So here I am in New Zealand. Can't believe I'm here already, just over halfway through my trip. Though having checked my finances the other day I'd say maybe I'm closer to the end than I'd like! Think I'm going to have to rethink what I do in South America and how long I spend there at this rate. Unless I get a win on the premium bonds or a generous relative over the next few weeks?! If anyone cares to contribute to the Carrie Goldsworthy World Wildlife and Tourism Foundation that would be awesome!!
It's been a glorious day here in Auckland today, the sun has been shining and I think I might have got a little sunburnt on my visage as I've been glowing ever since I got back this afternoon. Or that could be the vino tinto I'm tucking into as I type! (Mum, I know it sounds like I'm on some big booze cruise or something I assure you I'm really not consuming that much...) I've spent the last few days checking out the sights of the city and trying to work out my next move. Takes a while to find your feet when you rock up to a new country, time to absorb the endless information about where to go, how best to get there and what are the cheapest deals.
I arrived on Sunday to be met at the airport by another old friend from the Audit Commission, Nikki and her husband Neal (plus their three year old Connor). It was great to not have to worry about how to get to the hostel or lugging all my stuff on the bus/train and also great to see them after a few years. Both kiwis, they lived in London for ten years and moved back nearly a year ago. They dropped me off at my hostel and we arranged to meet up later in the week for a proper catch up. Later in the evening I went down the road to the local cinema for the final installment of the Harry Potter series, though it wasn't the same without my buddy SJ.
The next day was filled mostly with sorting myself out and popping to the shops to get a few bits and pieces that I'd either abandoned for lack of space in Oz or had run out of and not replaced. I did manage to fit in a trip up Auckland's Sky Tower, which seems to be a staple in every Antipodean city. Always good to get a perspective of a place and what is located where. I also went for a walk along Queen Street (the main shopping area) and in Albert Park but was too late to go round the art gallery, which was a shame.
After not managing to see much on the Monday, the following morning I got up early and decided to blitz as much as possible. Trekking out to Mount Eden on the bus I took in the glorious views of one of the city's many volcanic viewpoints. Back in on the bus and a walk to the Domain, a big park housing a winter gardens and the city's museum. My first foray into Maori and Pacific island culture was most interesting and I was wowed by a couple of full-scale Maori meeting houses, incredibly impressive with all their intricate carvings and scary-looking idols.
Next I walked to Newmarket to browse a few shops but found them very similar to those in Oz, typical high-street fare. I was going to head to Parnell but instead the bus was heading towards Ponsonby so for ease I changed plans and headed there instead. A lovely area with smart houses and posh shops. Little did I know that I'd be heading back there with Nikki and Neal later for a slap-up meal and cocktails.
Walking back along K'Road, an eclectic mix of grungy op shops and bars, I managed to purchase a couple of bargainous jumpers to keep me toasty warm in the snow of the South Island later on in my trip.
Yesterday I got picked up for a free bus trip by a company that I wanted to check out to see whether to book a bigger trip with them. Stray are all about getting off the beaten track and were set up by one of the founders of Kiwi Experience, who I'd already discounted for being a bit too young and party-orientated - not quite what I was looking for. We went up to Bastion Point for more views of the city from afar, lunch in Ponsonby and then got a free Auckland bridge walk though no one opted to bungy from the middle so one of the staff members showed us how it was done instead. It was a good day and nice to meet some different people so I went ahead and booked a three-day trip to the Bay of Islands, south of Auckland, starting tomorrow. Then I'm thinking of getting them to chauffeur me round most of the South Island as I don't want to drive myself in any icy or snowy conditions. Last night was spent at Nikki's parents for dinner, sampling a New Zealand classic (apparently) of bacon and egg pie and a delicious dessert that my host had cooked. Lucky me.
Today I sorted out some of my future trips, charged up the new SIM card that I've got to save on mobile costs and caught the ferry to Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano that you can walk to the summit of and get more stunning views of the bay and surrounding islands. It was good to get some exercise and break into a sweat. On the way back I stopped off at Devonport, a nice seaside town with smart shops and houses, just a short commute across the harbour from Auckland city centre.
Looking forward to getting out of the city tomorrow and seeing more of the countryside. I'll also be glad to get away from some of the pretty rubbish room mates I've had over the last couple of days. An older woman from Taiwan has been driving me mad with her penchant for staying up late and flicking the lights on so she can belch loudly and regurgitate part of her evening meal - most pleasant! A previous room mate kept me awake half the night with her incessant snoring and tossing and turning. Up until now I've been pretty lucky so I guess the honeymoon period of hostelling is well and truly over.
On a final note, kiwis seem to say 'sweet' an awful lot, hence the title of the post!
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