Beginning of week 8. Arrived just about 7:00 and I only knew because of the announcement. No anchor rattling or bow thrusters shaking my cabin. Amadea was moored opposite us and the Voyager of the Seas was moored by the Hilton, where we were moored last visit.

I met Gary and Tracey today. Tracey was actually in the country this time, last time she was in Mexico. We drove to Orewa Reserve, which is over the Harbour Bridge about 20 miles away. On the way, we stopped at a mall and I had my hair cut. Then we went to a small town by a river, but I can't remember the name of the place! We had lunch there. I had a very nice Thai chicken salad. Then we drove all the way back into Auckland to Mount Eden, which is a volcano with a crater. There are spectacular views of Auckland from the top. Finally we drove to One Tree Hill, in Cornwall Park. There were sheep grazing in the park. Once again great views of Auckland. I had great day with both of them and it was good renew our acquaintanceship. The weather was good too apart from a short sharp shower on the way back to Auckland.

Got back on board too late for the IQ. The evening quiz was trivia and we had no hopes, but amazingly we won, so that was bottle 24 and the next two formal nights now sorted. We decided to enter the Syndicate Quiz and were about to leave at the end, when we realised we were in the 4 way tie break. We won! So that's the start of another collection for a formal night.

Despite not being too fond of New Zealand, I've had another good port day, let's hope tomorrow is as good.