Day 3 - Auckland

We found ourselves a free walking tour around the centre of Auckland so headed out to the meeting point after breakfast (another splendid spread from Paul). We even managed to wangle a free ride on the bus as we only had a $50 note and the driver didn't have any change. He didn't seem very happy about it but he let us on anyway.

The tour was really good and enabled us to see the highlights of city centre. It reminded me a little bit of Bath and there are some really cool shops and coffee spots around. We also learnt a little bit about the Maori culture and stopped off at the Art gallery to see some amazing portraits of famous male and female Maori's, painted by Goldie.

After the tour we met up with Valerie and Luig who were getting tattoos (crazy kids), before heading to a Belgian pub for some Belgian beers. The pub was called The Occidental and as we learnt on our tour, the second pub that opened in Auckland. It was opened as the lawyers and other important folk in the city didn't want to drink in the same place as the criminals and other low life's. They didn't however want to change the location so it is literally next door to the original pub. Very funny!Read more