We had a hard time deciding how to go to Auckland...via Tauranga and cormandel peninsula or to Raglan and hug west coast...we chose the latter. It was a great trip. Got to Raglan and took a walk along river. We then drove to see the long, beautiful but black ocean beach....back into town to find a coffee spot overlooking the large harbour! Very nice spot only an hour from Hamilton. We then took the Wilderness drive north. It was very scenic...again mountains and valleys...had lunch at a spot famous for its bacon and ham....and it was delicious!! Got into Auckland about 2 and settled into our hotel...harbour oaks...surprisingly only a small room but it had full cooking facilities and a washer and dryer which we needed badly by this time....so I put on a wash and went and had a swim in their lovely outdoor heated pool. Really enjoyed that! Then I went for a walk to the harbour and down queen street...found a grocer and bought some fresh salmon and veggies for dinner in our room...it was so nice to have dinner in!