New Zealanders say Auckland is too big and all the other towns are too small.  Since we hadn’t really seen Auckland,  Kai’s recent school “study” break presented a good time to go.   Although we identify as locals from New Plymouth, we act like typical tourists and, to be honest, sometimes that means trusting in the guide books.    A must-see is the city centre’s 1,076 foot Sky Tower.  Too bad Kai is still under age because once inside the first interesting thing you walk past is the Sky City Casino.   You then take a rocket-fast elevator up to the 52nd floor to behold the Sky Tower observation deck.  It’s a wrap-around style level with huge windows to view nearly all of Auckland, its harbours, bridges and nearby islands.  Skies were clear and the scenes were amazing.  Dinner followed at the Orbit 360 restaurant.   A real bonus is the revolving dining area  that rotates slowly around during your meal. The view changes; it’s just like the Hemisphere in San Antonio.  Kai said it was the best dinner he’s ever had, which may have been a reflection of the bill!    Later he asked to sign up for the Tower walk on the outdoor platform that circles the observation deck and then rappel down.  It’s called the “Look and Leap.”   I said no.

The next night Des set us up for an evening of puzzles and math at The Escape Room.  The 3 of us tried to escape from a prison cell, an actual prison cell.  This is creepy entertainment.  If you haven’t done this you should.  It went well and we solved the clues, found keys to locks and more, but,  unfortunately time ran out and we failed our mission.  Next time we’re doing the Titantic one. 

 

While we aren’t exactly wine drinkers we were very curious about the nearby Waiheke Island known for wineries, restaurants and helicopter day trips.  I’m always up for a ferry ride and after I discovered an off road segway tour, we bought our tickets. The harbour is busy with cruises ships, sailboats and racing vessels.  The ferry to Waiheke takes about 30 minutes and Des made of new friend, of course. Brent loves Nashville and plans to visit Austin soon.  The Segwai Tour was memorable.  The big off road tires on these heavy 60kg Segways were needed as we rode over hill and dale and beach reef!  Andrew, the owner and guide,  was super enthusiastic and patient. We all had a couple of “unplanned dismounts” but, all bones intact and only lost a small amount of blood.  These Kiwis are crazy!  

 

more of the trip north coming soon.