We came four days early pre cruise so we could enjoy Auckland, and it was great. Such a lively city especially around the waterfront area with tons of restaurants. We did both the Auckland art gallery (quite nice) and the Auckland Museum (very good), as well as the Maritime Museum (interesting).
We took the ferry to Waiheke Island and took the Hop On Hop Off bus for a tour around the island, and ...
Auckland was looking a bit scruffy compared to past visits. I was keen to shop and buy authentic items made in NZ and had spending money burning a hole in my pocket but didn't find anything that fitted the bill. However, Smith and Caugheys Dept store in Queens Street was a great experience. Loved this shop, very expensive but some great items. ...
Awful dirty place. There's literally nothing to do here. Street bums everywhere and the government spend no money on maintenance, tree pruning, washing the streets of urine. Restaurants by the water don't open before 11am so nowhere to grab breakfast. Stay no more than a day here and catch the hop on hop off bus just to take the trip around. We made the mistake of paying $65 p/p to go to the ...