We had three nights in the lovely Debrett hotel where the staff couldn't do enough for us. It was right in the heart of the city and a perfect setting. Auckland is a green and beautiful city with everything close to hand.
We completed the coast to coast walk on day one which took us from Waitemata Harbour to Manukau, across the centre and then the suburbs of Auckland, through five parks (including the biggest, Cornwall Park), up Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, all over about 22km (14 miles). We saw cricket being played, croquet, a huge easter festival and lots of families enjoying the Easter break. The picture below shows Auckland Centre from Mount Eden.
We had two memorable meals in the city. The first at a co-operative street food place where drinks were sold from a small van and Mexican food was the order of the day. Really atmospheric place in Ponsonby.
The second was in the Sky Tower which you can see from a distance on the first picture above. The Tower has a revolving restaurant on the 50th floor, just below where the bungee jumpers take off. The views were amazing and the food excellent.
On our last day we flew in the evening so took off for a final fling in the hire car to Piha Beach on the west coast of Auckland which was dramatic. We walked the beach and saw surfers enjoying yet another fine day in NZ.
As we left Piha we just had time for a visit to the Auckland Botanical Gardens and then it was off to the airport for San Francisco. The experience of New Zealand has been outstanding. We drove 2609 miles, walked 350 miles and left with so many memories of great people and a fine country, but onwards and upwards to the USA and now within four weeks of the wedding celebrations! Thank you NZ.
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