Now to start my adventure in New Zealand

 I landed at Auckland Airport at 4.30am after just a 3 hour flight. I left Brisbane 11.30pm but then New Zealand is 2 hours ahead of Australia, hence the time seems wrong.

After checking in to a lovely 2 bedroom apartment, I slept for 4 hours before a guided trip to see the Auckland highlights 1pm. On this occasion I was the only passenger so my lovely guide, Sam, was able to explain everything easily and I felt like royalty with my own chauffeur.

After such a busy day I couldn't believe I was ready to go to bed at 6.30pm.



 .

First stop the Winter gardens housed in 2 beautiful glasshouses.

Then up to the top of Mount Eden to view a full 360 degree panorama of the city. 


        

The volcano behind me is called Sleeping Beauty as it hasn't erupted for 600 years. However it is only dormant and will quite possible erupt again some time in the future. The Auckland volcanic field is home to approximately 53 volcanic centres including cones and craters, scattered across the metropolitan area. The last eruption in the region was about 600 years ago, but the Auckland Volcanic Field is still considered active, with the possibility of future eruptions.

Sam dropped me off at the Sky Tower instead of the hotel and I spent a couple of hours there watching the sun set over Auckland and the harbour. However, weather not the best so abit disappointing. However the views at 220 meters were quite spectacular.

 

Think you can just see the Harbour Bridge lit in green, just behind the marina.
   
            


         



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