Thursday, February 6, 2020
"Cultural capital of New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is known as the "City of Sails" for its residents' love of boating. With a stunning setting between two glistening harbors, the city's Maori name explains its beauty well as it translates to "the maiden sought by a hundred lovers." This seafaring city has hosted two America's Cup challenges and its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts. In the tree-lined Albert Park, flower beds and towering palms point the way to a picturesque central fountain. The neoclassical Auckland War Memorial Museum chronicles the nation's history within its edifice-like walls. For a bird's-eye view of Auckland's setting, the observation deck of the Sky Tower offers breathtaking views."
An early morning sailing on an authentic America's Cup racing yacht, launched from the pier to the Viaduct Basin, where the America's Cup yachts were formerly based. The America's Cup yacht that we boarded was built for the 1995 challenge in San Diego. We sailed into the waters of Auckland Harbor and the Hauraki Gulf with an expert crew, who encouraged others to participate as a crew member - taking the helm or taking charge of the grinders.
An afternoon tour of the city of Auckland - riding into the business district with its various architectural styles - bustling streets where modern skyscrapers stand beside restored Victorian buildings. Stunning city and harbor views, and vistas of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
A drive across the Auckland Harbor Bridge and past the historic Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Packing after dinner - luggage needs to be outside our stateroom by 10:00 p.m. to be picked up and taken off the ship/transferred to the terminal.....for us to claim in the morning, go through customs, and check into the hotel for our 2-day extension in Auckland.
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