Auckland - New Zealand

Down Town Auckland - the City of Sails.

Good Day Everyone,

On 10 March 2011 Aurora made her final call for 2011 in New Zealand - affectionately known as the City of Sails! I have fond connections with Auckland as I first called here in January 1984 on the original Oriana. I have also had the pleasure of spending a couple of holidays here with friends and a highlight was during the Commonwealth Games in the early '90s when we attended an Elton John concert here - what a night to remember when 40,000 people all lit candles when Elton belted out 'Candle in the Wind'!

There is so much to do here whether you want to take to the water, enjoying the city centre or the quaintness of the older parts of town. Auckland is NZ's largest metropolis and has a wealth of attractions. We completed a mini turnaround with around 100 passengers changing over and loaded stores to keep us well fed and watered. From first light to departure it was a busy day for all and always great excitement around as we all knew it was our final call on what has been a terrific week in New Zealand. We should come to New Zealand more often!

As you know New Zealand is famous for sheep and I once stayed at a Sheep Farm in Queenstown on the South Island - it was no ordinary Sheep Farm - beautiful en suite bedroom with corner jet bath! And yes - dinner was included - delicious NZ Lamb!

Graham was off on tour and here is his report.............

Auckland, 12,000 miles away from the UK! But New Zealand is such a beautiful country - as much as we have appreciated the other ports that we have called at, this final port has to be for many the highlight.

This is a city that is set perfectly and it is no wonder the locals here are proud of it. It is called the ‘City of Sails’. We berthed right in downtown Auckland and from here you can walk to the main downtown attractions like the Sky tower if you wish. The Sky Tower dominates the city and at 1,076 feet it is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

I decided to escort the 6 hour Auckland Nature and Countryside; I just knew that the passengers were going to love this.

Travelling out to the west of Auckland we arrived at the rugged coast that is Muriwai Beach, and here high on the cliff tops is a large colony of Gannets.

This is one of only two such colonies in the world and from your vantage point you will be able to watch them fly and catch their fish before returning to the nest site. The locals said that normally the cliff tops are covered in Gannets but this year the numbers were only around half of the normal number.

To be so close to these noisy yet interesting sea birds was a real treat, something no doubt the TV man Bill Oddie would have loved to do, but we were here, so privileged. There were still a few young birds that were still sporting their brown immature feathers and these were seen to be exercising their wings making ready to fly away.

Bird spotting time over we re-board the coach and headed off into the country passing through classic New Zealand farmland where the scenery filled our eyes, so much like parts of the UK.

But now we arrived at an amazing working farm to enjoy the feeling of being with nature in this everyday commercial farm. Here we were greeted by Barb and Gregg, two of the loveliest people you could wish to meet.

For our stay their home was our home and Barb soon wished that we made ourselves at home in her living room and her kitchen before serving up a fantastic buffet lunch that even the most critical person would have a job to better.

The barbecue lunch with home produced wines and desserts was very tasty. Shortly after we were able to see and hand feed the Red Deer that Gregg keeps just as pets. My how the passengers liked to do this.

Then we gathered to watch a display of sheep dog working a flock of sheep after a demonstration of sheep shearing.

What a fabulous tour this is and thoroughly recommended, no one wanted to leave, each of us had found their perfect retirement home.


Many thanks for your report Graham.

In the afternoon - 3.30pm by this stage I dashed ashore and took a few snaps - interesting buildings all around.

A side on view of the old ferry building which used to be the tallest building in Auckland.

The sky's the limit..........

Lots of little side streets to have a coffee or a beer.

Work going on at the Dock Gates - many of you will recognise these port gates  - preparing the way to build a new terminal and extend passenger facilities.

The Post Office Building.........

Aurora alongside her berth.

A beautiful morning!

Modern Apartment blocks overlooking the harbour...........

Keeping a watchful eye - Ship's Agent Max Kay whom I first met in 1984!

The start of Queen Street and all the retail...........

Aurora prepares to sail................

On the Bridge and in Command - P&O Cruises first Lady Captain - Captain Sarah Breton ably assisted by Deputy Captain Marcin Banach.

Check those blue skies as Aurora lets go forward and aft.......

A great view of the Hilton Hotel - lots of people were waving us off from their hotel balconies.

Princess Wharf and the Sky Tower..............

James and Ben - Ben says hi to his Mum Janet who is a big blog fan! Ben is our Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and looks after Weddings on board and yes we had no less than three wedding on this Grand Voyage.

Janet and Chris - excited to be on board and enjoying the sail away from Auckland.

John and Colette sending greetings to their family - Maria, John, Clare, Helen, Gerard and Catherine and ALSO to their 10 Grand Children and one Great Grandson!

Meantime Kal gets The Pennant Grill all set for those who will be dining under the stars!

A perfect evening for a sail away on Aurora's aft end............

The Technical Fitters enjoy the last moments of New Zealand.......

P&O Cruises have a long connection with New Zealand...............................as do many New Zealanders.

Blogger James and Graham reflect on the day!

Enjoying a sail away catch up!

Prakash, James, Amanda, Karen and Niki sailing into the sun set! As you do!!

Let's hope it is not long before we return to this wonderful country that is New Zealand. I hope you have enjoyed your cyber tour as much as I have enjoyed blogging it. If you would like to read more about Auckland and New Zealand you can always surf back to my 2010 postings.

Looking forward to our calls at Christmas Island, Honolulu and San Fransisco. Lots of work going on in preparation for these ports of call. As always there is plenty to be getting on with.

Don't forget to check out http://www.bestblogsatsea.com/

Bye for now,

James

The pillow will always know just how comfortable you really are.