Monday 30th we explored the CBD of Auckland, and the Quay area. Many places were shut for about 10 days as all the students are on Christmas vacation.
Tuesday 31st we walked through the cemetery and then over 'Grafton Bridge' to the Auckland Domain Park. As it was late we didn't enter the War Museum, but the building is magnificent, as is the park.
Had a coffee in the park and watched the tame 'wildlife' forage for tidbits.
We watched the fireworks at the Sky Tower from our apartment balcony and celebrated the New Year with the customary bottle of bubbly.
Wednesday 1st January 2014, we strolled to the Art Gallery, and then to Albert Park where there are are many magnificent old trees.
We drifted down to the waterfront, and had dinner and a few drinks at O'Hagans. Although many polices were shut, the water front eateries were all open and very busy.
Thursday 2nd, we had a late start. PM we walked towards the key and had an burger enroute.
We bought tickets for the ferry across to Davenport and watched the very large cruise ship docked at quayside, before the 15 minute crossing and climbed up to the look-out point for some spectacular views around the area ann across to Auckland CBD.
Friday 3rd we packed and had a NZ$35 taxi ride to the airport. The flight to Queenstown on an Airbus A320 was most pleasant and the views as we flew into Queenstown were spectacular.
We took a shuttle bus ride into Queenstown for NZ$36 ($12 each).
Our first 2 nights were spent at the Lakeside Motel on the Esplanade in Queenstown, very basic, but functional with good views across the lake, and a 5 minute walk into town. Had a 'fish and chip supper' at JJs.
On Saturday 4th, we walked up to York Street and had a look at our property from the outside.
We had lunch at the Post Office Cafe and set up a bank account for Stuee at ANZ. We spent some time in town and had a chat with Benjamin in Rand R Sports looking at a possible mountain bike purchase. We had wine and snacks in the evening and at 10pm (still not dark) Stuee and I walked up to the lodge, and then back into town, where we had a couple of beers in "The Pub" & listened to some good Irish 'rebel' music. Stuee had a take-away butter chicken curry which was very tasty.
On Sunday 5th Joy and I checked into the Rydges Hotel & we took a taxi up to the QWRC lodge, and got Stuee settled into his new accommodation.
Joy and I had lunch at the Thai restaurant in town and then checked into the "Rydges' at 2:30pm. In the evening we had a wonderful dinner at Peoples Pub overlooking the lake by the "Earnslaw' dock.
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