Out and about in Auckland

Auckland is the City of Sails, sitting around harbours, lagoons, rivers and creeks.

The choice of outings was bewildering, but in the end we settled on a harbour cruise. Waitemata, the harbour's name, means 'sparkling water' - absolutely! We were blessed with a bright sunny day.

We toured every wharf, jetty and marina in Auckland Central, amid a forest of moored sailing boats, before dodging in and out of a fast-moving regatta.

Then we headed out past the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. How anyone could live for years in the tiny wooden shack perched on top of a delicate metal structure is one of life's great mysteries. Well, perhaps not, but still a marvel.

Then an altogether far too brief stop on volcanic Rangitoto island, boasting the largest Pohutukawa - New Zealand's flaming red 'Christmas tree' - forest in the world. World famous. In New Zealand anyway.

Then past historic Devonport and the naval base to the iconic harbour bridge - just in time to see someone bungee jump off it.

Then back - and supper in a restaurant at the beach in St Heliers  - beginning to think about heading for home: just a few thousand miles...