on Dec 8th, 2006
Backpacking in Auckland
This is Day 4 in Auckland. I am staying at a Youth Hostel on City Road about 20 mins walk to the Auckland Harbour. The youth hostel was definitely a new experience for me. I have my own private room but we have to share the washroom on the floor. Well lucky me, 5th floor has no hot water supply so each morning I hunt from one floor to the next for an available shower. No problems, especially when I am always up by 6:30am. I know I am on a vacation but I just can’t help my internal alarm clock. Today I took a harbour cruise and a ferry to Devonport. I walked from one extinct volcanoe (Mt. Victoria) to another called North Head. My feet is killing me right now but it was well worth it. The cruise took us by the dock for the NZ America’s Cup team. The sail boats were out training so I did not manage to see them. According to the cruise guide, the Emirates sponsored the team with 30 million pounds sterling!!! That’s a whole lot of money.
I stopped by the Devonport Chocolate shop to make a small purchase and took the ferry back. For all my walking I rewarded myself with the most delectable chocolate ice cream; after all it was another 20 mins to walk back to the YHA.
Tomorrow I’ll be heading back to Christchurch. I am ready to go home and just relax. I’m not sure what I’ll do tomorrow morning and afternoon yet. I might take another ferry out to Rangitoto Island and walk up the summit or… maybe just go shopping? Anyway it’s a fun trip thus far. First time on vacation on my own and first time staying at a YHA. Two firsts, can’t beat that.
I’m sure Jim is having as much fun in the Tucson Proving Grounds :-).
Day 1: Maritime Museum
Day 2: Parnell, Ponsonby, Victoria Market, Auckland Museum
Day 3: Waitakere Range, Kitekite Falls, Piha Beach (Surfers Beach), Rain Forest Walk
Day 4: Harbour Cruise, Devonport (Mt. Victoria, & North Head)
Day 5: ?, Fly home to Christchurch
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalafut/sets/72157594414895237/Â
4 Responses to “Backpacking in Auckland”
Youth Hostels are certainly an experience. I’ve spent many nights and experienced the good, bad, and ugly.
Are you done with your work now? Or, are you just taking a break while Jim’s at TPG?
And……. just to make you jealous, I’ll give you the actual Peoria temperature: 18 degrees and I am not talking Celsius 😉
I’m home in CHC now. This is just a short trip in preparation for my big one next :-). The youth hostel experience was alright. I had no complains really, this one was clean and orderly. I’ve heard of many not so good hostels around too. Glad that the one I went to was fine.
I’m home in CHC now. This is just a short trip in preparation for my big one next :-). The youth hostel experience was alright. I had no complains really, this one was clean and orderly. I’ve heard of many not so good hostels around too. Glad that the one I went to was fine.
When are you going to post your pics? 🙂