Upon our arrival in Auckland by sea, our first task was to acquire an AT HOP card, essential for navigating the city's comprehensive public transportation system, including ferry services. We procured it swiftly from a conveniently located vending machine at the pier. There, we were promptly greeted by two attentive staff members, who inquired about our interests in Auckland and offered their recommendations. They kindly inquired about our itinerary and suggested exploring Devonport as a captivating destination.
Our accommodation at Lylo Auckland, situated in downtown Auckland, proved to be strategically located within walking distance of numerous attractions and afforded easy access to public transportation. A stay at Lylo Auckland, a distinguished hostel, provided us with ample opportunities to mingle with fellow travelers, particularly young backpackers.
The hostel's charming café, where we indulged in delightful beverages and comforting cuisine, spending evenings socializing with fellow patrons. One memorable night was spent reveling in the jovial atmosphere of St. Patrick's Day celebrations with the spirited youngsters.
Exploring downtown Auckland on foot revealed a cityscape characterized by a blend of architectural styles, ranging from old-world charm to modern marvels, all interspersed amidst ongoing construction projects. Despite the hilly terrain, the walkability of the city made it an enjoyable urban excursion.
Our Auckland adventure was filled with memorable experiences, including:
Day 1:
Ascended Mount Eden to admire panoramic views.
Attended a captivating performance at the City Hall.
Savored a delightful dinner at Bar Albert, relishing the scenic vistas of the Auckland Sky Tower.
Culminated the evening with a delectable dining experience at Shakespear Hotel Restaurant.
Day 2:
Embarked on a scenic ferry ride from Pier Walf #2 to explore Devonport.
Explored Mount Victoria, soaking in its natural beauty.
Relaxed on the shores of Cheltenham Beach.
Immerse in maritime history at the Torpedo Bay Naval Museum.
Enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, savoring local cuisine.
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My departure from Auckland proved to be an adventure in itself:
That morning, an accident occurred on the street in front of the hostel, prompting me to navigate a detour with my suitcase—downhill, then uphill. Despite the unexpected obstacle, I arrived at the transportation hub on time to catch the 10:30 am bus. From there, I planned to board an express bus to the airport, opting for the cost-effective alternative to taxi services.
As the bus pulled in, two drivers engaged in a prolonged discussion before the vehicle shifted to an adjacent bay and came to a halt. One of the drivers, a man, stormed off in apparent frustration, leaving the other, a woman, to address us. She informed us that due to a road accident earlier in the day, the arrival of the next bus would be delayed by approximately 10 minutes, without specifying further details.
Despite the initial announcement, we found ourselves waiting for the scheduled bus for a full half-hour (the bus runs every 30 minutes). It was then that the woman driver reappeared, ushering us onto the very same bus that had been stationary in its place for the entire duration—30 minutes till the next bus scheduled. Quite the unexpected turn of events, to say the least!
Meanwhile, the man standing next to me found himself in a tight spot, with his flight looming close. He hastily ordered an Uber just 3 minutes before the woman driver reappeared. To his surprise, as she began boarding passengers onto the bus, his Uber arrived simultaneously which he can't dismiss his ride.
The journey to the airport took approximately 25 minutes, and I boarded my flight on time, despite the unexpected delays and last-minute adjustments.
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