Covid has been such a travel show stopper.

Two years ago we were meant to go to the UK, via NYC with our InverVegas besties Doug & Annabel. Annabel being our TG (Travel Guide with the mostest), had organised a spectacular trip including the reverse Titanic, a cruise from NYC to Southhampton, then off to Ireland via some English experiences. 

That obviously didn’t happen, but a credit did. Hence our recent USA trip.

Last year, our said TG, organised a trip to the Bay of Islands (NZ’s North Island).

Also didn’t happen, but is now. We headed north.

To Auckland. On Friday. Via the Koru Club at CIAL – of course. I do love the airport Koru Club….such a faaancy start to our week away. 

I haven’t really seen much of Auckland in the past.

My first trip was work related. Working at Haymes Paint in the marketing department, I came over for 3 days to review product at a colour card manufacturing company.

At 45, my first ever international trip. And I was on my own.

I didn’t see much of the place, but it did give me some confidence for subsequent trips.

Since then MoD and I had been to Auckland for his work, an All Blacks Game and a U2 Concert. Short trips with purpose.

So, it was nice to hang around Auckland with the Southlanders for a day or two. 

The Friday night it was a matter of getting our bearings and eating. 

Something we all enjoy.

First stop was Sky City with the intention of seeing the views.

We got distracted by food of course, so ended up having ‘chups’ and beer delivered to our table at Andy’s Burgers & Bar. By a robot.

Cool. Prompted the camera to come out. Although I wasn’t quick enough to get a good pic.

Once the beer kicked in (well vodka for moi) we realised that the views were not going to make the grade.

Auckland, as is apparently quite usual, had put on grey sky’s and rain.

So we skipped the (lack of) view and wandered the city area. 

Ended up at the Viaduct, which is very pleasant, and a nice little Italian restaurant called Portofino.

Yes, I told you we like to eat. 

Next day, we decided we would head for a walk along the Viaduct and the port area before we had coffee in the Wynyard Quarter with a few of our new best friends. That would be Aaron Smith, (or A. A. Ron as we call anyone named Aaron), Sam Cane, Dane Coles, Brodie Retallick and Coach Ian Foster.

Naturally, I had no idea who they were but they were in high demand.

Being All Blacks about to play my home country that evening at Eden Park.

Which of course meant we had to find a pub for the night meal, with at least 4 TV’s to demonstrate how easy it was for the AB’s to kick the Wallabies butts.

Which we did. And which they did. 

Those who know me, know how ‘into’ football/rugby I really am, so I was quite committed to finding a decent pub where I could lay down if I got bored.

Sorry MoD, I am such a disappointment.

Whilst waiting for the game, we spent the afternoon taking in the sights of Auckland, a walk to and wander around the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a catch up with Mod’s daughter and you guessed it, eating again.

Also managed to find my fellow countrymen.

Some fine looking specimens if I do say so.

(The camera at the game, actually cut to these guys, potentially the only Wallaby supporters in the stadium I’m thinking).

Anyho, we managed to find that pub within just a short walk from our hotel.

The Empire.

I totally expected it to be the same as an AFL night in Melbourne, full of atmosphere, loud drunks and new besties. It may well have been at the Viaduct. 

Certainly wasn’t at The Empire. Only about 40 people cheering on the game, 38 of whom were NuZulanders. Once again I was in the minority. Story of my life.

Still, I hate to admit it, was a good night, even if I did watch the rugby without realising. 

Upside was that two of those NuZulanders were guys I have worked with in Christchurch.

The most bizarre thing. We girls had just been mentioning (ok, I was complaining) how everywhere the men went, they knew someone.

Who would guess I would actually know someone. In Auckland.

It was lovely to see Dave and Sean, both looking well and loving their new jobs. 

Made the pain of a Wallaby loss a little easier to bear.

Ok, that’s a lie. I don’t really care who wins.

I am so unAustralian.

A good day and a reasonably early night, which was very much needed given we had walked 20k’s. 

Next stop Paihai, via Kumara (sweet potato) country, Dargaville and a big bloody tree.

Before I go of course, I need to slam you with images of Auckland – for your viewing pleasure…..