Fullers Harbour Cruise

Earlier this week, Anisha thought of the idea of taking a harbour cruise. We turned her thought in to a reality today by going on the Fullers Habour Cruise.

I came into the city just before lunch. I initially went to the Wilson Car Parking building near Anisha's apartment to park. After looking at the pricing, I decided to park elsewhere. If I had parked there today, it would have cost me NZ$30 for a 12 hour ticket.

I went and located the ParkRight car park on Greys Ave, opposite the Civic. This parking was only NZ$5 for parking (flat fee) that is valid until 6am tomorrow morning. During the day (week days), this parking is reserved and casual public parking is not available.

Prior to going on the cruise, we had lunch at the food court in Britomart. We planned to go one of the 1 1/2 hour cruises available. We selected the 1.30pm session departing from Pier 2B.

We departed on time at 1.30pm. The cruise visited the following points of interest; Westhaven Marina, Chelsea Sugar Refinery, the Harbour bridge, Devonport Naval Base, North Head, Rangitoto Island, and the Bean Rock Lighthouse.

The Harbour Cruise departs at 10.30am and 1.30pm daily from the viaduct. The cost per adult is NZ$30 per person. I believe if you order your tickets online, you can receive a discount. As per the brochure, "Choose from tea, coffee or juice and a selection of delicious muffins (morning) and cakes (afternoon)."

On the afternoon cruise we were actually offered both muffins and cakes.


Video: Fullers Harbour Cruise

Additional Information: The naval base in Devonport dates back to 1840 when William Hobson, then Governor of New Zealand, arrived on the HMS Herald and established Auckland as New Zealand's (short lived) capital. Today it is an important administrative centre for the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Sails Restaurant

This evening we had a family dinner at Sails Restaurant. Sails Restaurant is located by the Westhaven Marina on Westhaven Drive. It afforded a lovely view of the waterfront, the harbour bridge, and the boats in the marina. It was dinner for eight tonight. Mum and Dad, Nanna and Grandad, Charlene and Nick, and of course Anisha and I.

There was a vegetarian menu which satisfied Anisha special dietary requirements. The waiter was quite witty throughout the night. I can recommend the Grain Fed Chicken Breast, even though the froth looked like somebody had hocked on my dinner. For dessert I had the Valrhona Chocolate. Did you know that "desserts" spelt backwards is "Stressed"?

Earlier in the day, Anisha had met up with her Grandfather and cousin who had come to Auckland for a visit.

Useless Information: "Not all who wander, are lost." - J R Tolkein