After our vacation in the South Island we're flying from Blenheim into Auckland to connect with our international flight home. We arrive in Auckland at 6:10 PM and leave for the US at 11:00 PM. Do we have time to see or do anything in the area? And if so, do you have any suggestions?

Pawleys: If you want to go into Auckland, hire a cab to take you to the Sky Tower (about 20 mins. away), where you will have a stunning 360-degree view of the city, Waitemata Harbor, Rangitoto, Waiheke and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf from the observation deck. You can also grab a bite to eat and even try your luck at the casino, if you like. That's probably the best use of the three hours you have to spare.--John

Realistically I think you'll have more like 2 hours, assuming check-in for your international flight will be 21:00 hrs. But that's enough time to have dinner without rushing, especially if you've chosen a restaurant in advance. From memory the cab ride into the city is only about 20 minutes.

Thanks for the suggestions. Now I'll just need to find a nice restaurant with a view. Any suggestions?

If a spectacular view is your priority, The Observatory or Orbit Revolving Restaurant, high above Auckland in the city's SkyTower, are excellent choices--both offer reasonably good food to go with the view (website: skycityauckland.co.nz). If you're going for the food and service with a good view to boot, my suggestion would be Soul Bar & Bistro (website: soulsearch.co.nz), located on the waterfront, adjacent to the America's Cup Village. Soul was named Restaurant of the Year for 2005 by New Zealand's CUISINE magazine and it's worthy of the award. A wide range of mediterranean-inspired dishes are available, with a focus on fresh seafood (although chicken, lamb, venison and beef are also on the menu). In any case, you may wish to call a few days ahead of the desired evening (during your trip) and make a reservation.

Thanks Palomino, Soul Bistro sounds perfect!!

It took us an hour to get into town at that time of night as it is rush hour. Auckland is such a great city. Can you go the night before and spend the night there?

Soul Bar and Bistro looks wonderful! Thanks for the tip. We'll be in Auckland staying near the America's Cup Village in July. I think we'll have to splurge one night and go there. Unless we've blown our budget by then, since it's our last stop of a 3 week trip !

You are pushing your luck. Traffic into Auckland will be bad then (always).That flight from Blenheim is late sometimes and then you have to go to a different terminal for the international flight (shuttle or long walk)and go through customs and security. Why rush and stress yourself? Go to Auckland a day earlier.