The Frugal Tourist

Today we had a very touristy day and it was fantastic and very satisfying! We decided to head across to an area that requires either a car journey or a ferry ride. We elected to take the ferry as something different to do so caught the train from the station near where we are staying, headed into the city then walked to the ferry terminal and got return tickets on the ferry for $6.00 each return.

We enjoyed the ride across then wandered around the historic township to have a nosy before heading up one of two dormant volcanoes located there. We wandered from there along to a beachside community and bought a feed of fish and chips for the grand total of $11.00 then took it and sat on a park bench to eat it enjoying the million dollar views out to the island volcano Rangitoto. It was so much better than sitting in a café and spending potentially five times that amount and having no view.

We then wandered along the beach and I found a lovely collection of different coloured sea glass that I enjoyed spotting as we walked. We headed up the second dormant volcanic cone and enjoyed the amazing views back to the first one we had climbed with the city over the harbour in the background.

 It really was an enjoyable day that involved sightseeing, some browsing in little shops, and some enjoyment of the natural surroundings. I got to go back with some souvenirs - I bought a gorgeous little leather bound second hand book for $20.00 and got the handful of seaglass for nought along with some fantastic photos and memories of the day.

I'm happy and so is our credit card!