Auckland: RWC - QF4 All Blacks vs. Pumas

October 2011

Another rugby weekend in Auckland. This time for the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals. There were 2 games in Auckland and 2 games in Wellington. Due to DH being an All Blacks supporter we went to the Sunday evening game at Eden Park on Super Southern Sunday (both games involved Southern Hemisphere teams).

Friday night started with a stroll up to Parnell for dinner at Non Solo Pizza (NSP). If your looking for good service and good food this is where to go. We ordered a little bit of everything, except for the raw fish (they hadn't made any that night). We were glad to walk (or roll) down the hill home.

Saturday started with a trip on the link bus to the Auckland Museum. We stopped in for breakfast at Domain Ayr, and ended up having breakfast sitting next to Daniel Carter. A short stroll later we found ourselves at the impressive Auckland Museum. The Museum is split into 3 levels, the first based on Pacific and Maori NZ, the second Natural History and the third covering war. We spent 2 hours and really only got through 1.5 of it. We then walked back into town, stopping at Japan Deli for lunch and then shopping in Queen Street. That night we enjoyed the north hemisphere teams Quarter Finals on the big screen in the Queen Street Fan Zone (Wales and France made it through to the next round).

Sunday started with breakfast at Melba's on high street. We then made our way over to the Town Hall where they have the Union photograph exhibition. After a quick late lunch at Siagonz, we headed off down to the harbour to have a quick walk around (and run into a couple of French rugby players) before taking the fan trail to Eden Park.

It's rare for there to be a night of test rugby and both DH and I to be happy, because both our teams won, but the Wallabies just prevailed against the reigning champions and the All Blacks sent Argentina home.

Do

Auckland Museum - especially the Pacific section

Union photography exhibition at the Town Hall

Queen's Wharf Fan zone

Check out my other blog posts on Auckland here for more to do

Eat

Non Solo Pizza Parnell

Domain and Ayr for Breakfast or lunch before visiting the museum

JapaDeli

Cafe Melba

Siagonz

Auckland: RWC - Samoa vs. Fiji Weekend

September 2011

So since I've been working in Auckland it would have been a shame to miss the RWC, especially the clash of the Pacific nations. And what a rugby week it turned out.

We spent the Friday night in the Sport bar in the Casino. DH the forever All Blacks supporter thought he had died and gone to heaven, drinking his favourite kiwi beer (Steinlarger) out of an All Blacks cup, while watching a rugby match (Wallabies vs. USA). It was a good night, with quite a few Americans and Canadians out in force.

The next day we spent down at the Viaduct at the French festival, and checking out the black and white All Blacks photos in the . That afternoon we headed down to the Fans Zone on Queens Wharf early to catch the England Vs. Romania game and then the All Blacks vs. France game. For all the fuss in the media about out of control All Blacks fans, it was a great environment, where everyone was just there to have a good time and watch some rugby.

Sunday we work up to rain. This didn't stop us from walking to the game (about 4k), where they had plenty of entertainment, including the Island drums, face painting and free rain coats! The atmosphere at the game was electric, 60,000 people, flags flying, running rugby.

We'll be back for the Quarter Finals, lets see if Auckland can put on that good a show again (without the rain).

Weekend in Auckland: Gearing up for the RWC

August 2011

So to cut down on my Sunday work travel (and really who needs an excuse to stay in Auckland for the rugby?), DH flew over to visit for the weekend. We didn't do a whole lot of touristy things, having done a lot of them before, and our main focus was the All Blacks v. Wallabies game. Some would say we (the Wallabies) got hammered, and yes at one stage I was a bit worried that it would be a one sided game, but I have to say it was enjoyable and the 30 to 14 scoreline wasn't all that bad.

Even though Eden Park wasn't at it's new capacity, it was still packed, and it's a bit different from the games in Sydney, where there's a 50/50 supporter split, I seemed to be the only one cheering when the Wallabies scored. I would question how "world cup" ready Auckland really are in terms of transport. No Kiwi wants to hear, talk to the Aussies about how they do it, but really they could learn a thing or two from the SCG and Bruce Stadium (comparing it to Homebush would be unfair, we did build that one fit for purpose). Having said that, I am excited about the 2 games we managed to get tickets to.

To do
Check out my last Auckland post for the basics here
Also check out my Waiheke Island post here

Davonport and North Head

One Tree Hill and Cornwell Park

Eat

Love a Duck - Hong Kong Chinese at it's best

Lord Nelson - love the Caper and Blue Cheese Steak

Shaky Isles - great breakfast and coffee in town

Daikoku Britomart - The best fresh, handmade Ramen I've had

Manuka Cafe Davenport - the ratings online aren't that good, but I would go back, we had the muscle fritters

A weekend in Auckland

Auckland

March 2010

On one of our many trips to Auckland this year, due to me being based there for work, we decided to spend the weekend in Auckland. We had a very busy couple of days, and even managed to throw in a rugby game (Brumbies vs. Blues) at Eden Park!

So what is there to do?

1. Auckland Tower

With stunning views of Auckland and beyond it's a great place to get your bearings and appreciate how many volcano cones are in the city.

2. Viaduct

A great place to view the sailing ships and to grab a meal, especially in the summer months.

3. Kelly Tarltons Aquarium
Built in an old treatment plant, the aquarium is small but has a great penguin exhibit.

4. Mt Rangitoto
We did the tour to the top, due to being short on time, only having to walk the final step component and it was great to get running commentary on the history of the Island.

5. Mission Bay

The drive from Auckland around to Mission Bay is stunning, and a great place to stop and people watch in one of the many cafes.

6. Parnell
Full of quait stores, cafes and restaurants, it's a great place to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

7. Piha Beach
A short drive from Auckland, this famous surfing beach is great to take in Lion rock.

8. Waitakere Estate High Tea
I wasn't overly impressed with the high tea, as the estate is quite aged and would be the one activity I would substitute or skip if I had to re-do our weekend.