Auckland

Arrived in Auckland and great view from our cabin. Breakfast in our cabin and at 10.30 we head ashore to meet our lovely NZ friends Jenny and Campbell.

They are our tour guides for the day. First stop is the Sky Tower. It is the highest building in NZ (to the top of the mast) and asked us great views. There is a glass floor in the elevator and also glass floor panels on the first level viewing platform. The ride in the first elevator takes only 40 seconds.

We thought the views from the first viewing platform were great, even though it was through tinted glass, but then on the higher platform they were amazing. 360 degrees birds eye view of the city and suburbs.

Even though rain had been forecast, we were spoilt by the perfect weather. Next stop was Cromwell Park. Julie went for a wander but I was happy to sit and have a cuppa with J and C, and catch up on all the gossip. It is a lovely park that is very well maintained.

Lovely drive over the bridge towards where J and C live. Lovely beaches that when it is low tide you can walk along the path that joins 10 little beaches. Lunch at Browns Bay Bar which was really nice.

After lunch, back to J and C's home which is beautifully appointed. Sadly it is time to head back to the ship where we say a find farewell to our Kiwi friends. It is already 7pm so we get back on the ship and head straight to dinner. The meals have all been good but tonight's was a stand out for me. Oysters Kirkpatrick, Seafood Jambalaya and Creme Brulee. Yum.

We are set to depart at about 10pm tonight so head to listen to some music before we set sail. Auckland really turned it on for us as it was such a pretty sight. The only time it rained today was when we were in the car and at lunch so we truly saw the city at its best.

A really great start to our NZ visits.