Amazed in Auckland. After a mini 3 hour flight from Fiji, we arrived in the City of Sails. We stayed in the Sky City Hotel which is adjacent to the Sky Tower where there is an observation deck where you can do a sky walk around the top or bungy jump. We would of loved to have done the Bungy but unfortunately the queue was just too long for us to wait so we gave it a miss (!) and went for the safety (or so we thought..!!! dun dun dun) of the observation desk. There is a glass floor which you can see right down to the ground. Even though it is 38mm thick, Charlie still thought if she held onto the rail and walked on tip toe, it would reduce the chances of breaking with her on it. It was a sight to see, her clinging on for dear life while those around her jumped up and down on it. good grief, I thought I was going to have a panic attack so decided bungy jumping was way to adventourous and took the lift instead!!! it was v.funny. We had dinner in the Orbit Restaurant which span round on a revolving floor while you ate. It gave us amazing views while having dinner. The hotel is amazing, like a mini city. A casino, loads of restaurants, bars, swimming pool and even a washing line in your room (don't worry, we'll come this later..). Oh, nearly forgot and HOLLYOAKS. We couldn't believe our eyes, there we were watching Max and Steph while getting ready to go out!! You come all this way....
The hotel room is amazing, but we know that we shouldn't become accustomed to this kind of luxury for long. Making use of the bath/shower/sink, we decided to wash our clothes. We had a production line going in the bathroom with Sarah washing and Charlie rinsing (yes, everyone, I was rinsing clothes -chaz!!), after we had finished, it looked like Wongs Laundry in there! The drying was interesting though. 2 hairdriers at full speed and half the electric gone on the 2nd floor, we finished!

Then we started to explore Auckland. For 11 pounds, we got on the hop on/off bus which took us to all the sights. We visited Bastion Point where we saw views from the city, the land is owned by the Maouris. Went to Mount Eden, a volcanic point and Auckland Museum. Saw the Catherdral and also visited Mission Bay Beach. Had lunch in West Point park where we got surrounded by all things feathered! ducks, swans, geese .. strangely enough there were even cockerels in the park! Next day, we went to Devonport which is an island 15 min ferry ride from Auckland City. It was an absolutely beautiful place. Sarah even said it could be something out of a nice seaside town, like Torquay to which Charlie replied 'you mean like Devon'. the pennies dropped not soon after and we realised that's where it got it's name. Lovely place with spectacular views and homes to die for. We have to admit that we have been looking into Real Estate while here, seeing how much property prices are. Checked out of hotel and now off to backpack and join the Magic bus!