Sailing, sailing home...

Day 15- Honeymoon

Saving the last of our activities on sea, we chose to do a bit of sailing on our second last day here in NZ. Auckland known as the ‘City of Sails’ is well recognized as the busiest harbor in this part of the region. With many tiny islands scattered east and west, Auckland is a homeground for water lovers.

We set sail on an actual America’s Cup yacht complete with helms, grinders, wheels, enormous sails and a boisterous looking body. For many of us who are not well versed with water competitions, the America Cup is apparently the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy in the sailing milieu. And having a ride on this ‘baby’ is an unforgettable experience.

The giant mast

The Auckland Harbour or known as Waitemata Harbour to the locals is calm and glistening. The unruffled waters make it ideal for sailing. As our yacht set off, some of us got hands on into releasing the sails, grinding to maneuver the sails and directing the yacht. Looking graceful and sturdy at sea, we learn that sailing is not easy as it looks. The grinding took a lot of effort and energy with our feet planted on the ground forcing to balance on an almost sheer vertical platform as the yacht tilts to about 90 degrees.

Heading out into the sea

Figure-8 hitch

I was given the opportunity to steer the yacht

Part of the grinding crew

Two hours at sea on this amazing machine, we passed volcanoes, beach side mansions, cruise boats, the Auckland bridge and got ourselves drenched in a bit of rain! Ahhhh… the last of our adrenaline activities as we head back on land for some shopping.

Auckland from ashore

Taking our only mode of transport Bus No.11, we jollied along to Victoria Market name dubbed by the famous Melbourne weekend market. Hoping to get some good grabs and bargains we were much disappointed that most of the stalls were carried Petaling Street goods. Nothing echoed New Zealand or natively Australasia. Trudging to Queen St where over 3000 stores stood side by side, we weaved through heaps of college students, lunch goers and pre occupied office people. As my eyes narrowed into the umpteen stores, instinctively I turned to Terence and said “Ok, it’s time for some serious shopping”. Pushing aside my subconscious mind that tells me every time I say I want to shop, I almost exit empty handed. I guess I’m more of an impromptu shopper. Thankfully Terence caught a bargain sitting on the shelves of one the largest outdoor stores – Bivolouc. He found me a pair of Northface that only costs NZ$80! It’s now mine of course! :)

Victoria Market - don't be fooled by its Melbourne counterpart

Some knick knacks

An hour and a half into our shopping spree, we now have combed through many shops, bought decoratives for our home and gifts for family and friends. Hauling all of that and a few empty boxes for packaging our last stop was the Maritime Musuem. With replicas of majestic fleets, stories of ship wrecks and sea crusaders we floated into a time capsule of oceanus chronicles.

One of the earlier days speed boat

Custom Terence

This used to be the fastest boat in the 1900s

Us together at Maritime Museum. Very insightful and educational

Rolling into bed that night was bitter sweet as our honeymoon is ticking to an end. Tomorrow will be an early morning to grab another mouth watering NZ breakfast before heading to the airport.

Our goodies! Spot my new Northface shoes