Day 16, which was actually yesterday and was the last day of our holiday, so this will be the last post for this trip. The weather improved enough for us to leave our friend’s house in Kumeu. With most of the day to fill in, we decided we’d head to Devonport, which is across the harbour from Auckland’s city centre.
Devonport has some beautiful, and no doubt expensive houses as well as lots of cafes, parks and specialty stores. Historically, it was a large Naval Base and now houses the Devonport Yacht Club.
After a good wander around, we decided to head into the city, for some lunch. The city is a short 15 minute ferry ride across the harbour. Auckland is a scenic city from the water and is much more so on a fine day. Unfortunately, a fine day was not to be had … so this view will have to do.
The Auckland waterfront was redeveloped in the late 1990′s in preparation for the hosting of the America’s Cup yacht race in 2000 and 2003. In 2000, New Zealand successfully defended the cup with a crew of New Zealanders, but in 2003 lost to a Swiss team staffed by New Zealanders. This was just another chapter in an event with a somewhat bizarre history of rule changes and court cases frequently deciding the result. Tourists can however relive the New Zealand glory-days as some of the competing yachts are still in service for tourists to experience yacht racing on Auckland Harbour.
After a wander around the city streets and a last minute visit to the Art gallery, it was off to the airport for the trip home.
Due to the number of people wanting to head back to Australia, we were on the Air China flight. My only comment is that the aeroplane configuration was more suited to Chinese-sized people rather than tall Aussies. After 3 hours of being pretty much unable to move, I was home.
In closing, another great holiday… the highlights for me were spending some time in Wellington, the Bay of Islands (Paihia) and spending time with the extended family and friends who we don’t see all that often.
Until next time!
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