Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes.
What did we do?
Auckland Waterfront & Viaduct Harbour
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| Sign says NZ's Oldest Brewery Pub |
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| The Ferry Building Built 1912 Restored 1988 |
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| Maori Chieftain Statue |
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| A rolling lift bridge built in-kit form in 1931 in England by the Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company and was assembled in Auckland in 1932. It còst $46,000 |
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| Wynyard Crossing |
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| Bridge |
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| Saint Patrick's Cathedral |
Sky Tower is 328 meters high.
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| The elevator had a partial glass floor. Rob stood as far away as possible |
Our second stop was Level 60, the Sky Deck, at a whopping 722 feet high.
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| Feeling a little braver |
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| Looking down on the Skyjump |
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Video
Our third stop went back down to Level 53, The Lookout, Skyjump and Skywalk Platform at 636 feet. Here is where the adrenaline junkies come.
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| Skywalk Platform |
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| Skyjump Controls |
There is also a bar and ice cream stand.
Back to ground level and a night view.
SkyCity Casino was great! I walked in with no money and left with $20 and didn't even bother to play anything. Needless to say, Rob left $20 poorer.
Where did we eat?
Ahi - We accidentally stumbled upon this restaurant which turned out to be probably the best in Aukland! New Zealand doesn't have Michelin-starred restaurants but this would easily be one.
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| Koura Rangi Poached scampi, Koji butter sauce, & crispy wasabi |
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| Wild Goat Tart Braised goat shoulder with sweet & sour mustard & hot sauce |
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| Hāmana Ōra king salmon, heirloom tomato, nectarine tartar, fermented tomato ponzu, & nasturtium sorbet |
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| Ika Steamed halibut, wood fired cabbage, garden puree, pickled mussels, kohlrabi & whey sauce |
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| The open kitchen |
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| Koura Totara flamed crayfish, heirloom carrots, & mustard butter |
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| Huamata Ahi Garden salad & house dressing |
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| The crayfish remains 🙏 |
Crowne Plaza Lounge for Canapes & Drinks
New Zealand Air - Our inflight meal.
Where did we stay?
Crowne Plaza Auckland
How did we get there? We left Cook Islands on February 25th and flew Air New Zealand arriving in Auckland on February 26th after crossing the International Dateline. It was a super nice flight!
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| Nuts for a nut |
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| A pop in before nap time |
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| Nap time |
When did we visit? February 25 - March 1, 2026. Actually February 26 - March 1, 2026 as we crossed the International Date Line.
According to Little Ms. Google for the month of February we traveled over 14,000 miles cruising, flying, walking, and driving.
Kia Ora
