We’re Here!
Twenty four intrepid journeyers arrived to a beautiful early morning in Auckland city. Among the sites we took in this morning, was Mt Eden, the largest of the 48 extinct volcanic cones forming the geological underpinnings of Auckland. Our Driver squeezed the coach up the winding road to the top of the road so that we could enjoy panoramic, harbour-to-harbour views of New Zealand’s largest city.
We spent some time at the Auckland Memorial Museum gaining some geographical and historical context for the country through the museum’s magnificent collection of Polynesian and colonial artefacts. The museum’s recent expansion has added new display areas and facilities that complement the collection.
With a harbour on each side and mild climate, Auckland, also known as the City of Sails, is a haven for year-round sailing and we spent a couple of hours sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata (sparkling waters) Harbour. Bright sunshine, calm water, and a consistent, light breeze made for ideal sailing conditions and several of our group tried their hand at the wheel. For a while we sailed in company with one of the former Team New Zealand America’s Cup boats.
And so it was a tired but happy group that went to bed for a good night’s rest.