February 2, 2016 - Day 28 - Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland 

Amsterdam sailed into Auckland before sunrise. We were in bed. After breakfast we walked through the terminal and bought tickets for the Hop On Hop Off bus. It departed at 9:30 to start a three hour tour. This would require changing buses as there are two different routes. We rode to great viewpoints, museums, monuments, shopping and neighborhoods. We learned that Auckland is very hilly with many parks on former volcano sites. Our interchange was at the Auckland Museum. It is said to be very nice, but we ran out of time. Maybe next time.

Auckland is very hilly due to former volcanos it rests on

After our HoHo ride we lunched onboard. Then we took to the streets. Last year we arrived on a Sunday. Many shops were closed. Today we visited malls and shopping arcades. The merchandise was of nice quality, but very expensive.

As we walked back to the ship, we decided to visit a gift shop where we had a good experience last year. We viewed the goods and decided to leave. On our way out we noticed the clerk who had directed us to Devenport across the bay last year for an extraordinary visit. We approached her, and introduced ourselves. She remembered us. We spent a lot of time being updated on her activities and studies. She has just received her degree in marketing, and is looking for a new job. She directed us to another island by ferry, but it would take more time than we had. That saddened her. She gave us her phone number and email so we could contact her if we come back. She would take us around the area.

She could not believe that we would take the time to see her again. As we walked back to the ship, we felt joy at knowing such a nice young lady so far from home.

Auckland was very nice, again!