Day 3 Tuesday March 11

Afternoon/Evening of Day 3

Since we didn't make our scheduled harbor cruise at 1:00 p.m. we had a little free time to walk to our hotel, freshen-up a little, then walk down the street to find some local fare for lunch.  We sisters decided on a Kebab Café, which is similar to a Subway with all the veggie/meat choices, however a kebab is made on large thick flat bread that is filled, rolled/folded, and then grilled like a Panini.  The cost is $9.00!  I chose a falafel kebab with lost of veggies inside.  (Falafel is a round fried vegetarian patty.)  Jeanne chose a dory fish dinner from the café next door to the Kebab Café and we all enjoyed our lunches while sitting at a sidewalk table.

 ....my falafel kebab..

...Jeanne's dory fish plate..

...and of course for dessert we stopped at the Gelato shop.....Yummee!

We walked back to the Pier to board a boat where we will cruise the sparkling waters of Auckland's beautiful Waitemata Harbor and learn about the city's best-loved landmarks with full commentary from a knowledgeable crew.  Highlights include views of the Harbor Bridge, the city skyline, Devonport's historic naval base, Bean Rock Lighthouse and panoramic views of Rangitoto Island.

 This is the most unusual architectural design, welcoming cruise ship passengers to Auckland.

 We will be going to the top of this Sky Tower later today.

There are acres and acres with thousands of containers reminding us that New Zealand is an island nation so all goods must come by ship or by plane with the majority of everything coming by ship.

 The sisters enjoying a sunny day cruise!

 Hundreds of New Zealanders own their own boat so there are many marinas dotting the water's edge.

 ...a volcanic island.

 Dry grasses cover the rolling hills.

...more sailboats!

 Our cruise takes us under the Harbor Bridge.

A fascinating (recycled?) all metal building on the waterfront.

 No matter how far away we got we could still see Sky Tower.  Our hotel is at its base.

 A unique cover on a small travel trailer (promoting excursions)!

 ...and across from it a public space with sculptures and gigantic wooden loungers.

 At dusk, we ride the elevator up to the 51st floor of Sky Tower where we walk around the enclosed observation deck and take in the views of Auckland, the surrounding waters, and beyond.

 ....the Harbor Bridge that we went under while on our Harbor Cruise this afternoon. 

 I decided it sort of looked like a Lego land....

 We then took the elevator on up to the 60th floor (as far as we could go) but the views were pretty much the same.

 ...the sisters high above Auckland.

After buying postcards (50 cents each) and International postcard stamps ($2.00 each) in the gift shop at the base of the Sky Tower, I decided I had had all the fun I could stand for one day and I headed up to our hotel room, showered, and pretty much fell asleep immediately.  I'm not sure what everyone else did (I think my roommate, Jeanne, went out to dinner) and I didn't care because it felt so good to "get horizontal" on a comfy bed and get my much needed beauty rest. 

We had asked Holiday Vacations (when we first booked this trip) for adjoining hotel rooms (with a door between) however it was not to be.  Norma and Donna were at the other end of the hallway from Jeanne and me.  Oh well, maybe at our next hotel (in Rotorua) it will happen.