After an almost sleepless flight, we arrived at 9.30 in sunny Auckland. Passed through security, collected luggage and the hire car with no problem and we were on our way by 11.30. Only 30 minutes to the hotel where thankfully we were told our room was one of the first to be turned around as we really needed a quick nap.

Around 3.00pm we headed out to get the bus to Auckland Domain, the oldest and largest of Auckland’s parks. My it was hot! We found the glasshouses and had a stroll through a lovely shaded Lovers Lane.

We headed back to the city on foot via Albert Park, heading for the Sky Tower. Unfortunately it was closing soon so we went in The Fiddlers to have a beer on their roof top bar. Had a lovely chat with a couple from Bath (the accent was a complete giveaway) who were just off a cruise which stops at 8 points around the north and south islands.

Feeling fully refreshed we headed on foot to Viaduct Harbour in search of some food and ended up in the Good George.

A warm walk back to the hotel via the local supermarket ‘Woolworths’ to stock up for the road journey tomorrow ended the evening.