Disembark Viking ORION - extended day in Auckland, New Zealand

Friday, February 7, 2020
Early this morning we disembarked the Viking ORION cruise ship.  Since our luggage was taken off the ship late last night/early this morning - we had a very easy time leaving the ship and going through customs.  We were then taken to the MSocial Hotel only 2 blocks from the dock where the ORION is docked, where we will spend the next two nights - an extension of the Viking cruise.

 

 

We walked a few blocks to the Sky Tower, to have lunch at Orbit 360, the revolving restaurant on the 52nd floor of the Tower.....wow, what a view of the city of Auckland!

 

 

While a top the Sky Tower, we were able to watch several people participating in the "SkyJump".
The SkyJump is best described as ‘safe base jumping’, as you are securely attached to a wire that smoothly (but very quickly at first) brings you down the 192 metre (about 630 feet) distance to the landing platform. 

      "You’re standing atop the majestic 192 metre tall Sky Tower in Auckland City, looking down at the stunning scenery below. Your heart is pumping and your knees feel like jelly, but you came here to conquer your fears, so there’s no turning back. You take a deep breath and step forward to jump, but you hesitate – caught in a moment of indecision; then you just go for it…
      You’re over the edge and your breath is caught in your throat. For about eleven seconds, you plummet towards the earth below, at an adrenaline-pumping 85km per hour! You finally find the breath to scream, which releases your fear and makes way for the rush of excitement you now feel. Your speedy descent is gently slowed and – before you know it – your feet are firmly planted on the ground at Sky City Plaza. You’ve done it! You have conquered the amazing Auckland City SkyJump!"

 

 

 Spent the afternoon exploring Auckland's shopping area & ended with a fabulous dinner at "Amano", a local restaurant serving modern Italian-inspired New Zealand food.