Auckland, NZ - Day 71 - 31st August 2016
Today we had no fixed agenda so we took our time to get off the ship as we had a long day in port so no rush. The weather was absolutely perfect which was a nice change as the last two times we have been in Auckland it has been wet, windy and cold so to see blue skies and sunshine was a good start to the day.
We decided to get the ferry across to Devonport which took about 15 minutes. We walked to the right off the ferry around the esplanade to the Naval Museum. We walked past beautiful old well kept houses with beautiful gardens so probably an expensive place to live…. it reminded us a lot of Hobart. Along our walk we met four other people off our dining table so thought that coffee and cake would be a good thing to do. The Naval Museum had a great collection of memorabilia which was very interesting and free to enter which is always a nice bonus.
We parted company with two of our companians and the other 2 came with us to walk up to the top of the hill where we had a great view across the bay to Auckland. At the top of the hill there are a series of tunnels, canons and gun in placements.
After checking out the views we proceeded down the hill to the other side to a beautiful beachside area where we walked along the sand to the street that would take us back to the main commercial street in Devonport. By now it was very hot walking in the afternoon sun so thought our first stop would be for a cold beverage… beer for some and wine for others. While the men finished off their jugs of beer the ladies checked out the shops.
We then collected the men and as we had not had lunch decided that a Devonshire tea would be a good way to finish off our day in Devonport. We had the best home made scone we have had for some time sitting in front of a fake open fire.
By now it was 6pm and the sun was setting so we headed for the next ferry back to Auckland city. We then spent the rest of our time on shore making use of the free wifi before heading back to the ship for sailaway.
Our sailaway party was a small gathering of diehards as it was now very cold so we were all rugged up with parkers, hoods and gloves and of course our wine!
A great day in Auckland helped by the beautiful weather.
Tomorrow we will be in the Bay of Islands which will be our last port before Sydney…. awwww…..
Quick Facts:
Population: 1,413,700 (2014)
Climate: 230 days of sunshine per year
Language: English
Currency: NZ Dollar (NZD)
Arriving into Auckland
Moving the clock at the ferry terminal in Devonport
Beautiful houses on the esplanade at Devonport
On our coastal walk to the Naval Museum
Naval Museum is at the end of this beach
The Weeping Dove to signify where the Maoris first came ashore
Coffee and cake time with friends
A remembrance poppy display in the Museum
Eye Eye Captain
Walking up to the lookout at the top of the hill
A beautiful Magnolia tree in full bloom as Spring approaches
The beach we walked along on the other side of the hill from the top
The view over to the city from the top of the hill
We made it to the top!
Another beautiful old house beachside
An old knarlly tree
More beautiful blossoms as we made our way back to the main street
Sunsetting while waiting for the ferry in Devonport
Back at the ship
Some lovely old buildings lit up around the harbour precinct and Queen Street
The Sky Tower at night
Sailing away from Auckland
Off loading the pilot
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