Images just a few streets apart...

Auckland

Auckland has few surprises with all that you would expect in any world city - there are cafés to sit and admire the crowds passing by, there are parks to walk in and gain a breath of fresh air, there are art galleries to spend a few minutes in… And then there is Sky City and its Sky Tower, this modern needle building dominates the cityscape from miles around and remains the central hub of the city for the tourist with the central bus stand at its base!! Having walked the city today I can honestly recommend this as one destination worth a visit… As you enter the Sky Tower through the lower level escalator you have the option to go on an outside walkabout… for around $100 or fling yourself off the side off it guided by two wires for $220!! 0_0’ I watched a few people have a go and they seemed to love it so much they screamed until their breath gave out ;) Will give it a go when the budget is larger… Alternatively for those with a smaller budget or less eagerness to scare themselves silly there is a lift to the top floor 220m above ground with an excellent viewing platform ($28 adult). I loved the fact that as you ascend you can both look out of the lift AND through a glass plate in the floor!! Fantastic :)
At the top of the tower I find an excellent vantage point to view the city along with a café (not overpriced!!) with a grand stand view of the people flinging themselves off jumping point - also my timing was excellent as two window cleaners where in action at the 180m viewing deck (just another day at the office for them)… Finally while your at the viewing platform have a walk around the lower section as you will find yourself walking over glass sections as you go ;) Great to get the heart rate up.

Journey to Auckland

The coach back to Auckland runs a little ahead of schedule through the strong winds and teeming rain ;) and gets us into Sky City (the central bus stand) a little early. Sky City is located at the heart of the CBD and fortunately for me is just 600m away from my hostel (fortunate because my pack seems to have gathered weight during my stay in New Zealand!!). I have just one day to enjoy the hospitality of this place before moving on so I waste no time in settling in to my dorm room at the International YHA (a good sized dorm with lots of facilities - well worth the money)…

Images of Paihia

Paihia

A quiet little hide away 4 hours north of Auckland - a place to either chill out, or, if you have any energy left there are options to jet ski, take a helicopter flight (taking off from a tiny patch of grass near the bus terminal - quite something to see) or hike for 5 hours to a local waterfall (be aware that there are sand flies here and they bite so bring some antihistamine cream!!). I decide to chill for a couple of days in preparation for heading back to Auckland and a duel flight to Sydney and onto Honolulu…
ps. There is a fab little fish and chip shop on the water front called ‘Vinnies’ - well worth a look.