The Traveling Garcias: Auckland, New Zealand

Sky Tower, the Tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere

Auckland, the City of Sails, a beautiful metropolitan city. It was an overcast morning when we pulled into port pierside, but have no fear, the sun came out and shined its best through all the haze. It made for a such a beautiful day.

Our day in the city began with riding around on the Auckland Explorer Bus. Yes, it is perhaps a touristy thing to do, but hey, when you blend in with all the other cruise ship passengers and you only have a day... who cares!!! Our first pit stop was Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. We arrived early and were the first ones in line and had the desire to stand at the doors, shouting "Open, Open, Open", but we didn't. For a small looking place from the outside, this famous aquarium was much bigger than expected. Ian had a blast with the static displays and seeing the Antarctic Penguins frolicking in their make-shift home.

We got back on board the Explorer Bus to see other highlights around the city. Auckland is a sprawling city with so much diversity in style, culture, and sites to see that it is simply breath-taking. We even had the opportunity to see it from 722 feet high up in the Sky Tower. With three observation decks, the Sky Tower offers an unrivaled 360 panoramic view of Auckland - of course nothing beats standing on the glass panel flooring where you can see not only in front of you as far as the eye can see, but also all the way below you!!! Other than the bungee jump (which we didn't d0) it is the closest feeling to be in mid-air, but surrounded by glass.

Later on in the day we went with some of our dinner mates, The Hars Family to visit the island of Devonport. It was small and quaint, but it had the hussle and bustle of a busy city. Devonport was a simple way to get away from the big city of Auckland for a low ferry fare and enjoy the benefits of relaxing to the sound of the shore waves.

Before we knew it, it was time to start heading back to the ship. It was so hard to say good-bye to Auckland, but it was such a blessing to say that we've been there to see it and experience it for ourselves.

Auckland, the City of Sails

Juan waiting at the entrance to Kelly Tarlton's Antartic Encounter and Underwater World - open, open, open!!!

The Kelly Tartlton's Shark Bus - no we didn't ride it, that would really make us stick out as tourists!

How long can you keep your hand in the icy water? Rachel managed a whopping 30 seconds... let's just say that Juan sucked at this challenge of pain and endurance (5 seconds)!