Well today I arrived in Auckland at 5:30am after a flight that seemed to last forever on which I didn't sleep one wink! We got dinner about half an hour after take off and then all the lights went off so i had to entertain myself for 5 hours! I arrived in Auckland, went through immigration quite quickly (declaring all my stuff of course!) and then went and had a cup of coffee and a scone in the arrivals hall as it was still pitch black outside and i had to catch the bus so thought I would wait a bit.

I got the bus at about 6:30 - it took about an hour to get to my stop which I didn't hear so ended up doing the whole loop before being dropped off right at the end on the way back. Didn't really mind though as I got to see ALOT!! Everything is VERY jacked up here - there are tv's in the buses, they have STARBUCKS (yes!!) and they have every designer store you could imagine. (Mum...are you jealous??) Not that I can go shopping there. I got to YHA Auckland City at about 10ish and when i walked into reception was told I couldn't check in until 2pm but I could store my huge backpack upstairs.

Up I went - sorted myself out, packed my little bag and went for a walk down the street. Ended up catching this bus called the link which does a loop which is super cool because i know exactly where i'm going! Went past Auckland University which is AMAZING! The university is along a street and each department is in a separate building on the street and the buildings are all old. The street is also lined with beautiful trees...it is amazing. Will take some photos later when I get on the next bus and head up there.

Trying to find a supermarket in the city is ANOTHER story...they have little superette type things but not really anything i need (just want to buy some apples!). Guess i'm going to have to search one out later. Walked past the hugest McDonald's i have ever seen in my life just now - it is practically a food court in itself!! It is a joke...They also have a HUGE imax theatre which is really awesome on the outside.

So far i am really impressed with NZ - it is amazing!! Can't wait to see more!
Tomorrow I am getting on a bus to Rotorua so will give you an update then!