We arrived in Auckland at 5:00 A.M. local time during a steady rain. Getting through immigration and customs was pretty straightforward. A twenty minute cab ride brought us to the Westin where we were hoping to freshen after our long flight. Unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready so took advantage of Margaret’s hospitality and dropped our bags in her room. Our room was ready shortly after 11:00 so we were able to take much needed showers. After a delicious lunch at Cin Cin we headed over to the Maritime Museum to learn about New Zealand’s nautical history. We learned about the Maori people how arrived hear via ocean-going canoes, the arrival of the Europeans, the importance of fishing and whaling and the evolution of lighthouses.

Some museum highlights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more Auckland area photos see our Aukland album.

We were greeted by spectacular weather when we awoke on our second day in Auckland. After breakfast at the hotel we walked down to the pier where we boarded a ferry for Waiheke Island.

For those interested, Waiheke means Cascading Water. We had arranged for a private tour from a company called Ananda Tours which turned out to be a great idea. We were greeted by the owner of the company, Jenny, as we disembarked the ferry. Once she established that we were interested in great scenery, food and wine, our trek began. After a very short drive, we stopped for photos at a stunning vista. At the time we were thinking that this spot might be the one beautiful picture spot on the island. We couldn’t have been more wrong. As the day went on we learned that there was a gorgeous view around every turn.

Our first winery stop was at Kennedy Point.

The couple that owned the winery emigrated from the US. Since was off-season we got a very personal tour.

Instead of just sipping wine in the tasting room (these are called cellar doors in New Zealand) we sipped as we walked along the vines.

Our next stop was at the Te Whau winery run by an ex CEO of a large New Zealand HR firm. They’ve had great success in a very short time. The views from there cellar door/restaurant are amazing.

Our last stop was at Mudbrick winery where we had a delicious lunch while enjoying more amazing views.

For more Waiheke photos, check out the Waiheke album.

Just before sunset we headed to the top of the Sky Tower for more amazing views. We also got to see the people who do the Sky Jump which is where they jump from a platform 650 feet above the ground attached by three tethers. Aasma wanted to try but we didn’t have time.