NZ (22 Dec): Auckland

Weather: Sunny

Skipped breakfast and went for the buffet lunch (from 11.30am) at the Observatory, Sky Tower – NZD42/pax. The range was reasonably sufficient but we didn’t think the quality was worth boasting. In fact, we were glad we didn’t choose to do dinner as they served the same type of food but for NZD20/pax more. I wouldn’t recommend dining at the Observatory unless you are desperately dying to get an Auckland city view ;p

Sky Tower

Observatory

Dessert station

Savoury station

Starters/salads station

View from the Obtservatory

Bread served to all tables. Very tasty when warm!

Food..

Foood...

Fooood....

Foooood.....

Desserts.. forgettable

Ice-creams/sorbet

Did some last minute shopping – manuka and kiwi shortbread for colleagues. Sorry friends, there really wasn’t anything unique that I could buy as souvenirs for you all. In any case, I’ve more or less stopped buying souvenirs for friends – very stressful! Hahaa!!

Concluding the trip:
1. Most kiwi service staff was unfriendly, if not rude. Many just gave you a straight face, and were not sincere when they greet people. For this reason, my hubby said he doesn’t like NZ hahah!

2. NZ F&B was very expensive (more so than in Australia)! The cheapest and most decent meal one could get by would be Subway 6-inch “Sub of the Day” which cost NZD3.90. However, only the major cities offered “Sub of the Day”. Any other meal (whether western or asian cuisine) including fastfood cost minimum NZD10! Even a whole roast chicken in the supermarket easily cost an average NZD14!... See More

3. I’ve driven more windy mountainous roads in NZ than in Australia. Driving along their lakes was like driving along Australia's Great Ocean Road.

4. There were more road kills in South Island (mainly rabbits) than in the North Island (kiwis or possums).

5. Though Queenstown was buzzling mainly due to the varied range of activities offered, Auckland would be the best place for one to do shopping. Again, they weren't exactly cheaper than in Singapore.