Sandy's Travel Adventures 3: Auckland, New Zealand

October 14, 2012 - Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand

Wake up call was at 5:30 am. I took the train to the airport for my early flight to Auckland, NZ, where Eric was waiting exactly where he was supposed to be.

We took the bus into town and were greeted by an Indian street festival. I thought I had just escaped that.

We checked in and walked downtown to check on the ferry schedule and the Americas Cup Yacht ride. Unfortunately it had been canceled the past few days, but we would check back tomorrow.

Ferry Terminal

October 15, 2012 - Auckland, NZ

The first thing we did today was check on the Americas Cup Yacht - canceled again.

So today's adventure started with a ferry ride to Waiheke Island - and yes it eventually ended with a return ride - luckily.

We took a tour of the island, including Sandy Beach. After the bus tour, and a nice lunch we decided to hike around the island back to the ferry terminal.

It was a coastal route with beautiful vistas of the secluded beached. The problem was the constant climbing to the peak before descending back down to the next beach.

The sign said it would take three hours but not to travel at high tide - you guessed it. The pier was in sight but the path was under water. Our only alternative was to climb up and down through the woods, many times on private property. At one time I slipped and Eric was the only one to hear the expletives. I bounced right on my tail bone after sliding halfway down the mountain.

But the show must go on so I got up and continued the up and downhill climb until we reached the pier. We caught the ferry with only a few minutes to spare.

I took some Aleve for my pain in the ass (literally).

Sandy at Sandy Beach

Eric and I on our hike around the island (before the disaster)

October 16, 2012 - Auckland, NZ

Today started like yesterday - checking on the Americas Cup Yacht and we were on.

I had done it during my last visit in 2008, but I can still remember how exciting it was.

Today there were 24 guests as opposed to 8 last time. I would not have to work as hard with the grinders or steering the yacht, yet I did both briefly. The only time I was nervous was when I was sitting on the lower side with the boat skimming the water inches below.

We were going very fast at times, even without the sail fully hoisted.

It was an exciting two hour adventure. We ended with a fine dinner of steak, lamb and wine.

Captain Sandy

First Officer Eric

Smiling but cold

Maritime Museum

October 17, 2012 - Auckland, NZ

Today was a walking tour - all uphill. The weather was sunny and the warmest day so far. Our goal was to climb Mt. Eden, the tallest volcanic peak in Auckland.

But first we visited Albert Park, were we couldn't find the hidden volcanic caves. The spring flowers were in bloom and there were many triathletes training for this weekend's event.

Next we walked through The Auckland Domain - a large park. We stopped at two beautiful greenhouses with flowers from around the world - many new to me.

Then the final climb to the top of the peak. The 360 degree view was worth the long trek. The conical crater was even interesting. Auckland has 48 dormant volcanoes.

The walk down was much easier. I purchased a New Zealand cycling shirt to add to my collection. I also got a second hand fleece since it may be very cold on the South Island, our next stop.

Before dinner Eric wanted to donate some money to the local casino. After hitting a reasonable jackpot, he stopped with a minor loss. For dinner we went back to the Korean restaurant.

On top of Mt. Eden

Mt Eden crater

View of Auckland from Mt Eden

Restaurant Row

October 18, 2012 - Auckland, NZ

When we got up it was pouring - so it looked like a day of inside activities. By 11am the blue skies reappeared.

Today we went to Devonport, across the harbour. Our goal was to climb two more volcanoes.

We stopped for lunch and had lamb burgers. They were good, but we waited almost half an hour.

We climbed Mt. Victoria first, the taller of the two. On the top were the volcano mushrooms I remembered from my last trip.

We walked along the beach to the second volcano - North Point. This was covered with bunkers used to protect the island from a Russian invasion.

We ferried home to do laundry before tomorrow's departure for The South Island.

For dinner we had an amazing French meal. We both had French onion soup and then we shared a rack of lamb. It was the first time in New Zealand that there was actually a cork in the wine but that's because the wine was from France.