Day 27 Auckland

Our last full day in New Zealand. We left the hotel at ten for a quick drive around
the outskirts of the city. Then to Mt. Eden for a view of Auckland’s stunning
cityscape. This dormant volcano sits proudly over the city on the opposite side
of the bay. From here we could see our next destination, the under‐construction
Eden Park, which will host the 2011 World Cup Final. Sadly we were a week late
for the Australia match but nice to see the ground non‐the‐less. Here we got to
see their Hall of Legends, the corporate boxes and, surprisingly, some ex‐Irish
international memorabilia. After seeing the Park it was time for lunch and
shopping. Yes, I know! Shopping on a rugby trip! But then again, that may mean
some good presents for the rest of the family. For this we headed to Dress Smart
Outlet Mall in the burbs. No Uggs but plenty of rugby gear. An invite from
Auckland Grammar saw three of the teachers visit the school. The Deputy
Headmaster, Mr. Mark Vella, and the Headmaster Mr. John Morris kindly
welcomed us to the school. Both recounted found memories of the exchange
programme between the two schools in the 90’s. Mr. Allan Faull Director of
International students at the school also had many stories to tell of the
Newbridge boy’s time in Auckland. Now the hard bit, back to the hotel to pack
and get under the weight restriction. Dinner and a chance to take in the last
sights of the city was followed by an early night in preparation for tomorrows
early start.