It was 5 time zones, not 4 so we are in fact 13 hours ahead here. It is currently 16.25 in NZ and 03.25 in the UK - that hour difference must be due to the return to GMT?
There was a small baby on the flight 2 rows in front of me who spent quite a lot of time screaming. I thought Max had a shout on him, but this little lad really did scream when he got upset rather than just shout.
Despite that I did managed to get some sleep so arrived to a grey and drizzly Auckland not feeling too bad. Although it is a really long journey it seemed to go by quite quickly and there were a good number of small people on the flight - one family came all the way to Wellington and their little lady seemed quite happy about the entire trip so that was quite reassuring...
I couldn't believe that it was raining...typical, although it was warm too - a lot of people were in shorts and coats!
Auckland airport is quite nice - modern feel to it - the Sushi bar sits next to McDonalds so there is some culture at least! I had some nice Nigiri Sushi for lunch. I also managed to collect loads of free maps for the whole of the country, 2 accommodation guides, a New Zealand Lnely Planet and a Wellington street map. I think I'll need another bag for when I come home at this rate!
The runway was quite wet so watching planes take off was quite exciting...
I boarded my flight to Wellington OK - it was 15 mins late due to bad weather.
You couldn't see any of the scenery leaving Auckland - just thick white cloud. After a rather bumpy ascent we broke out of it and the cloud cleared as we headed South, then all you could see was coastline, green mountain ranges and lovely blue seas. It really becomes clear that this is an island community when you look down from 30,000 feet.
It got even bumpier as we approached Wellington. The You Tube video really is true - it was a very exciting approach and landing - strong cross winds despite the clear blue skies - so you get the feeling that you are going sideways and the plane bounces around like a rollercoaster. Most people had a smile on their face so it looks as if it happens more often than not!
I have checked into 'Just Hotel' - you probably have an image in your head about what the hotel is probably like and you'd be correct... The taxi ride from the airport was NZ$35. They have trolley buses in Wellington though so I will try to use those instead. May hire a car tomorrow to go and have a mooch about.
Just about to grab a shower, charge up the new video camera and then go for a wander to see what I can see.
First impressions; amazingly green country, beautiful scenery and friendly people...
More later on.
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