Cricket Reversal

Two weeks after seeing the Aussies beat New Zealand at the MCG, after Australia slumped to lose the summer one day series against England! and after Australia got thrashed by New Zealand in Wellington, I held out hope that Australia might do well. So I went to the New Zealand versus Australia match with a work colleague at Eden Park in Auckland. Australia did great, smashing the ball and scoring over 330 runs. I didn't feel too bad being the sole Aussie supporter in the stand I was in.
Then all hell broke loose, the Kiwis just smashed the ball, 4 after 4, 6 after 6, to beat Australia's score in the 48th over. I was very glad I was not wearing any Australian attire as I would have been the source of humiliation, just as some other poor unfortunate Australian supporters were. It was bad enough having my Kiwi work mate congratulate me on how hard I was working the next week 'to forget the cricket.'

Queen Mary 2

Last week the QE2 was in Auckland, today the massive Queen Mary 2 arrived. Just after 7 this morning, having left the door to the balcony open (as there is little air conn) I was awoken by its horn and watch her travel up the channel escorted by hundreds of boats and a few helicopters. It's a big deal here, being the biggest ship to visit New Zealand.

Later I climbed One Tree Hill, one of the many volcanic peaks around the city. Spectacular views again of the city and the harbours. This is really a very nice city and one I'm starting to really appreciate. The harbour and peaks makes very pretty like Sydney but without the attitude.

Rangitoto Island

On my first full day off in Auckland I caught the ferry over to Rangitoto Island. Rather than follow the crowds up to the summit I took the long route around the coast to McKenzie bay and the lighthouse. This offered some great views across to Auckland and was nice and quiet.

Then climbed up to the summit, a really spectacular view of Auckland and the surrounding islands.

The volcano that forms Rangitoto island erupted and created the island in more recent times, about 600 years ago. It is "probably" extinct.

Cricket!

What a great match at the MCG on Sunday. To save any embarrassment for my forthcoming trip, Australia did win, but those Kiwis made them work for it, good on them.