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.

Wellington - The Windy City

10th - 12th January 2013

After taking the Starlight Express to Wellington, I made my way to my hostel at 7am. Being there slightly early, I left my bags and went off to explore. As Te Papa, the national museum wasn't open until 10am and the weather was less than desired, Courtney Place coffee shops were a great way to get over the lack of sleep and get me ready for the day ahead.

I decided the best way to see the key pieces of the gigantic Te Papa was to get on a free guided tour. I was one of three, with the others a Scottish couple from Glasgow. Small world! Our guide was very knowledgeable and wanted to tell us as much as she could about her Maori culture.

Te Papa, taken a day later in better weather

The museum itself is a wonderful collection of artifacts and stories about how New Zealand came to be how it is today. I tried to see as much as I could! In the foyer, there were three trolls from the Hobbit movie.

A brief stop at the Embassy theatre, to book tickets to see the Hobbit, and I checked into my hostel.

My seat was slap bang in the middle of the theatre, and it felt so special to watch it in Peter Jackson's place.

Early start the next day to Featherston. I took the train to see a distant relation and her family out in Martinborough. The train ride was only an hour, but was stunning with views of Lake Waiarapa and rolling hills.

The founder of Martinborough was an Irish traveller. He named most of the streets after places he had visited and laid out the town square like a Union Jack flag. There was even a Regent and Oxford Street.

My family lives on a gorgeous plot with so many plants and trees, as well as some vines. They grew everything, and had a great view of the countryside. It was great getting to know part of the family and find out about their lives out there.

We also visited Ata Rangi estate to meet more family members, and learn more about wine. I was loving it, and got to try the range.

Once I arrived back in Wellington I visited the Beehive and walked along the waterfront.

After a heavy night, I dragged myself out of bed to see some more of Wellington. I wandered up to Cuba Street and began to tick off places Linda had recommended to me. These included Midnight Expresso, Fidels and Dixon Street Deli. I loved this street, amazing coffee and vintage shops!

Onwards to Civic Square and then up to the Lambton Quay for the cable cars. I had been really excited about this. It was fun being pulled to the top and to see the view from the Botanical Gardens.

And then it was time to leave and head to the airport! It was also full of Hobbit memorabilia, and I want to visit the Weta Workshop the next time I come to Wellington.What a scary flight that was, but I was informed this was normal due to the high winds around the city!