Landing
in Auckland International on a rain lashed afternoon, our expectations are set
fairly low. However, once checked in to one of the downtowns main attractions -
Sky City - things begin to look up.
And by look up, I mean literally... at 328m, Sky City is the single tallest structure
in Auckland. Indeed, like the Australians, kiwis seem intent on pointing out
their superiority - a large sign proclaims this as the 'tallest building in the
Southern Hemisphere'. Like Sydney's AMP tower, it has an observation tower complete with a revolving restaurant at the
top. Both of which we visit on our first evening.
Built
between two natural harbours, one side being fringed by 'barrier' islands which
take the swell out of the sea over a vast area, Auckland is internationally
renowned as having some of the finest sailing waters in the World. Over the next
two years, Auckland will be a focal point for Americas cup participants who are
preparing to take on the current holders, New Zealand, in this gruelling race.
Auckland truly is the 'City of Sails'.
Apparently
no visit to Auckland would be complete without a trip to the Volcanic island of Rangitoto.
Seeing that the rains have passed, we comply. Its a leisurely trip by
ferry that passes the scenic township of Devenport.
Returning, we jump on board the Auckland Explorer - a narrated bus tour which
takes around an hour to tour the major sights (with considerable repetition).
Without wishing to be labelled 'Cityist', I suspect there are more
interesting sights in the North Island. We load our minute hire car and head
South.
