Auckland and the far north 13 - 21 January
Auckland Sky Tower Let me start with a grumble about Auckland - the place is a mess. We're staying in central Auckland (Nelson and Cook Street) and central Auckland is a building site. Everywhere streets are closed and being dug up to build stations and make repairs. Loads of shops/ restaurants/ offices have shut with leases up for sale. Fair number of beggars around and there's a whole new hazard of e-scooters. Either abandoned on the pavement or, even worse, driven at speed, on the pavement. Which is perfectly legal but is a great menace to pedestrians. Sky Tower And breathe.... our backpackers, LyLo (ha ha, geddit!) has only been open a month. It is, I suspect, a former office building. It is very funky and has a definite student hall of residence vibe, complete with Miss Lucy's bar/ restaurant. LyLo entrance Meeting / eating area Our room is a contrast of concrete walls and a sleek glass pod with shower and loo. No windows ...