Sky City - Cloud Base

As expected yesterday did include a lot of laundry and massive amounts of shopping.

Today however we decided that a trip to Auckland wasnt complete without going up the sky tower. Nik tells me there is a possibly apocryphal story of the Sky tower starting its life as concrete tupe sections for a tunnel that was being built but when the concrete had been cast they discovered that they had accidentally taken the outside measurements to be the inner measurements and all the sections were two large. So instead of wasting these 28 or so sections of concrete tubing they decided to turn it into the largest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

We took a ride through the center of it in a lift with a glass panel in the floor so we could see ourselves assending and the inner structure of the tower. I can guarantee that without at least several stiff gins there is not a hope in hell of getting mum to the top of this tower. We then went to the main observation deck that had more glass in the floor. Faye has taken a photo of me holding onto the railings before I would step on the glass whilst she wandered over them like they werent there. I will admit to a small touch of vertigo and fear at seeing nothing below my feet. We wandered around the entire platform and watched the bungee jumpers whizzing past us. We then went to the very top of the tower (past 2 restaurants) and looked down on the jumpers from above. There is also an outer ring that you can be harnessed to and wander around the edge. Faye REALLLY wants to do the jump but she wasnt allowed because her doctor told her not to, but she is determined to do it next time. I am deeply concerned that I might have to do it to. EEPS. Fortunately its not like a normal bungee, you are fully harnessed in at the waist not the feet and when you step off you remain that way up and there are guide ropes on both sides of you leading you down to a target painted cloud nine cushion below. I am still not convinced that my stomach could cope with the idea. I had enough issues just looking out of the window. In total its 328m high and we went up to 220m at the top sky deck. The view range is about 50 miles.

Niks mum Jane arrived today and so we trundled off to an indian restaurant. The chef came out especially to take our orders. Theres something about Nik and Penny that makes these things happen. Faye ate actual curry again (although neither Nik or I couldnt actually taste any spice in hers she swears it was there). Twas very nice and recommendable.

Tomorrow we have to be up and gone by 06.30 (whats the O stand for...?... good well remembered). for our coach to Taupo where we have managed to get our stay refunded. Sometimes its helpful to be terribly British and complain. So we have a free night tomorrow at one of the best hostels in NZ. According to the details they either have a heated pool or a spa or something there so that will be fun finding that out. I intend to be in it tomorrow come what may.

Time for bed now me thinks. I am going to buy smaller diametered plates when we return, I cannot keep eating this much... explosions imminent!

Love to all.

Tui and Kiwi. xxxx