Timing couldn’t be better on this one, I arrived at 7.10 in Ponsonby, by 7.45 I was on the street and taking photos of the Pride march that had just started.

It wasn’t a huge march, rather like the one in Melbourne, not many floats, but many marchers and political associations, and had a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to it, not much attitude, like in some of the massive, multi-million operations and parties in Europe.

I just walked down Ponsonby Road, took pictures, talked a bit with people standing around, and soaked it all in.

New Zealand opened up marriage for everyone in 2013. (Watch New Zealand MP Maurice Williamson delivering a witty and uplifting pro gay speech in Parliament)

The closing party was held in the CBD, at Victoria Park Market. I imagined an open-air festival, but it was ins Auckland’s old refuse station, where the city’s rubbish was delivered and burned, through the huge chimney.

It has undergone a couple of transformations in its history, now it is a cute market place like shopping and eating arcade, with lots of restaurants, bars, and roof top terraces.

60$ entrance was steep, but worth it. In the end, I would have regretted not going. Several different dance floors and stages entertained everyone, including an amazingly good imitation of Tina Turner. It took some time to realize she was not on playback, but actually singing the tunes herself. Or getting the crowd to sing along.

I had a couple of drinks, even though Auckland is as expensive as Australia, as far as drinks are concerned, so it’s pretty much financially impossible to get drunk.

I had a good time, even though I was on my own, and left it around two, after a long and busy day. Auckland made a very good first impression.