Up REAL early to head to the Dunedin airport. Set the alarm for 6:00 and rapped on Paul Jacobs door. He asked for a wake up knock last night at dinner. He was up already it seems. We had asked that the night manager Trish if she might be able to put a few things out for us as we would be leaving before the kitchen normally opened. She brought a yogurt for each of us up to the refrigerator on our floor. She also had some fresh fruit and cereal out on the tables downstairs. However, no one told the morning shift and by the time we got down there they were putting the food away. So we had yogurt with the remaining blueberries we bought at the farm stand.
Rich Rediker showed up with the van at 6:45 and we headed towards the airport (an hour away). Topped off the van with diesel fuel and got to the airport around 8:00 for our 9:50 flight. The fog was almost nonexistent this morning so the drive was really easy. Probably could have slept in a bit but no big deal.
We had heard that there was the possibilities of a huge storm in Auckland and we might be delayed leaving Dunedin. Not to worry - we got off around 10 minutes late and arrived in Auckland at noon. Got outside and we found a guy with the exact same van we had just rented WITH a trailer attached onto the end for all our bags. Only cost $120NZ to get all 12 of us to the Sofitel.
Nice hotel, huge rooms. Checked in and two of us had rooms ready. Connie and I had a room so we had several people put their bags in our room until later. Everyone was pretty hungry so we headed our separate ways for some eats.
The Rediker's and Steingart's went to a nearby dim sum restaurant. Connie and I and Paul and Laraine were looking for something not Asian for our meal. The concierge gave us directions to a restaurant, Marvel that was quite close and on the water.
Connie on the Edith Ann chair.
Not quite sure what is going on with the shipping containers?
Art?
This was in front of the Ferry Terminal building.
Rich Rediker showed up with the van at 6:45 and we headed towards the airport (an hour away). Topped off the van with diesel fuel and got to the airport around 8:00 for our 9:50 flight. The fog was almost nonexistent this morning so the drive was really easy. Probably could have slept in a bit but no big deal.
This was not our plane. We had the only jet out of Dunedin all day but this shows the airport a bit.
Nice hotel, huge rooms. Checked in and two of us had rooms ready. Connie and I had a room so we had several people put their bags in our room until later. Everyone was pretty hungry so we headed our separate ways for some eats.
The Rediker's and Steingart's went to a nearby dim sum restaurant. Connie and I and Paul and Laraine were looking for something not Asian for our meal. The concierge gave us directions to a restaurant, Marvel that was quite close and on the water.
Our lunch spot.
After our lunch we headed towards the Ferry Terminal - basically right off to the right over a cool suspension bridge.
Off in the distance was our real destination - Auckland Sky Tower.
Connie on the Edith Ann chair.
Not quite sure what is going on with the shipping containers?
Art?
As we worked our way towards the Ferry Terminal who should we see but Peter and Mardy Shapland! Their flight home tonight is not until 10:00 so they decided to see bit of Auckland. How nice to see them for a little while more!
Headed up Queen Street (the most crowded street we have been on for a while) towards the Sky Tower. I finally found a camera shop and replaced the lens cover I lost on the tramp. Also a strap that holds the lens cap in place - thanks Richie Steingart for the idea. Peter and Mardy headed back towards the airport around 4:00 and the rest of us made it over to the Sky Tower.
We decided to go up given that the view had improved (rain clouds had dissipated).
The Skytower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 672 meters high. The views from the top are pretty spectacular.
The Skytower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 672 meters high. The views from the top are pretty spectacular.
The Auckland Bridge. There seems to be a blueish tint in the glass.
Plank over the plexiglass squares looking down to the street.
Connie at ease!
Hard to see but Connie is leaning back on the glass.
Loraine and Connie
Mount Eden to the left and Eden Park (old rugby stadium) on the right.
Hard to see but Connie is leaning back on the glass.
Loraine and Connie
Mount Eden to the left and Eden Park (old rugby stadium) on the right.
I think I want to get over to Mount Eden tomorrow - supposed to be great views from up there.
Spotted the Sofitel Hotel from above. Just past the water channel on the left edge.
Just across the water channel at the Sofitel.
Dinner in a private room for 10 at Live Fish Seafood on the North Wharf.
From their website: Live Fish Seafood is the only restaurant offering authentic Hong Kong Style alfresco dining in the country. It is a unique experience combined with the freshest catch from our local waters.
Everyone's looking great around our table!
Took a short walk along the harbor's edge after dinner.
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