Decent sleep. But I didn't realize that downtown Auckland would be such a party place. Well, it was a Saturday night. Changed rooms, to a higher floor. Lovely breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant with sweeping views (hence the restaurant name Vue).
Orientation by Ian and Harry. He told us our tour will cover the North Island + South Island + "West Island" (Australia). Funny!
Light lunch at the hotel.
Ian led us on a walk of Central Auckland. Luckily the rain stopped. It heated up quickly.
Highlights included:
● Queen Street: high fashion and jewelry shopping.
● Several buildings with historic facades, with modern (ugly) buildings behind them.
● Pōhutukawa: New Zealand's Christmas tree. We just missed their blooming.
● University of Auckland: gorgeous grounds and pretty buildings, especially the Clock Tower.
● Albert Park: fantastic place to spend a summer Sunday afternoon.
● Auckland Women's Suffrage Memorial: steps, murals, and fountains. Did you know that New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the vote?
● Auckland Art Gallery/Toi O Tamaki: award-winning architecture.
Had a little down time at the hotel. It started raining again right when we walked out of the hotel. It's a warm rain. Good thing it was a short walk to the ferry to Devonport.
Short ride to Devonport. Dinner at Devon on the Wharf. Pre-ordering made for very efficient service. I had my first New Zealand lamb (with flat bread, hummus, tzatziki). It was lovely. Baklava, pomegranate mascarpone, Turkish Delight (jelly-like candy pieces), and marshmallows (why?). 1 glass of wine Matawhego chardonnay.
Started raining hard as we waited for the (delayed) ferry.
I wanted another glass of wine. Walked down Customs Street to a wine store. The Ant Moore chardonnay from Marlborough was quite nice.
Despite all the rain, it was a great day!
Photo: View of the Auckland skyline from the Harbour.
That NZ Lamb!! Yummy.
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