Across the Equator down Antarctica way

Wednesday 04 March - warm and mainly sunny - 75F

Arriving at Auckland airport in the dark after loosing the previous day somewhere over the Pacific felt good. Some of the good feeling came from getting of the aircraft after 13 hours, but most of the good feeling came from arriving at our main destination and a country unvisited by either of us. Passport control was almost as strict as that in the USA, but the most fearsome proceedure was passing through the customs and bio-protection controls. I have never arrived anywhere where it is a requirement to declare your swimming trunks! This is no joke. I was also a little concerned that my Merrill's might be viewed by some as hiking boots and I failed to declare them! This is a country determined not to let outside influences, not to mention bugs, enter the eco-system. All swimwear has to arrive clean and dry, the same for a mask and snorkel for diving. The importation of most foodstuffs, seeds, and plants, deliverately or inadvertantly, is forbidden and punishable by large fines, prison, deportation or all three. The arriving traveller is assailed by notices and announcements every few yards so that by the time you get to speak to an agent prior to having all your baggage x-rayed, you are beginning to wonder if there is anything you have forgotten to mention.

The ride from the airport to the hotel in a shared shuttle bus took place at breakneck speed. We were one of the last passengers to be dropped off, by which time we had a free tour of Auckland city centre. Some might have been a little upset by the delay in arriving at their hotel, but we were quite pleased as the hotel reception didn't open until 0700. We arrived shortly after 7 at the Parnell Inn in the delightful district of Parnell. The friendly owner kindly found us a room straight away, and we immediately had a couple of hours sleep.

Later, in a moment of enthusiasm, we set of to walk into the city centre. This proved easy as it was downhill and only 20 minutes walk away. The harbour area was very busy, helped along by the Boat Show that was due to open the following day. After a wander around drooling at the boats, lunch seemed to be a good idea. A girl outside a restaurant on a quayside opposite the Maritime Museum, was touting for trade. We looked at the menu and said we were just walking around. Five minutes later we were back and seated, the first customers of the day. During our very pleasant and tasty lunch, we saw the girl badger enough people to fill the seating outside the restaurant. What a salesperson!

Public transport in Auckland is excellent and we were lucky to be staying on the route of the Link bus route. This circular route takes in most of the key areas of the city including the hospital, university, city centre, Newmarket and Parnell. The flat fare of NZ$1.60 is excellent value for money with the exchange rate around was $2.7 to the pound. We chose to go the 'wrong-way' round the circular route and got a city tour thrown in for free!

Back at the hotel, after a further 'rest', we headed out into Parnell for dinner. After checking out the choices, we rather oddly chose an Irish Bar where we ate steak and chips and sausage and mash washed down by NZ local beer. A little of what you fancy does you good! Whilst eating, we were entertained by a bunch of guys and one girl at an adjacent table. After a good meal and a couple of beers we headed back to the hotel.