Here is a fun excursion idea. Mark wants to bungee jump from the Skytower. I figure the rest of us can watch, lol.

After my not so valiant attempt to climb the rock face in Alaska, I am pretty sure I will just be videoing instead of bungee jumping!

OH I support him - I'll watch :app: :app:

Bungee jumping is HUGE all over New Zealand (this is where it originated). We saw many bungee jumpers off of Sky Tower....

Mark, can you hear me now?
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/newZealand-23.jpg?t=1174614465[/img]

Marcie, who is that bungee jumper?? Is is someone you know?

I think he can hear he just can't answer - too scared or noose too tight???

I will join the peanut gallery, cheering Mark on. I can't speak for Alan.

When we were in Auckland in Dec. we stayed at the Sky City Grand Hotel across the street from the Sky Tower. We could watch the bungee jumpers from the window in our room. You can also watch from the street and of course, from the tower itself. It gave me chills (like chalk on a black board chills) every time I saw someone jump --don't know how they can do it.

Where is the Skycity hotel in conjunction to the tower? I am getting confused with the Skycity hotel and the Skycity Grand hotel.

It's across the street from the front of the Sky City Tower Hotel. If you're standing in front of the main entrance to the Sky City Tower Hotel facing the harbor, turn right and cross the street--that's the Sky City Grand--about 80 steps. The Sky City Hotel is where Sky Tower and the casinos are -- the Sky City Grand is pretty much just a hotel--but a nice one!

So the Skycity "Tower" hotel is the one where we are staying?

Karen, I just saw Ngaire's post--yes, it looks like you'll be staying in the Skycity "Tower" hotel. You'll love it--there's lots of action going on all the time. As Ngaire says, be sure to eat dinner in the Sky Tower restaurant--the views are spectacular. Also, if you're in Auckland for any amount of time and are interested, there's a fantastic Maritime Museum right on the harbor, lots of good restaurants in that area also. You might also want to take the ferry over to Devenport--a cute little town on one of the islands out in the harbor. When you get there, you can take the bus tour of the island or just hang out in the shops on the street by the ferry dock. By all means have some ice cream at the little ice cream shop there --it's fabulous!

We were in the Sky Tower a week after AJ Hatchett, who invented Bungee Jumping, reportedly was the first to jump off the tower.

I almost did it!

No, not the Bungee jump. At that time you could buy a doctored photo that made it look like you had done it. (Pictures lie!) I, wisely I think, decided not to spend real money to buy a phony picture

Ted, that is so funny!!

Yes, Karen we are in the SKY CITY HOTEL that is part of the whole complex of the Casino, about 10 restaurants of all types and where the Sky Tower elevators are located.

SKY CITY GRAND is a new hotel just across the street. I think they wanted another hotel for more space and also for those who did not want to be in the main complex but close by.

Realize we have a lot of time before our cruise but Karen and I are already talking about what we should do in Auckland for two days.
Does anyone have an idea?
On 12/01/07 we will be arriving. Most of us between 5:30 to 6:00 am. Not sure anyone feels like doing much "power" touring that day,and we might be better off letting everyone do their own thing.
But on 12/02/07 we might want to look at a group something if anyone thinks it practical.
Have been checking out tour web sites.
Any suggestions? Comments? Ideas?

I think I have talked Mark out of bungee jumping, I don't feel like pushing him around in a wheelchair for the whole cruise :)

I did see a bridge climb that looked interesting but I am not sure if is would be as breathtaking as it would be in Sydney?

I would say on the first day everyone does their own thing. Walk into the Downtown area and visit the Americas Cup Village. Tour the wharfs have a nice lunch. Maybe take a ferry across to Devenport and see that small hamlet. SLEEP.

Here is my write up on the city from my web site.

