A Great Day With New Friends

It rained quite hard for most of the night,  but we had to have the windows open because of the heat.  Consequently,  we were a little bit tired in the morning.  The washing that we had done the day before sat sodden on the line. We were meeting a friend that K had made when she had come to the uk.

We had a leisurely morning,  as we were being picked up at about 1.30pm. After a lunch of bacon and eggs we changed and waited for the text to say that they were on their way.  K's friend,  her husband and daughter all appeared and, after introductions,  we set off.  They wanted to show us some bits of Auckland that they thought were interesting. 

Driving down Queen Street to the front,  we headed out towards Mission Bay along Tamaki Drive. We stopped for a drink, snack and chat before heading off again toward the Viaduct harbour and Silo Park. The sky had cleared,  and the sun was trying to break through as we strolled through the markets near the waters edge at Silo Park. There were some interesting hand made items there.  I took a few photos of the area. 

Returning to the car we went to the bus station to pick up their son and then drove to Mount Eden, which is a dormant volcano overlooking the city.  The views were spectacular - as good as the Skytower - in fact a bit better because from the Skytower you can't see the other side of Mount Eden. Leaving the volcano we went to their house, which is a typical Auckland villa made of weatherboard with a tin roof. It was great.  They had just finished a rear extension,  and the main living area was marvellous. 

We had a great evening,  with lovely food, wine,  and great conversation.  Some of their other friends had joined us, and we all got on really well.  We have been invited to stay when we return to Auckland at the end of our travels.  We were even dropped off back at the YHA at the end of the evening.  A really nice day.

Butterflies at Changi Airport

Whilst we were stopped over at Singapore we had a good look  around at the gardens and so on that they have there. Pools full of Koi carp, cacti, orchid and sunflower gardens, and a butterfly house. K was very brave - she went in,  despite having a bit of a phobia about these creatures.  There were many types,  and they were lovely. 

The Auckland Skytower

After a warm night and little sleep we decided to go for a walk to the harbourside via the Skytower.  We gained some discount tickets from the hostel,  which meant that entry would be only $20 instead of $28. The sun was blazing,  so we availed ourselves of some of the free sunscreen provided by reception and set off.

We popped into a supermarket to get some water. All of the shops around here seem to be involved in food or drink in some way. Lots of Chinese and Korean restaurants. Walking down Queen Street we come across the 'Dick Smith Auckland Nines' - a gathering of people, with entertainment and food, all waiting the arrival of the teams involved in the above, which is nine a side rugby. Lots of people,  nice atmosphere.  They had trophies on display,  one of which was the Four Nations. I took some pictures. 

On to the Skytower.  Having had our obligatory greenscreen photo taken (they would put the Tower in later), and wended our way past the myriad souvenir buying opportunities, we paid our coin - plastic really - and ascended the tower to the 51 floor 186 metres up.

Spectacular 360 degree views over Auckland. For me, the oddest thing was the 'new' island of Rangatito - which,  when I was  here 11 years ago had been a mere volcanic tip rising from the sea was now a massive island! In the picture below it's the furthest back island. It's now the largest volcanic landmark in Auckland.  We went up to the highest viewing deck, level 60, at 220 metres, then descended to level 52 for a sit down, a drink, and more views. 

I'm writing this on my phone, and don't seem to be able to put photos in the main text.  I'll look into this.

Descending the tower, we were immensely disappointed at the fact that the green screen photographer didn't have our photos (not). He was very pleasant about it.

We carried on to the water and walked until we found where all the restaurants were. Right next to the harbour which held New Zealand's America's Cup sailing boats.  We chose a restaurant overlooking these (the public can ride on them for a price). I had an enormous burger,  and K had a sirloin steak.  We walked slowly back up Queen Street and bought some food for the evening meal.  It was very hot. 

Once back I had a shower and collapsed on the bed. I slept for 14 hours!  Must be jetlag. Woke to heavy rain.

Auckland New Zealand

Arrived at Auckland on Thursday 29th Jan after two 12+ hour flights and a three hour wait at Changi airport in Singapore. We left on Tuesday27th. Quite tired as I write this sitting on the bed at the YHA Auckland City. We are on the 5th floor, and can almost see the Skytower.

We arrived at roughly 12.40pm but it was nearly 2.15pm before we cleared the airport.  It was busy,  and we came in on an Airbus A380 - which is a big plane with lots of passengers. The temperature today has been 28 degrees C. It's still very warm now.  My ankles are very swollen from the flight and show no sign of going down yet. The UK is 13 hours behind us here.

We met a friend of K's who teaches in Auckland,  and she took us for a drink.  Very nice sitting outside on the warm breeze.  I had a bottle of Monteith pilsner. 

I cooked a veggie stir fry with boiled rice for the evening meal. Food here seems quite expensive.  When we have a car we will be able to visit  bigger supermarkets,  or at least have more choice of shops. 

Walking around the city tomorrow.  Will visit the Harbour and maybe Devonport and the Skytower also.  We are both worn out tonight - so when the sun actually goes down, we are off to bed.