pictorial biography of New Zealand

So glad you’re here, because we’re going on a tour of New Zealand. Not quite the amazing scenery, but rather a trip on fire trucks, in yoga classes, cafes, bakeries, construction sites, restaurants. And yes, sheep.

Some part of this biography will be through a series of photo “albums”. Others will be with lavish cartoon diaries (check out the nav bar on the right).

To open the album, just click on an image, and boof—you’re in a whole new world. Try it! If you’d like to see the photos via a “category”, then click on www.theotherseandsouza.com/library.

Sean
P.S.
The cartoon diaries and especially the photo albums get updated on a fairly regular basis.Sometimes once or twice a week. If you want to peek into New Zealand often, yes, there is a way to get updates. 

Right now there are close to about 150 different businesses. You’re unlikely to want to see them all, hence, it may be a good idea to have a look at the categories (see link above)  and go from there. 

Take your time and click through some of the albums. At the bottom of each album, you’ll find a link to subscribe and a zany newsletter will show up on a monthly basis. 

Secret Garden, Pukekohe

The Secret Garden was originally solely a flower garden, that exported flowers to places such as Hongkong. However, with the onset of COVID, exports came to a sudden halt. A new plan had to be devised and in stepped in restauranter/chef, Ben Bayly, who leased the...

Misa Christmas Tree Farm, Mt.Eden, Auckland

Misa Christmas Tree Farm was started by Tom and Antica Misa. They were Croatians who had immigrated separately to New Zealand and later married on these Kiwi shores. The property got its start as a Christmas tree farm when US marines started buying Macrocapa branches...

Málaga, Spain: Part 2

Málaga, Spain: Part 2

Malaga’s roots trace back to ancient times, with a history that spans Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish influences.

Pro Kart Racing: Hamilton

Pro Kart Racing: Hamilton

It’s an explosion of noise—and petrol fumes that fill the air. That’s what Pro Kart Racing is all about.

Waipu Beach

Waipu Beach

Waipu is still very much a gem, and undiscovered. Wai (for water) + pu (for reddish in colour) = reddish water.

Maina, Havelock North

Maina, Havelock North

Located in the heart of Havelock North, Maina is a family-run cafe & bistro with a focus on simplicity and smiles.

John Roberts, Milford, Auckland

John Roberts, Milford, Auckland

John Roberts was the original name of the owner, and was located near where the Milford supermarket exists today. It’s a busy business, that’s for sure.

Bethells Beach, Auckland

Bethells Beach, Auckland

Te Henga, or Bethells Beach, is a coastal community of the Auckland Region in the north of the North Island, New Zealand.

Portraits of Sheep, Waipu

Portraits of Sheep, Waipu

What would New Zealand be without millions of sheep? Yet New Zealand has fewer sheep than several other countries.

Pasta & Cuore, Mt. Eden, Auckland

Pasta & Cuore, Mt. Eden, Auckland

There’s no such thing as Spaghetti Bolognese! That’s the statement that greets you at Pasta & Cuore, located right in the heart of Mt.Eden Village.

Fire Station, Takapuna, Auckland

Fire Station, Takapuna, Auckland

A local passerby would justifiably be confused why the fire station goes by the name of Takapuna Fire Station, when it’s located at Wairau Road.

Ark Coffee, Takapuna, Auckland

Ark Coffee, Takapuna, Auckland

Ark Coffee, a specialty coffee store in Takapuna. Situated down a corridor between the French Bakery and a barber, it’s easy to miss.

Sigdi, Devonport, Auckland

Sigdi, Devonport, Auckland

I’d just immigrated to Auckland, New Zealand and this was the first restaurant I visited. We were regulars every Tuesday for 18 years.

Matakana Oysters, Auckland

Matakana Oysters, Auckland

Tom Walters at Matakana Oysters at The Green Shed. The shed was earlier used by another oyster pair that left for Australia.

Amano, Britomart, Auckland

Amano, Britomart, Auckland

Amano, situated in Britomart is a combination of a bakery, cafe and full-service restaurant and incredibly busy all day long.