Auckland is called the “city of sails” and for good reason. The harbor is full of privately owned sail boats and on a pretty day it is a beautiful sight. The main docks where all the ferries leave are right at the bottom of Queen Street and the downtown area is in easy walking distance from any of the piers. A lot of the downtown area is walking up hill so it can be strenuous to walk the downtown area.


Downtown Auckland
Downtown Auckland is a busy city with lots of shops and quite a few tourist shops where you can buy high quality souvenirs. The Galleria shopping center has very nice quality merchandise. Anyone can tell you how to get there. The Stamford Hotel is a lovely hotel just a little further up the street from the Galleria. This is a classy hotel and a lovely place to have afternoon tea. Of course the downtown skyline is dominated by the “Sky Tower”. This is also a hotel and a casino. The view from the revolving observation platform or the revolving restaurant is truly stunning. There is one spot on the observation level that is clear acrylic where you can see straight down to the ground. It is an odd feeling standing on the area. The restaurant is expensive as you would expect and the food is good. The tower lights up to all colors at night and is really beautiful. I would highly recommend a visit to the sky tower, particularly on a clear day.


Ferry Boats
The ferry boats leave from the pier for many outer islands. Devonport is just 10 minutes across the harbor. From Devonport there is an incredible view of downtown Auckland. The small town of Devonport is delightful. The beach is nice and the town has a few small cafes and shops. A lot of bed and breakfasts establishments are situated here. It is not really a “tourist” town as this is the township for the area of Devonport with the shops that the locals use. In the actual Devonport wharf terminal building there are a few restaurants. The one on the top floor has good food and the ladies restroom is worth a visit. There is a window here that has an incredible vantage point of downtown Auckland, it is absolutely a “bathroom” with a view. In Devonport you can drive up on Mount Victoria for an incredible view of the opening to the Waitemata Harbor.

Waiheke Island is also a popular place to take the ferry. This is about an 30 minute ferry ride and is a delightful island that is home to many people who live a simpler life on this lovely little island. It is a thriving arts and crafts center with many galleries on the island. The island has a bus that meets the ferry and also rent cars and taxis are available. At the top of the hill close to where the ferry docks is a vineyard. There is a wonderful restaurant here and a great spot for a leisurely lunch with the vineyards, great scenery and wonderful food and wine.


From the docks and facing downtown you can go to the South or left to the Mission Bay area or to the right or North over the harbor bridge to the area called the North Shore.


Heading South - Mission Bay
This area is delightful. The road follows the harbor and winds around as you see some of the nicest homes and areas built up on the hillside. There is a wonderful view of Devonport from here. One of the key attractions on this road is “Kelly Tarleton’s” aquarium. This was one of the first aquariums that was built where the people are on a moving walkway and the fish swim all around you. They expanded this to include an area featuring penguins and the Antarctica. These are typical tourist attractions. However stopping to have tea in the Kelly Tarleton's tea rooms is a nice idea. The restaurant is built right on the water, the view is great and they have a wonderful selection of sandwiches, salads and cakes. A perfect spot on a pretty day to sit and take in the sights of the harbor. There is a look out point at Mount Eden and a memorial that has an amazing view of the harbor. The flowers are also lovely here and this is well worth a visit.


The North Shore.
This is a nice place to visit also. This is a series of small communities each built on a bay with its own beach with a small township with stores and restaurants. Although the big supermarkets now are every where you will still see the “grocer shop” and the “butcher shop” and the “fruit shop” where each food group is sold separately. Although New Zealand is very modern some of the remnants of a simpler way of life are still evident. The most famous area is Takapuna that is now featuring some high rise condominiums in the main town area. This town is quite large. The Takapuna beach is lovely. Other areas are Milford, Browns Bay, Murphy's Bay, it is just one little town and bay after another.

