Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and main transport hub. We stayed near the city where the main shopping street and attractions were within walking distance. There's a lot going on along the Viaduct Harbour so if you only have one day in Auckland like us, spend the day along the harbour area.
Our first stop was meant to be La Cigale Market, Bistro & Cafe, but we didn't know it was closed over the New Year period. We weren't the only ones who made a wasted trip though. We ended up taking another taxi to the Queen Wharf for breakfast. Botswana Butchery looked decent so we decided to try it. I think the food was ok, but nothing fantastic. It's quite expensive too, but then again everything is expensive in New Zealand!
Hot chocolate
After breakfast we walked around the viaduct basin to catch what's happening. I think it's more worth a visit during the evening as it gets more lively.
As we walked down the harbour, we reached Britomart where you can find designer boutiques, restaurants, cafes and offices surrounded by some of Auckland's oldest buidings.
And so we joined in the crowd of people suntanning on the lawn, just for a while before we decided to have some yogurt!
Yummy berries yogurt from White's & Co
No photos from the supermarket, but it was huge and we spent quite some time there for last minute grocery and souvenir shopping (lots of Whittakers Chocolates)!
Walking around the city is quite interesting. Lots of shopping and food places! But the roads are very steep in some areas so take note of that if you are travelling with kids or elderly, and be extra careful if you are using a stroller!
Surprised to see Gong Cha in Auckland!
Even more surprised to see Sanrio and Tokidoki in Auckland!!
Civic Theatre
Daiso
The view from the Auckland Sky Tower was really amazing! Wished I had more time to explore the surroundings! We were quite lucky as we were given a free ticket for the Sky Tower by a kind stranger!
Glass floor on the main observation level. You can see people doing skywalk from here.
Dinner was at Portofino by the Viaduct (yes we walked a lot today!!) Super fresh oysters, yummy pasta and risotto!! The oysters were so good we ordered again! I would recommend skipping the dessert though.
Evening stroll along the viaduct harbour
Little Blue Bikini - interesting name for a yacht
Silo Park, where Miss Ting had some fun at the playground!
And that's all for Auckland! Given that we only had 1 day in Auckland, the places we could visit was really limited! I guess we were quite tired travelling around South and North Island for so many days. I think Auckland would be a good city to visit for a few days if that is your only destination!
I didn't know Golden Churn Butter is a souvenir to buy from NZ! Spotted it at the Auckland Airport.
We had KFC for our last meal in NZ, because we wanted to know if there's any difference between the ones in SG and NZ. Not much difference that I can remember!
On loan from Middle-earth
Miss Ting was given some star wars toys on the flight back! Super cute!
Organic Vanilla Ice Cream
That's all for our Middle-earth adventure! I hope we will be back again one day. There's so many things I want to do there - whale-watching, glacier walks, mountain climbing.. We shall be back!
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