The Surf 'N' Snow Backpackers was really no good
We went to the kitchen to make coffee and saw it was messy and small.
Took the cup to room as the person was doing area cleaning. Checked out without returning the cup to the kitchen. Left it in the room. Didn't want to bother.
Some of the backpackers stated to take out the pillow case, mattress cover etc and place it at laundry. We did that for one of the backpacker but later on, we did not bother and nobody said anything. So, it's not a must.
Went to Fullers Downtown Ferry Terminal, Quay St, Auckland for boarding of boat to Waiheke Island Explorer Tour. We took our luggage to the Ferry terminal, deposit with harbor information counter instead of I site which was a distance. It cost NZ5 per bag/luggage. We gave only NZ5 for 2 bag. Just deposit as 1 person luggage/bag and they actually collected only NZ5.
Board the Fullers boat to the island. There was a guide receiving us at the Waiheke island and he told us to board a bus. The guide did a lot of talking and gave us only 2 stops. After tat we could actually explore the island on own using their island transport pass which was free with the tour.
We ended the tour at the main village. Nothing much actually but we could go down to the beach..bought Ferrero Rocher ice cream cost nz 5. We took the bus back to Waiheke ferry terminal at 1.30pm and board the ferry at 2pm back to Auckland.
Look around at the Auckland ferry terminal. Nearby was Downtown shopping centre. There were many gift shop but nothing interesting to buy or rather they were ex.
Took our lunch at the food court. Noodle with 3 dishes cost nz 9.90 for small. 10.90 for big. Missed mum n dad cooking at home.
Went walking around the shopping centre. At the top floor in the shopping centre, there was this "Warehouse" shop which we went. They sold clothing, food, etc. They were quite affordable. I bought 2 running singlet cost nz 12 each. Cadbury bar for nz 1 each and I never tried them before in Singapore and I bought 4 of it.
Our room at Peppertree Lodge
I think I mentioned before that we saw bad feedback about Naked bus service. Maybe we were lucky? The bus actually sent us to our backpackers! Bus with toilet facilities and frequent toilet stop. It was actually comparable with Intercity!
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1. Waiheke Island Explorer Tour, NZ 52
http://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations-tours/waiheke/waiheke-explorer-tour.php?gclid=CLKIz_jsxb8CFVAljgodU14ARA
2. Naked bus from Auckland to Paihia, NZ 14.99
http://nakedbus.com/nz/bus/route
Naked bus stop
172 Quay St, opposite ferry building
Naked bus stop
Paihia (Bay of Islands) - Outside Main ferry terminal building on Mersden road
3. Peppertree Lodge, NZ 53.5
http://www.booking.com
15 Kings Road
Paihia, 2010, New Zealand
