Auckland on Foot

While we waited for the van to be released, we took some time to enjoy Auckland.  We opted for public transit, as Auckland's PT system is good, and prices are reasonable.  This still meant a good bit of walking, but that is a good thing.

The first major outing we made was to the Auckland Sky Tower.  At around 300 meters tall (the lookout is much lower), this tower is easily visible from most of Auckland.  It has an observation deck about 50 floors up, and a rotating restaurant above that.  Tickets to the tower are about $30 per person, but a reservation and $30 per person meal at the restaurant give you the same access.  So we opted for food and a view.  The main reason for visiting the tower, was that it overlooked the wharf where the van was supposed to be unloaded.

Here is our ship (viewed from the bridge), just about finished unloading its cargo. 
 

Here is the Auckland Central Business District (CBD) from the harbor bridge. The Sky Tower is at the center.


It is really a neck-cramping look from below.


We thought the van was in the crowd of cars below, but we couldn’t seem to find it.




There were quite a few interesting sights below, as our table completed its 360 degree loop.






We finished with desert, and headed for the ferry terminal.


Unable to find the van, we hopped on the Devonport Ferry to cross the harbor instead of the bus.  As we rounded the corner, something big and blue caught our eye.  Can you spot it?


It was hiding behind a large container crane.  There it is, parked, waiting for the various government-mandated inspections to be completed.

On our way back to the room, we took a detour to North Head. Lying at the entrance to the harbor, this hill was fortified to protect from attacks during WWI and WWII. Now all the remains is some tunnels, a few barracks, and concrete bunkers. Well, and excellent views, of course. Like most of the hills in this area, it is a long-extinct volcano.









A little ways off shore is Rangitoto, Auckland’a newest island, about 800 years old.














While were were visiting North Head, we got to see Trans Future 7 depart Auckland for its next port.