Today was Auckland Day. Hugh took us down to the marina and the three of us (Celia had to do some lecturing) got the 9:30am ferry from Pine Harbour Marina (just down the road). This is a high speed jet powered, twin hull catamaran. Went like the clappers. Soon got to the ferry terminal in the heart of Auckland. Had a walk along to see the super yachts at the nearby marina. Went past a big boat that featured in the tall ships race a few years ago. It is now on permanent display at the side of the road and you walk right under it. Makes you realise just how tall these tall ships are.
On the way in I just had to take a few photos of the approaching skyline and ships and boats. Also took a shed load of photos of Auckland’s Sky Tower. We strolled through the streets and eventually up the hill to the tower. Got in the lift and soared up to the main observation deck. The lift had a glass section in the floor which made the ascent a touch more interesting. The lift was on the outside of the tower so you had a great view going up. Took more photos, as expected. Bit surprised when a body suddenly flew down past the window. Turned out to be someone doing the 192m sky jump. Next time I was a bit more ready and got a video clip. The jumper lands on a target at ground level that looked rather small from high up.
We then got in another lift and went up more levels to reach the higher observation deck in the tower. This allowed us to look down at the poor souls doing the Sky Walk. This involves six folk suited up and safety linked to a frame and walkway all around the tower. The walkway is just a few feet wide and there is no hand rail. You just walk around the tower and try and keep it together as you do so. You only have this piece of string connected to an overhead rail. Now, that has to be a touch scary. I would have done it but we were running a bit late.
We then caught the bus to Parnell. This is a great old-time district of the city. It is like a small village you can wander around. We had a lovely lunch at Non Solo Pizza. Very tasty. Then strolled around a bit more and then got the bus to Newmarket. This is a shopping area and we had another wander around and went into a really cool shopping centre. We were after a new suitcase to replace one of ours that was getting a bit dodgy. Found just the thing so I then had to cart the thing all the way back home.
Had another thrilling ride home and the ferry seemed to go even faster. This time we sat outside at the back to watch the receding skyline and take yet more photos. The impressive wake from the twin water-jets was quite a sight. A guy on a jet ski turned through the wake and fell off. Good fun! On arrival back at the marina we had a well-earned pint of Guinness and I won a pair of shamrock sun glasses from a scratch card. Made me look really cool. I think! Don’t understand why folks were laughing. No sense of style, some people.
 |  |
| Can you see the jumper? | Don’t look down |
 |  |
| Parnell | Spume and Spray |
The Sky Walk sounds horrendous. So glad you didn't feel the need to attempt it! Anyway, it all looks great. You won't want to come back home. x
ReplyDeleteThese jumpers that land on targets from 192m up erm do they have really excellent knees and ankles? Or am I missing the parachute, bungee, inflatable crash mat bit?
ReplyDeleteTa for the comments. Now with Ed and Trish. Didn't write up the blog last night. Too tired after all the driving. Been out again today for another big drive around. Back at Ed and Trish's. Now sat in front of a fan. It's been baking hot today (for me!) I don't think I could stand all this heat to be honest.
ReplyDeleteThe jumpers on the sky tower are constrained by two outer wires that stop them spinning. The descent is cable controlled so though it starts off in free-fall they slow the jumper down to a easy stop at the bottom and the outer wires ensure a bull's eye.