The flight over was as nice as a 29-hour journey can be. I liked Air NZ a lot - friendly but not obsequious staff, comfortable seats, good food (and wine), and a modern entertainment system. Perfect. Transit in LA was a bore because we all had to go through immigration before sitting in the transit lounge. I queued for an hour. At least Air NZ provided drinks and food for everyone.
At Auckland immigration was brilliant and I sailed through with my electronic visa. I also got through biodiversity with no problems - thanks Dad for cleaning my walking boots so efficiently! It's great that NZ takes so much care over what comes into the country.
Then I hit my first hurdle. We were a little late leaving LA and a little late landing in Auckland and by the time I got to the domestic transfer desk it was too late to check in my bags for the flight to Wellington. However the lady told me that if I took them across to the domestic terminal myself I'd be able to make it. I had ten minutes. I piled bags on to a trolley and, still wearing my jumper, ran with the trolley along the walkway to the terminal. I was boiling, sweating and red-faced by the time I arrived but I made it! Thankful that I didn't have to try and call Richard and Emma to arrange a different pickup time I went to board, and from the plane watched them load my rucksack. My suitcase was nowhere to be seen, but as it turned up in Wellington all right there was apparently no problem.
R&E were waiting for me in Wellington, R looking taller and blonder than I remembered. It was good to see them after six months not seeing them. We piled me and my bags into their van, Chuck Norris (a 1982 Toyota Hiace), and we took the scenic route back to their flat in the Mount Cook area of Wellington.
Over the next few days we explored the city, or rather R&E showed me the bits they thought were sorth seeing. We climbed Mount Victoria to have a look at the city; visited the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to see rare birds and wander in the bush.
A takahe at the sanctuary
We rode the cable car down from the Botanic Gardens; and made a trip out to Scorching Bay for coffee and cake at the Chocolate Fish Cafe. All very interesting! I also got my bearings around the city, which will help when I get back there for finding a flat. Having now seen Auckland I think I'm making the right decision in living in Wellington. Auckland may have the sailing, but Wellington is certainly a nicer city.
Scorching Bay
Next time: New Plymouth!
2 comments:
Hi - your photo shows a juvenile crimson rosella, not a takahe. Takahe are not found in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (at least not yet!). Rosellas are from Australia, and are generally found only in Wellington's parks and gardens.
Ah. Funny, it looked just like a takahe when we compared with pictures in the sanctuary shop! Oh well. It was pretty. Thanks for setting me straight.
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