We started the day with a nice and early alarm. Got everyone ready, checked out and headed to the airport. We had our fingers crossed for an easy check in, but it never seems to go that way. The airport certainly won the battle.....

1: went to wrong company first - we were booked with Emirates but it changed to Qantas as Emirates no longer flies to Auckland
2: After trying for what seemed like ages the e-passport didn't work cause they were new passports for the kids so it turned into the walk of shame to the service desk
3: Got to the font of the cue to check in turned into a walk to the other row of check in desks cause it was busy - more waiting
4: getting kids thu customs..... including getting everyone to get their jumpers off and Caitlyn being spoken too because she was on her phone in the customs area
5: Joel got picked for body scan and I got picked for explosives testing

Cleared customs without a hitch (......) and were dazzled by all the duty free bling that was on offer - pretty shiny things. Grabbed some breaky and set off for our gate.

The flight went well (except I sent everyone to the wrong seats) though other than take off and landing there was really not much to see out the window. For some reason Jacob was ticketed down as a vegetarian so he was not too impressed with his in flight meal. On decent Jacob had a massive problem with his ears not popping so that was pretty tough for him.

It was good to finally land and we were all set to get thru customs. Collected our bags with no drama but customs clearance was a bit confusing and there was no one around to help out. The problem was 1: the new passports not being recognised and 2: Jacob being under the age of 12. Anyway got to the part where you can get the tick and walk on out or get bags checked. Had a lovely talk with the officer on duty and we got the green tick so got out of there quick smart.

Because we go into Auckland a bit late in the afternoon the type of car that we booked was not available so were given an upgrade.

Got to our motel without drama but parking was all bonked out so Joel was sent several blocks away to ditch the car at the Casino @ $50NZ

Booked in to the motel room and were very disappointed with the accomodation - which was arranged by flight centre.

The kids were starving so we headed to the wharf to grab some food via Vodafone (to get a NZ sim). Had a great walk thru town and an amazing dinner (and drinks for the grown ups) at Jack Tar - on the wharf. Were absolutely impressed by the public spaces in Auckland, heaps of seating and very clean though we did notice a lot of homeless people in the city.

Popped in to Countdown (Woolworths) on the way back to the motel for a few supplies and settled in for the night.