The following image was taken from the sliding door of our stateroom. We highly recommend that everyone visit Auckland; it is simply a terrific location and well worth your time and effort. Cheryl and I will be back.
The approach to Auckland this morning was gorgeous. We had tug boat assistance.
We started the day with a bus ride through Auckland. There are 53 distinct volcanic centres within the city, with the last eruption occurring 600 years ago. Auckland is known as the City of Sails, as many residents own yachts. The city is both beautiful and well-maintained, which is likely why it is the most populated and expensive city in New Zealand.
We visited the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. The city of Auckland was going to annex Bastion Point. In the 1970s, the city attempted to annex the land. The Māoris staged a lengthy peaceful occupation that eventually led to the land being returned to the tribe. This is an example of how New Zealand has been much more accommodating of its indigenous people compared to both Australia and the United States.
We finished the morning at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. An excellent venue that we both enjoyed a great deal.
In the afternoon, we took the ferry to Waiheke Island, north of Auckland. Including our previous trip, this was our third visit to this Island.
We had a great lunch overlooking the fantastic beach.
Cheryl was able to replace one of her favorite Merino wool sweaters. British Airways lost the one she bought during our last trip. The store is still open, and she found another sweater she really likes. A big win.
The Auckland harbour has these really neat-looking light posts and gates.
The day ended with Cheryl attending a lecture on New Zealand culture and listening to the new guitar player, Daniel. Bob stayed in the room and fought a cold and allergies
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