We arrived safely !

Flight was really nice (well worth the extras $$).  We both slept (nice to be able to stretch out flat rather than toss and turn in an upright position) so were ready to hit the streets running when we arrived @ 4:50am (we arrived 25 minutes early).  Of course by the time we got to the hotel (6am) our room wasn't ready yet so off we went ! -

We grabbed a stack of brochures and wandered the streets (nothing opens until  9am) and ended up taking the Ferry to Waiheke Island.  We did a combo-ticket which included a 1.5hr tour of the island which was very nice. 

We put about 5 miles on our little pups for the day and ended the day with a nightcap @ 5 Degrees - It has a hefty cover charge but includes 1 cocktail and all the cold weather gear you need to be able to stay in the place... that's right..... it is literally 5 degrees  (Yikes !).... all of the furniture, bar, walls, decorations are made of ice !   The glass you drink from is also made from ice !   .... Not a place you'd hang for too long but was a fun experience.  PIctures are of our 1st day in New Zealand.... headed to bed.... another busy day tomorrow (Sat 11/07)