We were supposed to catch the bus at Dannevrike and return to Auckland via Napier, Rotorua and Taupo but our host insist on driving us to Napier to catch more sights and board the bus there. Along the way there were lots of apple and pears orchard with some vine yards here and there. The first stop was Bluff Hill Domain.
Bluff Hill Domain.
Drought ridden valley with a partially dried up river.
The have and have not – WATER!!!
Wow!!! The wind is strong!
Top of the “below” world.
Port of Napier.
Port of Napier.
Beautiful garden.
Next was a quick drive around tour of Napier before arriving at the The Thirsty Whale for a yummy lunch. This place was recommended by our host.
Lunch place.
Inside decor.
A seagull in the bar!!!
The underground band in the floor!!!
The eaters.
The great story teller
When the food was served, I forgot to take photos until we had already started. Anyway it was a seafood lunch with scallops, mussels, calamari and fish.
Yum.
yum yum.
yum.
Others already in the tummy!!!
After lunch we had some time before the bus arrived so we walk around to have a look see.
Amphibious ducky city tour.
Pania
Pania’s story.
When the bus arrived, we said our good byes and boarded the bus for our next destination. It was sad for all of us but we have to go.
Our first stop was back in Rotorua where we have to change bus before proceeding to Auckland.
Haha … Back in Rotorua so soon!!!
To Auckland here we go!!!
We arrived in Auckland a little late in the evening and since the bus did not stop for a dinner break, I was a little famish. Since most of the dining place were already closed or closing, our host brought us to this place which is like a food court and most stalls were still opened. We had a quick bite and called it a day.
March 21st
We stayed in in the morning and went to Pavilion & Farmers mall for lunch at Ronnie’s Café.
Mall entrance.
Inside the mall.
Beautiful, lots of green.
Ronnie’s Café.
Spaghetti – yum.
Spinach wrap.
Avocado wrap.
After lunch we headed to Devonport via the famed Harbour Bridge. There were lots to see and do in Davenport but our time was limited so we just did the Torpedo Bay area.
Going up Harbour Bridge.
Almost at the apex.
On the way down.
Devonport ferry terminal.
Auckland city.
The Happy Trio.
Navy Museum.
Hehe!!!
monkeying around. 
The real person.
Ladies of the NZ Navy.
Oops!!!
Wow!!!
Inside of torpedo.
Steering a imaginary ship.
2 o’clock, 2 o’clock.
Nice Mini-Moke.
Shall we go diving?
Lots to see and learn.
Wish I can have one.
We returned to Whitford to meet up with our host sis and husband for our last dinner in Auckland before we fly to Melbourne the next day. The dinner was at Daikoku Japanese Restaurant for a delicious Teppanyaki meal.
The restaurant.
The diners.
The salad.
The soup.
The cook … from Shanghai, China.
Let the feast begin.
Yum, yum!!!
Lobster meat, yum.
Scallops, yum.
Happy diners.
See, he got a giant camera.
Steaks, yumm.
Good night.
March 22nd.
Our host drove us to the airport to catch our flight to Melbourne, Australia. At the airport we were met by huge statue something to do with the hobbit, I think.
My bodyguard!!!
Easter chocs.
Our ride.
Meal in the air.
Next Melbourne, Australia.
