Auckland - The City of Sails

13th January 2013

It was my first time flying with Air New Zealand from Wellington to Auckland, and it did not disappoint. Their famous flight safety video with Lord of the Rings characters was very funny to watch and when we landed Six60 was playing. Good vibes for my last week in New Zealand!

The bus from the airport dropped me right at my hostel, so it was quite a seamless journey. Changing into a sun dress due to the hot weather, first stop was the Sky Tower. I went all out and bought the full pass, which gave me access to all the areas. The Main Observation Level was at 186 metres and the Sky Deck was 220 metres. Here I witnessed a guy massively fail at his bungy jump. I even ventured down to the Sky Lounge, got a lemonade and watched the boats go by. Easy to see why Auckland is referred to as the city of sails. I just wished I had known someone there with a boat!

I then embarked on the suggested walking tour in my amazing guidebook. Starting off in Aotea Square, along touristy Queen Street and towards the Auckland Art Gallery. Just beforehand, I walked up a fountain dedicated to the NZ suffragettes, who were the first women in the world to win the vote.

The Auckland Art Gallery has to be one of my favourite places in the world, and I was fascinated with all the exhibitions. I had to see more and paid to see the 'Who Shot Rock and Roll' exhibition which showcased images of famous musicians before they became famous, showing how vulnerable they were in the beginning. I then realised I had spent too much time in there, and had to get out to see the rest of Auckland!

The gallery was right next to Albert Park, which I had seen from the Sky Tower. I explored and found lots of water features and sculptures.

The walking tour then suggested walking through the shopping district and then down to the harbour. It was fast approaching five o'clock and so I quickly jumped on the ferry to Devenport.

This was an old historic town, with great views of the Auckland city skyline. I got a chippy and chilled in the sun. Only stayed for a short time, and headed back to the main city.

I ventured over to the viaduct and newly refurbished harbourside. They have done a really nice job here.

Later that night I ate in Euro, and had the best waitress ever, Kate. She understood I was travelling alone, and made me feel at ease. She was very helpful, and made sure I was looked after. I even got dessert with compliments of the kitchen. Headed back to the hostel and had a drink with my roommate.

I loved Auckland and could really see myself living there. I had only really scratched the surface there, as it spreads out into different areas.