Day 6 - Returning home

So we're back!  Are we glad to be back?  No - not yet.  The time away was too brief - there are a lot of things we didn't get to do while we were in New Zealand.

We didn't get to see the Auckland Museum, the Zoo, the Aquarium etc just to name a few things.  I'm already mentally planning our next trip - when I don't know, but there will be a next trip as soon as the airfares are cheap.

To summarise:

The flight to Auckland on the Jetstar flight was squishy and uncomfortable but cheap - so we can't complain.  We also made the 3 hour flight without any mishaps so that's a bonus.  The crew was very professional and friendly.  The flight was delayed, but only because some idiots couldn't tell the time!

We decided to take a shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel - cost $41NZ for the both of us. Not a bad start. The shuttle bus had a few other passangers and some were dropped off before us. I didn't mind, it allowed us to get a short tour of outer Auckland. We were third on the list to be dropped off. When we arrived at the hotel the 'concierge' greeted us at the car, took our luggage and it was very posh.  I'm talking door opening luggage carrying.

The hotel - Pullman Auckland - was fantastic!  We were given a room on the 3rd floor overlooking the rooftop of the function rooms below.  Needless to say the view was shocking - for a 5 star hotel - but the decor and service made up for it in leaps and bounds.

Once we settled into our new surroundings we decided to explore the area.  Since it was only around 4pm local time it was still day time.  As soon as we stepped out the front door we came face-to-face with the University of Auckland.  It's huge and looking at the architecture also very old.  We made out way into the city - the steepest hill we've seen in a long time.  Of course what goes down must come up - nice introduction.  It was a little bit windy and overcast, but not too cold.  On our travels we found the location for Europcar - the only rental car company we came across in our entire time in the city. 

Then we made our way to Auckland Harbour and the Viaduct district.  At this point we just walked.  While at the Harbour we booked our tickets for the Rangitoto Island Discovery Tour on Monday.  By this time it was around 6pm so we decided to stop at the local foodcourt and get something to eat.  Andrew decided to have McDonalds and I couldn't decide so I procrastinated and then were told that
they were closed.  We were told that we needed to leave the foodcourt because the shopping centre was closing.  We evacuated and once outside noticed that the sign said open til 8pm - go figure!

So my son ate his dinner just outside and we re-located to another McDonald's store across the road.

We found that the people were all so friendly and nice.    My son was extremely surprised that everyone we came across could be that nice.  Says a lot about where we live, doesn't it?

The next day we wasted half our day by sleeping in - the 3 hr time difference messed us up a bit.  Around lunch time we went out to explore further and on a whim decided to visit Devonport.  It was a wise decision and we were both thoroughly impressed with this beautiful little village.

Day 3 heralded the first early morning excursion to Rangitoto.  I'm not going to repeat my experience here - please see previous blog for further detail.  All I'm going to say again is that it was definitely worth the $90 price tag. 

Following Rangitoto we explored the city some more and found our way up the Sky Tower.  My son is not very fond of heights but I gave him a choice - wait for me downstairs in the coffee shop or come with me.  He chose to come and I have to admit, he did not regret it.

On the 4th day we hired the car from Europcar and made our way out to the Waitomo Caves.  See entry for Day 4.  The scenery was awesome, but unfortunately we did not stop to take any photos.  Maybe on the next trip if we have more time.

On the 5th day we set out again, but this time towards Rotorua.  I was very disappointed because we didn't have more time in Rotorua, we didn't even get to see the Hobbit's village.  Next time.

On every return to the hotel, we were greeted by the concierge, our car parked for us.  Very polite and professional.  We tried room service twice.  The first time I ordered the pizza it wasn't too bad - actually it was quite nice.  My son had the kids ham and cheese toasted sandwich.  This came with chips - it looked like a sufficient meal for an 11 year old.  The next time we ordered room service we decided to go a bit more fancy.  I ordered the fish and chips and my son had the club sandwich.  I tried the club, but wasn't that impressed with it.  I found it too dry - there was no sauce on there whatsoever.  The fish and chips was nice and sufficient.  To really splurge out I also ordered a Kahlua and chocolate mousse.  That was worth every cent of the $17 it cost.  It also came with ice-cream, beautiful.

After our hectic schedule on Wednesday my back was aching and I decided to give the on-site gym.  The machines were the latest in technology and a pleasure to use.   Beside the gym was the 25 metre heated indoor pool.  We didn't get a chance to use this, but hopefully the next time we go we'll have more time to sightsee and relax. 


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