Suzie’s Whirlwind 75th birthday Tour. Day four. 7 January 2025.

Christchurch to Auckland.

Beat the alarm just this am and did some life admin, then for a walk to find a building with two copper domes we could see from room 406 yesterday.

It was 7 degrees when we woke but 11degrees when I walked and the sun soon warmed it up.
Found my building (what it is remains a mystery) looks like a grand house in its day, being renovated but looks to be stalled.

******MYSTERY SOLVED******

Thanks AP, my mate who shared via Facebook this comment and link.

Could the magnificent buildings with the towers be McLean’s Mansion?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLean%27s_Mansion

******************************
Met a lovely big fat cat, lots of accommodation and businesses.

Some street art.

Breaky at Majestic on Mayfair on reco from concierge AND a local shop keeper cleaning her windows of Christmas nearby. Coffee and cheese scone.

Back to hotel to finish packing and off airport at 11ish.

Some airport waiting time. 

NZ airlines flight to Auckland, slightly delayed then further delayed as a passenger now not flying so we waited while luggage was removed. 

Found a fancy looking gin with a 10% discount code- H428HKJAN3ES. 

Or a 15% from fight mag – GREYTOWN. 

The flight was uneventful. Lots of looking out the window as we flew ‘up the guts’ of the South Island and it was a clear day with few clouds. Lots to see including a jet boat wiggling its way up a river that looked like messy plaits, mountains, valleys, green and brown.

Crossed Cook Strait, and could clearly see Mt. Ruaprhu poking out through the clouds – volcano with snow atop (evidently the largest active volcano and noted for its ski fields). Coming across to Auckland boats on rivers, more agricultural lands and of course the city. 

On arrival one bag was a bit delayed but all good.

Taxi rank was a bit mysterious with poor signage. Anyway a Tesla with Mahpreet as driver fitted us in. The tech onscreen was quite interesting. 

Into the city we are staying at The Grand Skycity – right under the Skytower. 

Greg, one of the valets was most helpful, not only delivering the bags, orienting us to the room but also providing a great overview of what to see and do. 

Following his advice we headed for the harbour and Viaduct area. A little shopping/looking on the way.

We headed for Soul for tea on Greg’s recommendation, feeling a tad underdressed- but we were up for an early dinner (having missed lunch.) Food was sensational, Suzie and I tried Scapegrace Gin in a G&T. 

My chicken breast was delicious with the right amount of spice. The standout was the Green Goddess salad that Hayley and Bron chose. Lots of peas, edamame and herbs with a dressing that made it pop. Turns out they’ve had it on the menu for

26 years, we can all see why. The dressing is simple maple syrup, coriander, lemon juice and a little garlic. 

Then we walked further around the harbour to more wealth floating on water and apartments surrounded the berths. 

Lots to see and many many luxury  and racing yachts and boats. We found some pricing at the real estate – a lazy million would buy none of them. There was one for sale just under $2million up to $5million. 

There was pool, a loch, a lift up bridge to allow boats through. 

The wealth was ludicrous. Not many had people. Lots were for charter. 

Then home for a planning session,  to sort out our full day in Auckland tomorrow. 

Early bed went out the window by the time we phaffed, showered, and did the ‘socials’ What’s App, blog etc. 

So till tomorrow. Sleep tight.