SATURDAY 25th AUGUST 2012.
Following three days sailing in the south west direction across the
Pacific in calm seas we reached Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand.
During this time we crossed the International Date Line and suddenly lost a
full day. It was a beautiful sunny but cool day and about 15 degrees.
The city of Auckland was extremely busy and in party mode in
anticipation of the All Blacks playing the Wallabies late that afternoon. Black
and white faces everywhere.
We spent the morning visiting the Island of Waiheke which was about a
40 minute ferry ride from the city of Auckland. It is a beautiful scenic island
of about 8,000 people and we toured around the island including a stop at
Onetangi Bay for morning tea on the beach front then a visit to Goldie and Cable
Bay Vineyards sampling some good New Zealand wines.
On our return to Auckland we had a late and long lunch at the Waterfall
Cafe ,on the Auckland waterfront and the home of the America‘s Cup Yachts. A
nice afternoon all round before returning to the ship for sailaway.
Tomorrow is our last port of call for the cruise at the Bay of Islands.