As previously promised.
Last December (where we left off), I decided it was time to break out of my European rut, so I turned my gaze toward the southern hemisphere and warmer weather. I remembered a six-day trip to Auckland early in my career and the lasting impression of its green hills and clear waters. I remembered eating lamb every day and renting a car and driving on the wrong side of the road. But mostly, I remembered my flying partners and how they couldn’t hide their crazy on such a long layover. Everyone was on their best behavior for day 1,2, even 3, but as the week wore on… Well, six days is a long time to spend with strangers.
So with those fond memories, I chose to bid Auckland.
It’s still pristine. The water is blue, and the grass is green. But there were more people than I remembered. Maybe because of all the cruise ships?
From my hotel window, I had a lovely view of them and the harbor outside.
Taking the hint, my flying partners and I crossed the street and caught a ferry to the wineries. They definitely weren’t there 30 years ago, but wine is a big industry now. And this itinerary is a flight attendant favorite.
I understand there are many wineries to choose from, or you can take a tour and hit several in a day. We chose to linger at Mudbrick Winery with its stunning views.
We started with lunch. When I travel, I like to look for unfamiliar fish on the menu. Fish that are not found in the waters of California. Somehow, these fish that swim in other oceans all taste the same. Delicious.
After a mystery fish lunch, we hung out on the lawn in bean-bag chairs, sipping champagne and listening to the DJ.
DJs are kind of thing there. I saw three in one layover -which is three more than I’ve seen in a year. Maybe a decade?
One DJ even spun vinyl (records) at a retro-hip bar called Kemuri Hi-Fi.
Rooftop bars are also a thing in Auckland. There certainly isn’t a shortage of great views. Every way you turn, you see water.
You can also have a cocktail at the top of their Space Needle, which they call Sky Tower.
And if you so choose, you can jump off of it. Skyjump costs around $300 and lasts 11 seconds to plunge 53 floors at 53 mph. That’s how one of my flying partners spent her layover. No, thank you, I’ll stick with the day drinkers.
As long as we’re talking stats… On two 24-hour layovers, I visited one winery and five bars. That’s kind of a lot for someone who doesn’t drink. But I was hanging out with friends who showed me a good time and made my birthday really special.
So in summary, if you like the outdoors… wine… drinking… cruising… jumping off of tall buildings… then Auckland is for you.
As for me, it’s beautiful but a little sleepy. I’ll meet you back in the Northern Hemisphere.