Sky towers

After getting the ferry back from devonport, we walked through Auckland and checked out the various main streets and so on.

We ended up at sky towers, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. We were tempted with a walk around the top strapped to a harness. Unfortunately, or fortunately for a couple of us, we were too late to do it. We did watch a few people dive off bungee-like. Very intense just to watch!

Dinner was back at sky towers. The FIBA under 19 world champs are here this week and whilst at tea, we watched team after team come through. Some bloody big units there! One Syrian guy was 19 and 7’1″. I stood next to him – was keen to strike up a conversation but a) language barrier and b) probably couldn’t hear me all the way up there. Yay, no new friends! (work joke).

Another of the angola guys was 6’10 but big/wide – bloody intimidating. Would have been cool to go and watch a game, but it was their rest day today. Oh well.

Instead we went to casino. I ended up for once – $70, or $23 in AUD. Boom-tish. So a damn good 31st birthday!

Cliche‘d fun

We rock up to a nice old pub in Devonport (that’s actually how it’s spelt, not a NZ way of saying/spelling Davenport) for lunch. Walk inside – what’s the song playing? None other than “slice of heaven” – better known as the theme song to footrot flats. Can’t get any more kiwi than thus!

Just to continue the fun, we purposely order fish & chips. I may have turned 31 today, still immature though!

We also climbed up Fort Victoria in Devonport. Pretty steep but short climb which provides an incredible 360° view over the bay, auckland and beyond. It was originally a fort with bunker and a hidden gun with underground rooms. Very cool spot!

Duty free goodness

We aren’t big drinkers, but with prices like these – it’s hard to pass up.

1litre absolut vodka (100 proof) for $35 and small 200ml bottles of baileys, tequilla etc for $5.99!

Ready to check in

Well to those worried about us getting here on time – fear not! We are at Melbourne airport even before check-in opens.

Car has been returned and we’re now awaiting check-in to open.

Liam has just learnt that that’s not for another 1.25hrs. Too easy!