Sky Tower Revisited

Sky Tower is a must no matter how many times you come to Auckland.

Today Zoe went off to a friend to play and so we had Emily on her own and this was the one thing she wanted to which Zoe was not bothered about.


Sally drove us off to the car park below the tower. At the main level Emily was happy to sit through a whole movie on the history of Auckland.


It is a quick smooth journey to the top.


I could not see any major changes to the city, but the views are stunning. One addition that has been made was on the viewing platform. They have installed little viewing tubes that point to features around the city.

Rear: Rangitoto Island
Middle: North Head at end of a peninsula with Devonport to the left

Harbour Bridge

Auckland Town Hall and 'Occupy' Camp

Emily on Viewing Platform

 I made the round with my normal lens and then with the telephoto. When we saw them later Zoe wanted to know how I had managed to take close ups. I thought that this showed quite some maturity.


On the tower Emily was thrilled by the sky divers, but disappointed that most did not stop in front of us before making the descent. She showed a lot of patience waiting for the three minute count down and was rewarded by a hovering jumper.

We had coffee on the tower. This was lunch time and we had delicious savoury croissants which I followed by a rocky road slice.

Emily in the Atrium

From here we made our way down the motorway to an area known as Botany. We went there so that Grandma could see the specialist tea shop and purchase a 'red bush' type tea. First their was the tasting. A glass tea pot was used. I have to say that I appreciated the aroma. Sally bought Grandma a one pot speciality tea pot and tea.

Grandma and part of tea collection

Emily Daydreaming

Then we popped across to the pet shop with a collection of fish which kept Emily enraptured. There were also kittens and puppies in spacious glass areas and bunnies etc.

28 degs is too cold

Back at the house the temperature of the pool was up to 28 degs. Someone had to watch Emily in the pool. I now think that 28 degs is too cold.

Zoe Having a Granddad Ride

In the mean time Grandma and Emily were in the garden.

Emily and Grandma Gardening

Just before tea I was sent out to buy Nachos, sour cream and grated cheese. It is some time since I have driven an automatic. It was not until I arrived at the dairy when I remembered that you only use the right foot; and the Honda Accord is a big estate. I have now remembered and should enjoy driving it whenever necessary.


It was a good tea of nachos, beans, stewed meat and sour cream.

Emily's Shot of Me

After tea we played some of my images on the TV. Emily should have been asleep, but managed to catch a glimpse of herself on the tele. (Exciting.)