Surprise..........quick trip across the ditch (Part 1)

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This trip had one purpose - to surprise my Dad in Auckland for his 80th birthday on Christmas Day. The highlights of the rest of the trip were simply a bonus and a perfect way to finish off 2009 on a high.

I believe this was my fourth trip to New Zealand - and there is still so much to see that I have no doubt I will be there again soon.

During my last trip in 2005, I discovered the fruit, feijoa, and became a little obsessed. Apparently the fruit does grow in Australia but I have not seen it nor do the Aussies use it in all the ways the Kiwis do. During this trip, I ate feijoa cereal, had a feijoa and banana smoothie, bought feijoa chutney, feijoa herbal tea bags and consumed feijoa liqueur and cider (see next entry for more details on the latter).

Onto what I did in Auckland.......

14 and 15 December

I caught up with my friend, Roslyn, whom I met almost 2 years earlier in Sabah, Malaysia. She was most generous with her time and took me for a late afternoon/early evening drive around the western beaches of Auckland, introduced me to her mum, took me to dinner in a local Malaysian restaurant and drove me through Ponsonby to see the christmas lights (there is a single street which has an annual competition for the best christmas lights display and, as it is a wealthy part of the city, it is a great sight).

Day 2, after booking in all my accommodation and transport, I headed to Rangitoto Island.

This island is just a 30 minute ferry trip from Auckland harbour. One of the many extinct (?) volcanoes in the Auckland area, it is a lovely walk up to the crater. There is little on the island except rock and pohutukawas (New Zealand christmas trees). It was not a great day weatherwise, but I really enjoyed the 3 hour walk around the island.

That evening, I went to the Auckland Town Hall to see and hear a performance of Handel's Messiah. I have always want to attend a performance - failing in both Melbourne and Perth - so it was good to finally succeed. The Hallelujah chorus was an obvious highlight.

Christmas Eve

My return from the Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland was about my transformation from backpacker to human (or maybe princess?). To get things started, I checked into Auckland's Hyatt Regency and made full use of the gym, pool, spa and sauna!

In the afternoon, I undertook my one adrenalin rush activity of the trip - I jumped 192m off the Auckland Skytower (photos to follow just in case you don't believe me). I had chickened out of this activity on my 2005 trip to Auckland and also 2008 in Macau. This time, I simply walked in and booked my spot on the final trip of the day. As it happened I was the last person to jump Christmas eve - which was fun as the boys operating the jump were in jovial moods trying to get me more nervous.

I have never attempted anything resembling a free fall activity before. Having now done it with ease - only getting nervous when my toes were over the edge of the platform - I think I am now ready for a skydive. Any takers?

I also had the opportunity to catch up with fellow Essendon resident, Alan, for a drink on Christmas eve. I even dragged him to St Matthews-in-the-city for what I thought was an hour's carols singing. However, within 2 minutes a sermon with a 'google' theme commenced and we went back to our drinking pursuit - unsuccessfully, as Christmas eve is an early close for all bars.

Christmas Day

I wandered down to the wharf just after 8:30am - the Dawn Princess was already docked and I was hoping not to find Mum and Dad sitting around waiting. Luck was on my side as they disembarked about 3 minutes after I got there.

Dad was surprised to see me - thank goodness - and the three of us spent his 80th birthday morning wandering around Auckland city including going up in the Skytower for a grand view of the city.

Christmas lunch was at White restaurant at the Hilton - just loved it. It is a big call, but the lamb they served for main was the best I have ever eaten! And the christmas pudding was to die for.

I returned from my brief dalliance as a princess to backpacker when I picked up my bags and walked with Mum and Dad to the airport bus stop. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!

Mum and Dad re-boarded the Dawn Princess to return to Australia and I enjoyed a great flight home with Emirates - a taste of things to come - bring on Dubai March 2010!

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Photos

Piha Beach
One of the famous west Auckalnd beaches

Pohutukawa
New Zealand christmas trees were in bloom everywhere on the North Island

Pohutukawa on Rangitoto Island
New Zealand Christmas tree surrounded by Rangitoto's lava

Skytower at night
Yep - I jumped from way up there earlier in the day

Pohutukawa - old trees in Auckland city
Just love how they are allowed to grow large and in any direction they want!

The Hilton, Auckland
Mum, Dad and I had Christmas lunch in White restaurant - second level on the left

View from Skytower
Devonport in foreground, Rangitoto Island, and in background, Coromandel Peninsula

Happy Birthday Dad
Santa singing happy birthday to Dad in the Skytower

After lunch
Mum and Dad relaxing at the Hilton

Comments

[mharleyuk]

10 out of 10
Well done Merryn, your Dad will never forget such a nice surprise.