Havn't ever been as excited as I was the first time I saw New Zealand - I don't know why!!! My luggage is 4kg lighter than it was when I left Heathrow - not sure how I managed that! Getting through NZ customes was a bit of a faff, but not as bad as America and I got another passport stamp :) Am staying at Auckland Central Backpackers - BASE tonight so after catching the airbus from the airport I dumped my stuff and headed off to explore Auckland! I could be in England - it is like a quieter version of London with NOTHING here apart from either REALLY chavvy or REALLY expensive shops!!! I walked around in circles for a bit and eventually found the sky tower which turned out to be about 5 minutes up the road from ACB - Blonde moment!!! Went up in the lift with a glass floor to the "highest viewing point in the Southern Hemisphere" apprently I could see for 82Km in eavery direction!
The hostel is HUGE - and I have managed to get the only top bunk in my room with no sides!!! The pedestrian crossing in Auckland are cool they have a countdown on them until the cars are going to start driving again.