Don & Kully's World Cruise on Viking Neptune

Today we spent the first of three days in Auckland the cultural capital of New Zealand’s North Island. Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” because of its citizens love of boating. The city has hosted three America’s Cup challenges, and its marinas are brimming with world class yachts. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of nearly 1.6 million and was the second capital of New Zealand from 1840 to 1865, before the capital was moved to Wellington. 

Today we took a Viking optional tour called Auckland’s North Shore and Devonport Village. The tour began with a narrated drive through some of the Auckland city highlights including the Viaduct Basin, former home to the America’s Cup Sailing Regatta, and Westhoven Marina the largest marina in the southern hemisphere. We had amazing views of the Auckland skyline and waterfront along the way. We crossed the harbor bridge to North Shore and had a photo stop at Lake Pupuke, an old volcanic formation with sweeping views of Auckland and its harbor. At Mount Victoria, the north shores highest volcano, we saw an old Maori settlement with amazing views of Auckland and the harbor. Devonport is a quaint colonial village famous for its specialty shops, cafes and its timbered colonial architecture. We spent the afternoon strolling the beautiful streets and enjoyed lunch at local Irish Pub called The Patriot. We then took the ferry from Devonport back to Auckland enjoying the beautiful views of the city skyline.

Tomorrow we’re doing a city tour in the morning and then we’re going off on our own to explore the area. The weather forecast is calling for rain tomorrow, so that will determine what we do after the morning tour.

“He is truly wise who has travelled far and knows the ways of the world. He who has travelled can tell what spirit governs the men he meets.” Havamal, the sayings of the Vikings.