Day 3 Auckland, NZ

Happy birthday (in NZ anyway) to me!

Had breakfast with a view. I could get used to this.

Scattered clouds but no rain today. Yay!

We had a fascinating lecture, Introduction to New Zealand History, by Dr. Stephen Hoadley. I learned so much.

We walked to the Viaduct Harbour (Basin), home of the 2000 America's Cup. So many fancy boats. 

Sailing on the Waitemata/Auckland Harbour: It felt so peaceful to be on the water. I made like Rose in Titanic. I talked only 1 person (Jack) into joining me at the bow.

I wanted to take advantage of my free birthday coffee at Starbucks. Unfortunately, their NZ point of sale system didn't work with the American app. I got a latte anyway. Scurried back to the hotel where everyone was waiting in the bus. They broke into a rousing version of the birthday song for me. I felt very special. 

Wintergardens: gorgeous grounds. So lush. Lovely lunch in an airy (too airy for some) private room.

Auckland War Memorial Museum: Just up the hill from the gardens. Moving tributes to NZ service people who died in WW1 & WW2. But there was so much more. Great exhibits about the physical, social, and animal history of NZ. The place is huge. We barely scratched the surface.

Several of us had drinks at the hotel bar, while waiting for our tables. I had ordered the beef, which was very flavorful. 

I wasn't ready to call it a day. It's my birthday, after all. I walked to the The Occidental (pub) on Vulcan Street. Lively place, lots of beer choices. Bartender whenever someone left: "Cheers mate. See you TOMORROW." Funny.

Photo: Auckland War Memorial Museum, level 2