Auckland
We decided to take a diversion to Coromandel town on our way back to Auckland…
The drive was another amazing experience on empty, winding roads through forested hills beside the Pacific Ocean.
We stopped in the tiny town of Cormomandel for coffee…
…
Despite it’s small size, the town still has its own pie bakery…
We resumed our journey and passed this establishment on the way…
An old Maorie word meaning “oh dear!”
Eventually, after faultless navigation by Morna, we cruised into Auckland and into the harbour district where we checked in to our Hotel.
Our hotel, although a little careworn, turns out to get a great choice as it sits on the quayside, surrounded by great bars and restaurants and across the road from both the Maritime museum and the cruiseliner terminal.
With 1.4M inhabitants, Auckland is a proper city that is easy to visit and be in.
The sea is as big a part of the city as the land is, and it is the most boat oriented city I have ever visited. Auckland is home to the worlds biggest yacht marina in the southern hemisphere.
After a spot of lunch, we made our way to the Skytower, which is Auckland’s centrepiece…
As you would expect, the views from the top are spectacular, but with an additional thril. This is New Zealand and, if its tall - you can jump off it…
On day two we decided to go for a long walk through the botanic garden and ended up at the quayside for lunch.
We then walked over to the Maritime museum and bought two tickets that included a trip around the harbour on a historical sailing vessel. Fantastic value for money!
The Ted Ashby
The day had begun cloudy, it hammered down with rain over lunch, but as soon as we stepped aboard the boat, the sky cleared an the sun started to shine.
We ended up with a group of Swedes on an organised tour of NZ. Morna did a Bernie and was soon deep in conversation with several of them. I believe she failed to mention that I had caught a shark.
Auckland from the water
We passed under the Auckland bay bridge, which is a) tall b) in New Zealand; therefore had people bungy jumping off it.
So that’s it.
Back to the hotel to pack, then one last dinner in New Zealand and off to Auckland airport to catch the plane home.