Stepping onto Auckland airport was like reaching a safe heaven. The flight was particularly tiring but irrespective of that we had no intention of staying indoors, once we reached our Hotel accommodation.
I had read very little about Auckland, so as not to create any specific expectations and I am glad I didn't because I was surprised by everything, from the cosy little airport to the efficient door-to-door taxi and the rather quiet hotel we would be lodged at for the next three days until the beginning of the circuit.
After having dropped the luggage we made it to the harbour area, walking down the well organised city streets filled with charm.
The Sky Tower did impress me from a distance but so did the 1911 reconstructed Auckland Town Hall, the café alleys and above all the sense of easy-like living we could feel as we slowly strolled on the bustling yet relaxing city. I can't quite describe the feeling, but it was clearly one of quiet joy.
I stopped at a few boutiques to look at the paua shell pieces of jewellery pieces and some of the traditional Kiwi souvenirs.
Modern and old Victorian style buildings seemed to blend perfectly creating a somewhat strangely interesting atmosphere. People were dressed in all sorts of fashion styles, which in turn also led to an equally interesting feeling.
Upon reaching the waterfront we marvelled at the architecture of the 1912 Edwardian Baroque mustard-couloured Ferry building. We strolled around looking at the huge amount of cruising ships and ferries on both the Waitemata harbour and Queen's and Princes Wharf.
Once we got the ferry timetables and prices for Devonport and Waiheke islands we made it back into the city centre having briefly looked into some galleries (all of which were closed) and finally chosen a food court, more precisely a Mediterranean flavour restaurant on which to have something to eat.
The first afternoon in New Zealand was clearly a relaxing one, though we were dying to go to bed and sleep, in an attempt to recover from the long intercontinental flight.
