Auckland, New Zealand, 12 -18 February 2008
I think it's fair to say that we were blown away with Auckland almost as soon as we landed. Everyone was so friendly, the weather was so good, and the city was so clean & vibrant. At first we thought we might just be seeing it through rose tinted glasses, what with having spent the last seven and a half months in South America an' all. But no, it really is a city that offers an incredible lifestyle. We were staying on Tamaki Drive with Paul & Eve (thanks again guys). They have a beautiful house in a stunning location (15 mins from city centre) overlooking the beautiful Kohimarama Beach and every morning we would witness people running, cycling, rollerblading, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking & kite surfing. We were so inspired that we went out & bought running shoes. We have been running most mornings since and it feels great to get into a routine of some heart pumping exercise. Auckland has the nickname of the "City of Sails". It's evident how this was earned this title as the harbours (Waitemata and Manukau). The two harbours are on two separate major bodies of water, Manukau Harbour is on the Tasman Sea and the Waitemata Harbour is on the Pacific Ocean. The city beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity is evident as you stroll the streets including the infamous Queen Street, it brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences.
Whilst in Auckland we took in a Maori Cultural Performance (it was emotional to witness the passion and energy that went into the song and dance, especially their powerful rendition of the Haka), dined at the top of the Sky Tower, spent a day on Waiheke Island, took a drive with Paul & Eve to Piha beach, visited Mount Eden & One Tree Hill, jogged along the suburbs of St Helliers & Mission Bay waterfronts and meandered through the many fine streets and alleyways of this fine city. It was great. One night we shot a few games of pool with Paul & his eclectic mix of work colleagues (one of whom, Tenzin, is the grandson of the Dalai Lama's brother)!!
After a week in Auckland it was time to pick up our rental car (Toyota Corolla) & commence our exploration of what New Zealand has to offer. We had discussed the many options open to us with regards to getting around the islands but when we discovered we could rent a car for about 10 Euro it was no contest!
The Maori Cultural performance at Auckland War Memorial Museum.
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Enjoying dinner in the Sky Tower, at 328 metres high it is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction
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Walking on the glass floor in the Sky Tower
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Piha beach with Paul & Eve
Singing in the rain
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Our wheels for the next 47 days!
Toyota Corolla
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