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Location Date Africa 1447372800 Asia 1444172400 Oceania 
1385078400 North America 1381618800 -
Location Date Cook Islands 1385078400 New Zealand
1384646400 -
Location Date Auckland
1384646400 Christchurch 1384560000 Oamaru 1384387200 Timaru 1384387200 Dunedin 1384300800 Invercargill 1384128000 Queenstown 1384041600 Wanaka 1383955200 Haast 1383868800 Greymouth 1383782400 Carters Beach 1383696000 Motueka 1383609600 Lower Hutt 1383436800 Manukau 1383350400 Thames 1383264000 Hahei 1383177600 Whenuakite 1383091200 Papamoa 1383004800 Rotorua 1382828400 Taupo 1382569200 Ohakune 1382482800 Whanganui 1382396400 New Plymouth 1382310000 Matakohe 1382223600 Omapere 1382137200 Paihia 1382050800 -
Location Date Sun, 17 November 2013 1384658460 Tue, 15 October 2013
1381851840
Well it looks like I haven't quite got this blog thing figured out. Did a long monologue and tried to add some pics but lost the monologue and the first set of pics so here goes again. We arrived at 5:30am while it was still dark so couldn't see the lush green landscape. Went through customs and baggage xraying and then caught a taxi to Auckland about 20km or so. Taxi cost? $95 compared to $22 last time I was here. Seems everything is going up in price, $16 for a coffee and muffin! We couldn't book into our rooms at the hotel 6:30am being a bit early!!
We decided to go for a walk for a few hours so went down to the waterfront. Very busy!! There were 2 warships from China docked there so we took a look at them and discovered they were just getting ready to depart. I was most impressed with them. Very professional and all the ships complement stood on the side of the ship as it left. It was a very blustery day so we walked up to the Auckland Art Gallery and went through it. There was a class of NZ kids there all resplendent in their school uniforms. Very impressive! Then we walked through Albert Park which is next to the University of Auckland city campus. Some very neat old buildings there. We started to walk to the Domain but everyone ran out of gas so we went for coffee and a muffin and then walked back to the hotel. Some excitement there before we arrived. Apparently the strong wind had lifted up the glass arcade out front and the fire brigade arrived to assist. It was all over by the time we got there but we did watch one of the employees get interviewed first by local tv and then a radio station. Guess they don't get too much excitement in Auckland! We were sitting in the bar section waiting for our rooms to be ready and were approached by a waitress who, it turned out, was from Dublin and had her heart set on coming to Canada but couldn't get an entry visa.
we are finally in our room and feeling much better after showering and changing clothes. 32 hours is a long time without being able to freshen up! We will go out for dinner in a couple of hours, in the mean time a nice period of relaxation
We decided to go for a walk for a few hours so went down to the waterfront. Very busy!! There were 2 warships from China docked there so we took a look at them and discovered they were just getting ready to depart. I was most impressed with them. Very professional and all the ships complement stood on the side of the ship as it left. It was a very blustery day so we walked up to the Auckland Art Gallery and went through it. There was a class of NZ kids there all resplendent in their school uniforms. Very impressive! Then we walked through Albert Park which is next to the University of Auckland city campus. Some very neat old buildings there. We started to walk to the Domain but everyone ran out of gas so we went for coffee and a muffin and then walked back to the hotel. Some excitement there before we arrived. Apparently the strong wind had lifted up the glass arcade out front and the fire brigade arrived to assist. It was all over by the time we got there but we did watch one of the employees get interviewed first by local tv and then a radio station. Guess they don't get too much excitement in Auckland! We were sitting in the bar section waiting for our rooms to be ready and were approached by a waitress who, it turned out, was from Dublin and had her heart set on coming to Canada but couldn't get an entry visa.
we are finally in our room and feeling much better after showering and changing clothes. 32 hours is a long time without being able to freshen up! We will go out for dinner in a couple of hours, in the mean time a nice period of relaxation
- comments
Lilly and Gabes Glad you arrived safely.
Di & Dan Thanks for the sit-rep we are glad you arrived safe and sound. Blog sounds like a great idea to instantly "rub it in" about your adventures down under. Keep up the good work. Love Di & Dan
Sandy Good to hear you got there safetly... Looks like a very nice place...have fun :)
Jos Penner Glad you discovered a little of Auckland. Hotel looks reasonable, bet that's expensive too....I did warn you! A relief to know you arrived safely
Lynda Glad you had a good flight. Waiting to read all about your adventures
Joan Phillips Glad to hear all your news. Bet your eyelids were drooping the first day!
Lee Glad to hear you are safe and sound in NZ. Sorry didn't have enough change for you to have a cup of coffee/muffin. Very expensive
Lorraine Ellens Thank you. So glad you arrived safely. From pulpit Lynn prayed she hoped you all survive the flight. Then corrected herself - that is, you did OK on the long flight NOT that the plane might .. you know :( She chuckled when she realized what she had said. We look forward to your travel blog. Have fun! Gorgeous weather here; is it warming up there?
Sharon So glad you arrived in one piece and thank you so much for this blog, it may be the only way I will really "see" that part of the world. Have a wonderful trip!
Paulette Good to hear from you and that your flight went well. We had a skiff of snow up at the lake Saturday morning but other than that a very relaxing weekend. Have fun!
Darryl Auten The city looks beautiful and being able to see a working port on your first day is a bonus. Though, I think I would eat more than a muffin at those prices. Have a great time.
The Frasers The worst part of the trip is over-the flight. I remember that long flight and your pictures of Auckland bring a good memory. Once you get you NZ legs we wish you a good trip. Lee would tell you there is a great airplane and car museum in Auckland. I read a paper while he toured. Have fun and enjoy.
Joanne & Doug The pictures are great for viewing. It will be fun following your trip. Hope you are feeling regrouped after the long travel haul. We just had a lovely golden autumn Thanksgiving in Fort St. James.
Paul G'day Mate...I mean that figuratively of course, not literally! Hope the New Zealand sunshine is as warm as the Salmon Arm rays we've been enjoying over the Thanksgiving weekend. Happy Thanksgiving belatedly...do the Zealanders celebrate Thanksgiving? Do they roast turkeys or kangaroos? Brussel Sprouts or Auckland sweet potatoes? But I digress...just wanted to congratulate you on your initial blog post...was interesting reading about the Chinese warships in the harbour...I didn't know the Chinese had invaded New Zealand but I guess it's closer for them than Hong-couver and they've already invaded and captured that city so a new conquest was only inevitable. Have a wonderful New Zealand Adventure and keep on sending us updates of your travels. We start out on our two week road trip tomorrow and the weather forecast for the Oregon/California coast is simply amazing! Sunny with temps in the high teens...I think I might try skinny dipping again in the Pacific! Best regards, Paul