Day 1: Since this was our first day in Auckland, we decided to go on a Auckland City Sights tour. So we could see some of the highlights and decide if we wanted to explore these places more. It was a lot of fun and relaxing we got a lot of nice pictures. We were able to see Auckland Domain which is the oldest city, Parnell Village and a lot of other places. ($79 per person)
Day 2: We toured the wilderness its about 30 kilometers from downtown Auckland. They had a bus that picked us up and took us there. We were also able to visit the beaches on the western part of the coast. It was nice to get away from the rush wit all the other tourists. Will's favorite part was touring the rainforest I know he took at least 100 pictures. It was so calming walking through all the beautiful trees and being able to listen to the birds. We also got the chance to see their famous Kauri trees. It was an awesome trip. ($100 per person)
Day 3: I wanted to do something excited and crazy so we went bungy jumping. It was one of the best things I've ever done. I don't think Sam enjoyed it that much though...she was horrified. It was a 40 meter jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The also included a walk to Bungy Pod. While on this bridge we got to see and meet a lot of people who had just went bungy jumping, it was an awesome experience and I can't wait to do it again. ($100 per person) Since this only took about half the day, Mirjam and Sam wanted to go shopping. So we went on another mini tour that pointed out all the local shops, that was fun. It was nice to be able to interact with the local people.($20 per person)
Day 4: We couldn't be in the "City of Sails" without going sailing. Mirijam and Cooper really enjoyed this part. It was awesome being out on the water. We even got to help sail the boat down the harbor. It was so cool. It was also a cool to see where the American Cup had been sailed the previous years and to be able to travel that same route. ($150 per person)
Day 5: I think the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua day trip was the best though. It was such an amazing a beautiful sight. We got to see some of the culture and history of Auckland. We were able to see cultural performances and had a another miniature boat tour. We were also able to see Te Puia's woodcarving and weaving schools, where the locals are trained in their crafts. A lot different than our traditional universities. Touring Waikato Cave was so nice, being able to see all the different limestone formation was a sight we will never forget. I think Cooper was shocked by the bubbling mudpools and active geysers, I know I've never seen anything like that before.($200 per person)