You can walk almost all the beach front that connects all these little bays together. A good place to start is Takapuna and go you North from there or start at Milford and walk South. The beaches here are clean and safe with little undertow. The local housewife can walk out of her home into town, go shopping and then sit on the beach and eat an ice cream before heading home. The homes are built in close proximity to the little townships as they are around every corner. As the area expands there are houses built further away on the hillsides and these little towns can be very busy. Milford just developed a big shopping mall. Although these are nice things for the locals it is kind of sad to see the small township feel being changed by all the new big superstores and malls. From all the North Shore bays you get a great view of Rangitoto Island.


Rangitoto Island
There is a ferry to the island and you can walk to the top if you like. It is 1 ¼ mile hike, about one hour each way. There is also a tractor pull available. At the top you get a 360 degree view of Auckland.


Orewa
Further North and a beautiful drive from Auckland is Orewa. This is a retirement community and holiday town. Orewa has a really gorgeous large beach that has all types of attractions on the foreshore. Children’s play areas, yacht clubs and restaurants. This is a favorite spot for many people from Auckland to go for the day. On the way up to Orewa there are many fruit stalls where local farmers sell their produce directly to the public. On the drive you see the lush green countryside and thousands and thousands of sheep.


Wineries
There are numerous wineries around Auckland with many wine tours and tasting. Nobilo is one that has a is one that has a great wine tasting room with many displays and a beautiful garden area for a picnic. A wine country tour finishing with lunch at the “Hunting Lodge” a delightful restaurant in the countryside surrounded by vineyards is a lovely way to spend the day.


Other attractions
Auckland is a great city with many things to do. The Americas cup village where the Americas cup was held is a great spot and right next to the dock and wharfs. One Tree Hill is a great look out point with one lone tree at the top.

Taking the sailboat trip on the harbor is also a great experience. Day trips to surrounding to surrounding areas – the choices are numerous.

The Coromandel Peninsula and the wonderful Puka Park Lodge set in the trees is a nice choice. It is the jump off point for many other destinations and also a wonderful place to spend a few days

I can arrange a tour if people want that but in many ways it is nicer to break off into small groups and do your own thing. There is no problem getting around. Everything is in English you can catch even local buses to the North shore and see all the local areas. The hotel will have tours on offer too that hit the highlights.

You can walk to the ferrys.

I never see my family so I will probably be visiting them during the days. My brother and sister will come to the Orbit Restaurant and be on board prior to our departure for dinner.

There is time. I can contact my tour operator for New Zealand that are centered in Auckland or you can find a company on the web. Each company will offer the same sites and excursions. The people are really nice and friendly so I bet you have a good driver whoever you use.

Auckland has a lot of traffic so although Ken and I will drive and have a vehicle I am not sure how wise this is with them driving on the wrong side of the road and many one way streets. We have been going down almost every year for about 20 years so we know Auckland well and we are comfortable driving.

Remember everyone, New Zealand is expensive!

I just got a wonderful email from Verna at Exclusively Auckland. With her permission, I am posting it here. I also invited her to this post so she can answer any questions that we might have.

Kia Ora Karen
Thank you for your enquiry - I hope we can be of help. And congratulations on planning well in advance.

Much of what I will suggest is based on guessing you have not been to New Zealand before. You also do not tell me whether you would be interested in a full day experience or a half day experience of visiting places in and around Auckland.

We at Exclusively Auckland are exactly what the names says - that is, we focus on Auckland and it's surround areas - we do not travel to overnight tours anywhere. It also means we work exclusively on a one-to-one basis so that you do have that exclusive use of our time and do not have other 'strangers' joining the tours with you.

Nor do our vehicles have sign writing on them - they are standard vehicles which blend in with the rest of the traffic - therefore our guests do not feel like they are obvious visitors. Having unmarked vehicles also allows us to visit certain areas where commercial tour vehicles are not permitted.

Some ideas for you?

