Auckland: Our Entrance to New Zealand
On our first full day in Auckland Liz had a sore leg that she wanted to rest, so Rand took the ferry across the harbor to Devonport for city skyline and harbor drone shoots. In the evening we joined up with our Vantage tour director and fellow tour members for introductions and dinner. On our second day in Auckland we went on a tour of the city. We stopped at Bastion Point, overlooking the blue waters of Waitemata Harbor, and spect some time at the Auckland Museum, including enjoying a Maori concert.
Later in the day Liz and I had a late lunch in the Skytower (basically copying the Space Needle concept). Amazing view from up there with a three course lunch comprised of strange but tasty morsels. While up there we witnessed a walk-a-round, where people get in orange jumpsuits, strap up to a rope, and walk around the outside of the tower. Even crazier, people actually jump off the tower on a bungee cord. We witnessed a young boy in his gear and strapped to the bungee cord being lead to the edge by the launch person. As soon as he looked over the edge he started violently shaking his head NO. The launch person tried to talk him into jumping but the boy was insistent that he was not going to jump. Who would think it’s a good idea to send a boy over the edge of a tower on a bungee cord? What made it even worse is the boy appeared to have Down Syndrome.
On our last day in Auckland we boarded a fast passenger ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island. Waiheke is know for it’s amazing wine and olive oil, but is also a playground for Auckland residents. In fact, many live on the Island and commute daily through the fast ferry system. We toured the island and saw its many beaches and coves, vineyard covered hills and amazing water views. At noon we stopped at Stoney Ridge Winery for wine tasting and a fabulous lunch, then we were off to visit an olive oil producer. Waiheke Island would be a great place to relax for a week if we came back to New Zealand. We really enjoyed our time in Auckland, we are off to Queenstown in the morning.
Miles traveled on this trip to date: 7,461. Number of days on this trip to date: 9
