Day one in Wellington

Arrived in Auckland on schedule. Flight was long but went as well as a 13 hour flight could go. It was full but our coach seats had more legroom than any American airline we've ever been on so it was comfortable. My back held up well. Some soreness but nothing I needed to whine about. Dinner and breakfast were very good for airline food and the wine was free. Crossed the international dateline so it's now Tuesday. We're officially time travelers.

Last leg to Wellington also went smoothly but it took all the time we had to get through customs and to the domestic terminal. Arrived in Wellington to a cool and windy day. Hotel that Tara had recommended to us is excellent and very conveniently located in the downtown business district. Really were tempted to go to sleep but we decided to try to get our time change adjusted so we set out for some immediate sightseeing.

Took the cable car to the top of a hill for a view of the city and see the botanical gardens. (Wellington is as hilly as San Francisco.) Then walked to the museum where we explored in preparation for our full museum day tomorrow. In case you didn't know. the Te Papa Museum is one of the finest in the world and will give us an excellent understanding of New Zealand history. By the time we get to bed tonight we will have been up well over 40 hours. Time to get some food and sleep.  --FM Pictures.