City of Sails

After a relaxing and wonderful time in the Cook’s we arrived at the Auckland International Airport. This time it was a daytime flight and the time difference was negligible so we didn’t get jet lag (as on the previous flights). We had arranged pick up from the airport and accommodation for the first night close by, so our arrival went smoothly. The Airport Skyway Lodge was cozy even though it hadn’t been ranked so well on the internet. The price/quality ratio was good indeed.

The first impression of New Zealand was great: The airport area really seems to be one of the best in the world, at least what we have seen (contrary to LAX). Everything was marked properly, people were helpful and we passed customs and bio-security smoothly without queuing. They even gave all arriving passengers free coffee and tea while waiting for the baggage (which came without delays). Free hint: the booze was really cheap in the tax-free shop so if you are coming here we recommended you use this opportunity (e.g. Captain Morgan’s rum for only 7€/liter)!

About our week in Auckland: We did quite a lot of walking around the city soaking up the atmosphere and getting to know its places. Here are a few examples of what we did and which things-to-do are almost compulsory if you come to Auckland: First of all, start by wandering around and along Queen Street and get to know the Sky City area. Before sunset head to the Sky Tower, take the elevator to the top and you’ll get a good view of the city! It is well worth the $18 backpacker price, but you won’t regret paying the full admission either ($25). The tower is a great place to start your Auckland exploration as it gives a good perspective of the distances between different areas (Auckland is a fantastic city because you can easily get from point A to point B by walking, at least if you don’t venture too far away from downtown).

Evening lights of Auckland viewed from the Sky Tower

Next you should visit the Lion brewery (noon tour). The tour included a good presentation of the history of beer from ancient days to the present. And after you have walked through the halls and learned how hops, barley, yeast and pure water affect the taste and how important it is that the product always tastes the same (contrary to wines, beer is always at its best when it is fresh) comes the time for the best part: Tasting! Actually you get to pour your own beer(s). After a day filled with cultural events and very stressful museum visits you can reward yourself by getting into the couch-athlete mood at a sports pub. After all, the Kiwis (as New Zealanders call themselves) are very keen followers of all kinds of sports, especially rugby! The All Blacks (the national team) are almost gods! One of the places to do this is a microbrewery/pub called Shakespeare. It is New Zealand’s first microbrewery and we discovered that the quality of the brewing is superb. They brew as much as ten own beers!

The packing hall at Lion Breweries, the largest brewery in NZ

Another thing you should absolutely do is to take a ferry over to Rangitoto. On the ferry trip you will sense the reason why Auckland is called the City of Sails. Rangitoto is a volcanic island and the lava rocks give you the feeling like you are in a desert. Even though it is just early spring here (summertime started last Sunday) the sun warms the energy absorbing rocks and makes them pretty hot. After a nice walk through the lava rocks and a nice forest trek you will reach the top of the volcano. The view is magnificent to say the least and it is a good place to have a picnic. Actually while mentioning food, let’s inform you that for certain products the prices are near half of what you pay in Finland. Subway is good example. It’s exactly half as cheap as in Finland. (Yes we did have subs in our picnic lunch on Rangitoto.)

Two Finns at the top of the volcanic Rangitoto Island with Auckland in the background

Next if you still want to enjoy good views there are more places to do this, as the city is built on seven volcanoes. One of these, Mount Eden, is one opportunity. The 360 degree panoramic view is breathtaking. On your way there you should also stroll through a couple of the beautiful parks in Auckland, like the Domain Park (where the Auckland Museum is located) or Albert Park.

Sunset on Mt Eden. Downtown Auckland and Rangitoto Island in the background.

After enjoying the mind-blasting scenery from Mount Eden you should head for the famous rugby arena called Eden Park, which is close by. Of course before doing this you have bought tickets to a game, like we did. We were lucky enough to be in the city when there was a big game between Auckland and Wellington. Last year Auckland actually won the cup, but this time Wellington proved to be worthy of its position at the top of the series. Wellington virtually crushed Auckland by 27-0! The atmosphere in the audience was, however, amazing despite the poor performance of the home team.

The cheering crowd at the Wellington - Auckland rugby game

From Auckland we headed north on a weeklong trip around the northernmost part of New Zealand. But of that you will hear in the next post.

MORE PICTURES from our days in Auckland are available on this page!

P.S. Our holiday is not over yet. The counter says 35 days and we are still sight-seeing and enjoying our time away from everyday responsibilities :) Today we left the hectic pulse of Auckland and put our backpacks down in a small, quiet and peaceful town renowned for its smoked mussels. They are excellent!