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Published: January 9th 2007
Auckland Sky Tower
We actually saw someone bungy jump from the top (no, it wasn't me!!)It takes a long time to get to Auckland!!! The 13 hour flight was really very good with excellent service from Air New Zealand. The plane was a Boeing 777 and I have always wanted to fly in one. The in-seat on-demand entertainment centers did a lot to help pass the time with a full selection of movies to choose from as well as interactive games and music. Nonetheless, the seats are pretty tight and the plane was full, so we were all happy when the flight landed at about 7:00 am.
We cleared customs in no time and our pre arranged rental car person met us as planned. By 7:45 am we were whisking our way down the left side of the highway toward Auckland in our little Toyota Corolla hatchback (I know, it is a bit of a step down from the Volvo!!) Luckily it was Sunday morning so there was no traffic.
Checked in at the Rendezvous hotel and (no surprise) were unable to get onto a room that early. They did allow us to clean up in the gym area so we stored our bags and went off on foot to explore Auckland city. (amazing
Auckland main ferry quay
Only a 20 minute walk from our hotel. what adrenaline can do despite no sleep!)
Auckland is a nice compact city of 1.4 million people but it doesn’t feel big. A very diverse city, it is highlighted by the gorgeous harbour. There are more boat owners per capita in Auckland than any other city in the world, hence the name, City of Sails.
We wandered around the harbour and downtown for several hours then knew we needed sleep. Upon returning to the hotel, we were still not able to get a room…until Nancy had a ‘pleasant but firm’ conversation with the manager expressing our disappointment at the lack of service! (stop smiling family and co-workers!)
The room was great (quite luxurious really at a great price I found on line) and the next 5 hours were a solid and much welcomed sleep. Had a wonderful dinner at the Midnight Express Café, a little Middle East and Turkish restaurant with tons of atmosphere.
The next morning we knew would be the last time we would have in the city so we made the most of it. Went to Sky City, an amazing complex in the downtown and went to the top of the sky tower
Hec at Sky Tower
Incredible views. tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. for breathtaking views. We also took the Hop on Hop Off Express Bus on a city tour getting off to visit the Mission Bay Beach area. More good food at Toninos authentic Italian restaurant…Marcello has been making great meals in this same location for 23 years. It was probably the best pizza we have ever eaten…of course a trip to Italy may change that opinion! There were many sites we would love to have visited but alas we were out of time!
We said good bye to Auckland and drove the 4 hours North to Paihia, gateway to the Northland. We are settled into our little apartment where we will stay 5 days, rest and explore the Bay of Islands area. It looks gorgeous, even through the rain which has been coming down non stop all day! Forecast isn’t good, but hey, I have seen the NB weather report so we won’t be complaining!!
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Caroline
non-member comment
Lookin' good
You guys look fantastic! Nancy the Lole skirt, top and chacos seem to be working well for you! Maia and Peter started skiing this weekend in the Nancy Green program (depsite the rain) they enjoyed themselves - even when they had to use a harness to get Maia off the chairlift which had broken down. Love C