Auckland is on New Zealand's North Island. It is surrounded by water and volcanic hills and is nicknamed 'City of Sails'. It has a population of 1.43 million.

Winds up to force 8 last night but it gradually became calmer as we neared Auckland.

We arrived about 5pm to lovely sunshine. Decided on an early dinner and had a walk around the city in the evening.

Revisited the Sky Tower but still too chicken to jump though.

Our friends Julie & Tony disembarked today. We really enjoyed their company. Looking forward (or not!) to see who we get next.

We sail at 11pm for the Bay of Islands which is 150 miles north of Auckland.
The Bay of Islands is a Maritime Park in New Zealand with 144 Islands.
Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, tried to land on South Island in 1642 but was given a hostile reception by the Maoris. About 100 years later Captain James Cook chartered the two main islands but enjoyed a better relationship with them. In 1840 a pact between Great Britain and the Maori chieftains was signed and the Maori accepted British sovereignty.

It was quite cloudy and not very warm first thing but the scenery in the Bay of Islands is beautiful. After a 20/25 minute tender to the pier a shuttle bus took us into the little town of Paihia. A lovely little place with a few shops and restaurants.  It turned out to be really hot and sunny. Before getting the tender back we went to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to see the house where the treaty was signed and the worlds longest canoe. It is 120ft long, carried 150 Maori warriors and is named Ngatokimatawhaorua! We had stunning views of the bay from here too.

Captain's Miscellany - Above Board
Back in the days when illegal trading was rife it was usual to pack illegal goods underneath the board which held the legal goods. Therefore if it was legal it was 'above board '