January 3, 2013

I arrived in Auckland after a relaxing flight to a grey, overcast city with drizzling rain. Oh, no; that was not going to dampen my spirits! I was met at the airport by the delightful Ceillhe Sperath of TIME Unlimited Tours, the group whose tour I was supposed to have taken the previous day. Ceillhe took me to my hotel so I could quickly check in and drop off my bags. Then we dashed down to the wharf so I could get to my Explore New Zealand sailing tour on time; due to the delay in my departure from the US, I had missed out on their dinner cruise I had arranged for the previous evening. We sailed for three hours across the Auckland harbor to Waiheke Island. I even took the helm for a while. I never understood what a difficult job Mr. Sulu had (will have?).

When I reached the island I was greeted by Jenny of Ananda Tours who took me to join a tour group that had started earlier. I proceeded to get slightly tipsy as we toured three wineries, and then had lunch at a fourth where I sampled four locally brewed beers. Yum! It was not until this visit that I knew New Zealand was well known for its wines. I bought four bottles today: a Sauvingnon Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Merlot, and a Syrah. I was told the last two would be even better if I waited 3-5 years, but I'm not sure I can wait! Then as that tour ended, Jenny took me to the island's airfield and I knocked another item off my bucket list: my first helicopter ride. We circumnavigated Waiheke Island (truly beautiful; many photos to share later) and made a brief stop at Rotoroa Island which is being converted into a nature preserve. Then all too soon my day was over and I took the Fullers ferry back to Auckland.

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Last revised: August 5, 2015.