One of us woke up around 4:20am and found that the Volendam was already heading into the Princes Wharf about 700 meters from the Queens Wharf. We soon found out that another ship was docking in our spot. It was the Arcadia from P & O at 84,000 gross tons with 2094 passengers. It used to be adults only but recently switched to family-friendly. One of the reasons we had to move was the fact we were taking on fuel today.
One positive thing with the move was that we got the ferry side of the wharf where we could watch the many ferries going in and out of the very busy harbor. It also appeared that it was going to be another nice day, although the wind was strong and rather chilly. That never stops us from wearing shorts, especially if we are walking far. Today we would stick closer to the ship. The high temperature of the day would be 64 degrees with winds of 24mph. That kept it cooler.
We always like to walk to the marina end of the waterfront, so after leaving the new terminal, we turned right at the corner and followed the street towards the Maritime Museum. On one of our first visits here, we did a tour that included this museum and found it full of history of the explorers, trader, whalers, and the many immigrants that settled here. Continuing up the pedestrian walkway, we came upon the Te Wero Bridge that separates the Viaduct Basin from the Waitamata Harbor.
We happened to stop on one end of the bridge while talking to a fellow passenger for a while. We were deep into conversation, when the bells began to ring, and the warning lights were going off to vacate the bridge. We went the shorter way, while our friend heading back towards the ship side of the bridge. She made it off, as did we, then the gates closed and the bridge was lifted to allow two tall-masted sailboats out of the basin. Always fun to watch, we continued on our way into the Wynyard Quarter.
This entire stretch of waterfront warehouses has been converted into separate eateries. Most all of them had indoor and outdoor seating, and offered many selections of cuisine. Come to think of it, this is where we bet a lot of folks went to dinner last night. It would be close enough to walk, and safe as well. We checked out the menus along the way, trying to recall where we dined the last time we were here. We did remember it was Wynyard Pavilion, and they were opened at noontime. We had left the ship around 10am and decided to have lunch earlier today since all aboard was 6:30pm. That would give us plenty of time to explore this area to Silo Park and beyond.
Since it was windy and a bit chilly, we found a sheltered spot to sit and watch the people go by. Further up the road, it comes to an end where a marina houses some very old sailing boats where they were permanently moored. Signs were displayed at every sailboat and some dated back to the 1800's. Of course, they have been restored many times over but still show the size and owners. Had we gone much further, we would have been at the base of the Auckland Bridge.
Time to head back, we took our time checking out menus. By now, the places were filling with guests from both ships, we assume. Still the best place was the Wynyard Pavilion where they served pizza, of course. We took the same hightop table and chairs where we sat a few years ago. We ordered Steinlager draft beers and one meat-lovers pizza to share. While we waited, the server was kind enough to connect us to their free internet so I could update my Kindle. The few games I have on it were expiring and needed renewing. The waiter did his magic and I spent the entire time downloading everything possible. This should last for a few months now.
The pizza arrived and it was full of sausage, bacon, salami, and green bell peppers. Drizzled on the top was a smoked BBQ sauce that reminded us of California Pizza Kitchen pizzas. Very good and also a nice crust, it was quite filling. We did add what they called the Big Kids Sundae which was three flavors of ice cream and a pistachio base. We had to laugh because right on top of the ice cream was what looked like chicken feathers. No kidding….white chicken feathers. The brave one of us tested a small bit of it, and it was just like cotton candy, only white. With the money exchange, the bill came to $76 NZ, which computed to $46 USD, They did take American Express, which surprised us. We also left a cash tip for the waiter.
We never did find any Hokey Pokey ice cream, but there is always tomorrow in the Bay of Islands. We made our way back to the ship after 3pm and gladly rested up the rest of the afternoon. One of us is still trying to figure out what is happening with the photo files. Some progress has been made with the update, but it is taking forever.
Around 6:30pm, the Captain came on with a short update. We have 139 nautical miles to reach the Bay of Islands tomorrow at a speed of 13 knots. By the time the ropes were dropped and the gangway lifted, we left the harbor by 7pm. We had the best place for the sail away which was right on our veranda. Once the ship swung around, we had a perfect view of the Auckland Bridge with the sun setting behind some pretty massive clouds. We stayed until 7:45pm and thought we better head for the dining room.
Dinner was good with a different type of salad and pot stickers that we love. A couple of plates of these pot sticker appetizers would have been plenty for our meal. Then we ordered one beef pot pie that was covered with the broiled mashed potatoes on the top. The other entree was a plate of cheese raviolis with a chunky tomato sauce. Just the right amount, we had a little watermelon and a real slice of cherry cake that was good.
A violinist entertained the folks this evening by the name of Roy Theaker. He promised a show of energetic and uplifting music. And Strictly Ballroom was the Wajang movie. After two full days in The City of Sails, we were tired and happy to turn in early.
Tomorrow we will have a short day in the Bay of Islands…..doubt there will be time for lunch.
Bill & Mary Ann
