The next day I trekked to the ferry building and bought a ticket for the Waiheke Island Explorer Tour (NZ$46) which included ferry transport to and from the Island and a ninety minute guided island tour. The island is located about a thirty minute ferry ride from downtown and is known for its wineries and vineyards, quaint towns, and the annual island jazz and blues festival. I was able to take some great pictures of the Auckland skyline as the ferry left the docks and headed towards the island. Upon arrival I walked through the ferry terminal and turned left to where the tour bus was waiting. A very personable older gentleman welcomed the passengers aboard, introduced himself, and told us he has been a resident of Waiheke Island for thirty plus years. For the next ninety minutes he drove us around the island, providing commentary on the history of the island, its residents, the current island happenings, and his suggestions on the best beaches and wineries to visit. He also took us to several vantage points where we were able to take some nice photos of the island and surrounding area. I enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to first time island visitors. At the conclusion of the tour our guide dropped us off in Oneroa, the largest town on Waiheke. The tour ticket included unlimited use of the island’s public bus system. I had lunch in Oneroa, did some shopping, then hopped on a city bus back to the ferry building.

I decided to make a stop in Devonport, a charming suburban village only ten minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. The 1:00PM and 3:00PM Fullers ferries stop in Devonport on route to Auckland. Be aware, however, you must buy a separate ferry ticket (NZ$5) for the journey from Devonport back to Auckland. A number of small boutique and specialty shops and nice cafes line the main street through Devenport (first street on the right as you exit the ferry building). I browsed for while, had a snack at one of the cafes, then headed back to the ferry terminal and back to downtown. On my walk back to the hotel I did some window shopping at the many stores lining Queen Street.

The next day I hopped on the "Link" (a public bus that operates in a loop around central Auckland making stops at many of the cities attractions) and headed to the Auckland Museum. The closest bus stop is about a ten minute walk from the museum. When you board the bus, tell the driver you want to visit the museum and he will tell you when the bus arrives at that stop. When you get off the bus, cross the street and walk up the hill to the museum. This museum has many exhibits on Maori culture and the history of its people. Other parts of the museum display exhibits on early and modern New Zealand, while other exhibits showcase art. There is a little something for everyone at this museum.

I took the “Link” bus back to downtown, had some lunch, then boarded the StageCoach #45 bus to the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Information about which bus to take to the different Auckland attractions may be found here. The bus will drop you off across the street from the MOTAT. Cross at the intersection and walk to the left about two minutes to the museum entrance. The museum is a combination open air and indoor museum. Exhibits include a re-created New Zealand village, older public safety, public transport, and agricultural vehicles, exhibits on electricity, the human body, photography, communication, and many other exhibits on various topics of interest. Your museum admission ticket includes access to the huge aviation museum a short distance from the MOTAT. You can ride a restored trolley part of the way (NZ$1 each way) or make the twenty minute walk to the offsite museum through a very nice city park. The aviation museum has a very commendable collection of restored aircraft and an extensive display of other aviation artifacts. This museum is definitely a must for aviation enthusiasts.

I had considered visiting Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Adventure and Underwater World. Various guide books have given this attraction high marks. However, since I had just visited the Sydney Aquarium, and recently visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, I decided to forgo a visit.

The next morning I headed to the airport for my flight to Rotorua…..