Auckland again

Looking down thru the Sky Tower
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After an overnight stop in Mt Maunganui it's back where i began in NZ.

I did get up the Sky Tower this time that gives great views for miles around. The glass floor in the lift is a little stomach churning though. Even more stomach churning , If you've the bucks ,  is the  Sky Jump - a 192m , 16 second base wire jump. I saw someone do it and it looked a lot of fun.

I think a month is about just enough to see the two islands without having to rush too much.On reflection a tour bus like the ' Magic Bus ' is a good way of seeing the country . The benefits are it takes the hassle of getting to and from digs as it goes door to door. The driver gives a commentary and makes stops on route at tourist attractions , and it's more sociable  than driving if you're on your todd.

i had no expectations when i came here but have been thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been struck by the amazing vistas , especially in the south island. Views that draw tourists from round the world , but nowhere felt crowded . Outside Auckland and the capital , Wellington it's as sparse as Wales on a wet Wednesday.

I'm off to Fiji tomorrow , just for a week . Might be long enough to top up my fading tan.