Ice cream and volcanos

Vicky had lectures all day ( I know, she is doing history!) so the three remaining Walters decided to visit Devonport, a seaside town across the harbour. It can be reached by ferry or by car, we decided on the latter as it meant we could cross the harbour bridge. It only took 22mins to get there which was another plus. Unfortunately, due to our other New Zealand adventures being so good, it was a little disappointing. Just like Bournemouth really, but with no amusements. It did, however have a nice cream van and some amazing trees. 

Just look at the trunk on that, pans how the branches grow roots. We never did find out what kind it was. Ian always likes to look for crabs under rocks and then pick them up and wave them at us. Devonport was no exception, this little blighter gave him a nasty nip though. 

On the front, see how nice the weather is. Suntan lotion required.

Having exhausted Devonport we crossed back over the harbour bridge and drove to the top of mount Eden, one of many extinct volcanos in Auckland. It had great views over the city and harbour and an interesting crater covered in grass that it was forbidden to enter due to it being a Maori sacred sight. It was great fun when a couple of Chinese people tried to slide down. We were horrified, but their leader (parent or bus driver, not sure which) gave them a good tongue lashing and they ashamedly slunk out again. We also saw a little old man on a wheeled Zimmer frame making his way back down the path having obviously wheeled all the way up. They are All really fit these Kiwis.

Vicky returned to the hotel room at around 7 exhausted and miffed that we had seen two of the places she has yet to visit. We decided on Italian for tea and found a tiny one on a back street, so small we had to sit outside. Luckily it was still lovely weather and they had gas heaters. It was to be our last night in the waldorf celestion before heading off to the bay of Islands