Well - should you have only a half day available (3.5 to 4 hours), it would mean the visit would be restricted to the main Auckland City area and the local surrounds. This would include:

- Auckland Central Business District
- Main Queen Street
- Albert Park
- Viaduct Basin
- The Universities
- Harbour Bridge
- Auckland Domain
- Parnell (old historic area - with interesting pockets)
- Auckland's Tamaki Drive - Mission Bay, Achillies Point (superb lookout over the Harbour)
- Cornwall Park
- One Tree Hill
- Ponsonby Road (eclectic mix of Auckland's population)
- Karangahape Road (an 'interesting' area of Auckland)

Our tours are never preset to a standard route. What happens is once we meet you we very quickly pick up on what you all are really interested in, so we quickly change and adapt to ensure you have a full 'experience' of the city - rather than 'just a tour'. And we certainly are not the 'standard' tour.

We also ensure there are ample stops - and if the opportunity rises, even stop for a sample of something uniquely Kiwi - food/snack wise.

A full day would include all of the above - then:

- Travel to some more outer areas of Auckland City
- Most popular it is out to our wild West Auckland which includes
- Waitakere Ranges (our rain forest)
- Titirangi Village (often a nice little bush surrounded suburb to stop for a coffee or lunch break)
- Arataki Centre (a strategically placed information centre that has outstanding views)
- A bush walk (dependant whether this is what you'd like)
- Our wild, black sand & remote beaches (where many of our artists find inspiration because of the natural nature)
- If it fits, we could even stop at one of the vineyards along the way

We pick you up from your accommodation and return you to where ever you wish.

Our charge is $NZ90.00 per hour (including our GST tax) - charges do not include the cost of any refreshments or meals.

All I have done above is give you some idea of the most successful places we have found our visitors have enjoyed. We do endeavour to have you experience the city, rather than just drive through on a tour thus there are stops often to get you out to see, touch, smell and mingle with where ever we are.

There certainly are other suggestions for a full day tour but have given you a base to start with.

Come back to me should you have any further questions or queries.

Cheers,

Verna

I think all the tour companies will offer basically the same sites and tours. New Zealanders are a friendly bunch and you wont go wrong with whoever you use. This company sounds fine. I wonder how many the van holds for $90 an hour?

When we were in Auckland 2 years ago on the WC, one of the highlights was when we went here Sheepworld . We got to see the dogs herding the sheep, the sheep shearing and I fed baby sheep from a baby bottle. We would go back again in a heartbeat if anyone else is interested. There is a vineyard on the way where we stopped for lunch/wine. Both stops were right up my alley.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/newZealand-29.jpg?t=1175663224[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/newZealand-34.jpg?t=1175663261[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/newZealand-35.jpg?t=1175663305[/img]

Hi Marcie,

Another place you can enjoy sheep herding and all the baby lambs in the spring is Yorkshire England! When out hiking, we often see the dogs with packs of sheep which is quite picturesque. In fact, I think our families got tired of all the hiking photos from our first year here. ;)

Cheers, Pam

Marcie, now that is my idea of a fun excursion!

I recognize my sister behind Marcie feeding the lamb. Dont need much I know the shirt and the shoes and the neck!

I have not been to "SHEEPWORLD" but it looks the similiar to the Agradome in Rotorua.

This would be easy of course to add to a tour, the pictures are great Marcie. Amazing what Marcie can do while she is on a ship! Pictures from last year!

I love the picture of Marcie feeding the lamb. And, I agree with Ngaire. Amazing what technology allows us to do.

We spent some time with a private guide in Auckland last year on our WC segment. Here's my blog link to that day:

http://www.travelblog.org/Australasia/New-Zealand/North-Island/Auckland/blog-39061.html

I think I still have Ian's contact info if anyone is interested.

Donna, the pictures included in your journal of the area are just beautiful!

You're going to love this trip, Karen!

I contacted the tour operator I use in N.Z. about local tours in Auckland. I really like this company they have done great things for me in the past. I use them for my land programs in N.Z. This was their response.

