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.
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