Auckland

When we got off the ship, we were met by our Amazing New Zealand hostess, Sandi Notredame. She toured us around Auckland, including a stop on top of Mount Eden, to get an amazing view of Auckland. Auckland sits on an area of 48 extinct volcanoes and this mountain was one of them.  

Arriving in Auckland on the ship.

The view from Mount Eden.

One of the 48 volcanoes, which are now just hills.

 This is the crater of the Mt Eden volcano

After checking into our hotel, we went to the Maritime Museum.  It was excellent, and covered New Zealand’s maritime history from the early Maori arrivals, the European immigration and the modern NZ sailing experience (Around the World Race and The America’s Cup). 

The early Polynesians arrived in big canoes and outriggers

The Brittish had the biggest European impact on New Zealand.

Inside a replica of an old sailing ship. Not very comfortable for a 3-4 month journey.

There was an excellent memorial to Sir Peter Blake, who won the America's Cup for New Zealand twice.

After that, we jumped on a ferry and went to Devonport across Auckland harbour. It’s a cute historic resort town, with lots of shops and restaurants.  We had a light lunch and enjoyed walking the area.

These huge trees had enormous root systems.