I have based the cost below on using an 11 person vehicle so these are per vehicle prices – not per person prices – however I have calculated the cost on just local touring in and around Auckland (would extend to Sheepworld in Warkworth).

An 11 seater minivan for 4 hours touring is nett per vehicle NZD$632.00 inclusive of GST

An 11 seater minivan for 8 hours touring is nett per vehicle NZD$1265.00 inclusive of GST

So if we have 11 people on the van the costs per person would be as follows:

For a half day of 4 hours it would be $57 NZ or about $41 US

For a full day of 8 hours the price per person would be $115 NZ or about $82 US.

That sounds pretty reasonable.

If people are interested then post here and then when we have 11 people then those people can hash out what they want to do. We just book the van and keep it locked in for the day. Everyone can just pay the tour operator independently in N.Z.

Warkworth where Sheepworld is located is about one hours drive out of Auckland. It is very scenic on the way. You would have to do a full days tour to take that in for sure. Then there are the wine areas, plus the gannet colony, plus the local highlights. Start researching.

Count Mark and I in! I wonder if they would do a 6 hour tour?

You might need the full 8 hours. I am sure they would do 6 hours if we ask.

If you do Sheep World. That is 3 hours, one hour each way and an hour at Sheep World. Great scenery on the way too, you will see the rolling green hills and many many sheep. These attractions are usually very well done in N.Z. so I am sure it will be worthwhile and you will really get to see some beautiful countryside and Orewa beach area.

Arataki is about 30 minutes from Auckland, this is the area the Donna did on her tour. Probably at least two hours for that area - would you say that was right Donna?.

You will need to stop for lunch another hour.

You have not seen the sights of Auckland city yet.

I know 8 hours is a LONG time. I find it hard to do an 8 hour tour and we have Orbit Restaurant that night as well.

If the tour is for 12/2/07 ( Sunday) then Carol and I are definitely interested. We arrive AKL on 12/29 and plan to drive to the Rotorua area and stay for the nights of 12/29 and 12/30. We would be driving back to AKL on 12/1 arriving sometime during the day. So that means a tour like you are talking about would only work for us on 12/2. We would be up for a 4, 6 hour tour and one that primarily concentrates on AKL. While the sheep farm would be neat we have seen them before and not long ago so would prefer not to spend that much time to do that. Ngaire's point about the dinner on 1/2 is also a good one and would want to be back in time to freshen up before dinner.

Ngaire,
Count Tom and me in please! Thanks!

Count us in too!!! (6 hrs sounds good)

Yes it would have to be 12/2 as many just fly in on 12/1. I will keep a roll call here. It may end up with 10 in the van instead of 11 and that will mean just a little extra per person. You want some time before dinner that night to freshen up and relax so as a group you may decide to limit this to 6 hours. Your decision.

We can get more than one van and it looks like the first one is full already unless a single joins. So the next van will start now.

As to what sights you visit on the tour we will start a new thread. Those involved throw out their preferences and then a vote will finalize the plans. Majority rules.

Van Number One.

Ralph and Carol
Marcie and Tom
Jim and Jan (their idea I know they want it)
Karen and Mark
JoAnna and Tony

Thanks Ngaire! You and Ken aren't coming?

Ngaire, you asked about the Arataki tour, yes at least 2 hours. Our tour started around 3 pm, we spent about an hour in Auckland, drove to Arataki, then had another 45 minutes or so in Auckland at the end of the tour, arriving back to the ship around 7 pm. This was one of those unexpected "late" arrivals into port and we made the best use of the time that we could.

Probably not Marcie. I just never have any time with June and Brian and my other family so may spend the day with them.

Yippee!! :banana: :app:
Yes we are in.

Ngaire,
Please add Steve and Liz to van 2. Thanks
Steve

Ngaire: Please add Chuck and Valerie to van #2.
We are very flexable. We will be flying in from Queenstown either 11/30 or 12/1
Hope we are not to late for seating.
Thank you
Chuck