My flight left Sydney pretty much on time & I had no irritating children sitting in the vicinity - perfect. Upon landing in Auckland I had to sort out car hire. I thought this had been done when I used the internet in Sydney airport, but when phoning the car company they advised me they had no free cars & I was probably sent a decline message. So it was back to the Budget desk for their reliable, if somewhat expensive, service. It was a roasting hot evening - by the time I climbed into the car it was already 6.30pm. I headed north of the city into & through Hillsborough & Blockhouse Bay and ended up finding a motel by pure chance in New Lynn.