Day One of the NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL BLOG

Arrived at Auckland Airport from Melbourne at  approximately 1pm picked up our hire car – we had decided to get an Mitsubishi Outlander, alot more roomier for us and our luggage, also we are to travel many kilometres during our trip so this will be worth the extra money.   We also were alerted that we could take this vehicle through the North and South of the Island and drop off at Christchurch airport – this is what we required, some car hire companies require a minimum of 21 days car hire to allow you to do this, however we were able to do this for 15 days with this particular car hire company.

We stopped off for some lunch before heading for Auckland for our first night’s  accommodation  the  Scenic Hotel in Queen Street , Auckland.

Christine in reception warmly welcomed us and checked us into a very modern and comfortable self contained apartment.  The rest of the day was free to explore Auckland’s many attractions, starting with the sky walk on the Sky tower you get 360 degree views of Auckland as far as eye can see.  We also observed the harbour bridge bungy jump.  The bungy jump is situated directly under the bridge at pier 2, where jumpers leap over the Waitmata Harbour.  Completing the day with an Auckland fine wine tour, a highlight being the cafe which features Maori influenced dishes with native herbs and spices.  We call it a night and head back to the Scenic Hotel to prepare for our 237 kilometre journey north to the Bay of Islands the next day.