Auckland

Auckland was rather quiet compared with Shanghai; we virtually slept for 2 days, although on the first night we were woken by the fire alarm broadcasting to evacuate the building. After dressing quickly we went down the stairs to assemble at the front of the hotel. It turned out to be a drill but I checked my watch and it was 11:45 so we must have slept well. We had Fish and Chips for dinner but the fish was Snapper and it was the best Fish and Chips we have had for some time. I also found a Pub called the Bluestone Room that sold Montieth’s real ales, I tried three and they were all excellent, just a bit gassy and too cold, they must take after the American microbrews.
Next day we took the ferry over to Devonport, a small seaside town across the bay from Auckland and after calling in at the Visitor’s Centre they advised us take a walk up to North Head, a two hour round trip but with outstanding views. The place reminded me of Southport 40 years ago. The weather was also very good; spring has finally arrived according to the locals.
We collected our hire car on Wednesday and although it was not a new one it only cost just over £7 per day for 47 days, I was well impressed with the quality for that price.
I was concerned that we wouldn’t get all the luggage in the boot as Sheila had to buy a new suitcase after getting a blowout on the original one and the new one was somewhat LARGER, but it was OK in the end.
We took a trip to Waiheke island which also included a round the island bus tour. The island was beautiful with stunning views all around but it was a bit like Benny Hill keep getting on and off the bus.
Overall Auckland was OK but I think one visit would be enough.
Any of the references I make can be searched for on Google i.e. Montieths.

Shanghai

Shanghai Airport is very modern and the trip from there to the hotel was via the MagLev which is a magnetic levitation train. I knew it was fast but when it reached 430Km/h, which is about 270 Mph, it was just like flying over the ground about 60 ft high. Our hotel was downtown Shanghai near the Shanghai Railway Station so it was a very busy area. Sheila selected a dish from the buffet which turned out to be chicken’s feet; needless to say she didn’t eat any more than the first bite. I actually got a decent pint of beer at the Paulaner Brauhaus but it came with a financial penalty of £7, we later found out that it was ½ price between 4pm and 7 pm. Near the Brauhaus is the Pearl City Tower which is architecturally very good and picturesque when illuminated. A walk down the Bund which is the river walk along the Huang Po river was interrupted every few metres with hawkers trying to sell everything from copy watches to roller skates. There’s not much more to say about Shanghai except it’s just as crowded as Hong Kong. Roll on New Zealand.