Arrived in Auckland early afternoon, and found a hostel just off the main street. After popping into the Kiwi Experience office I found out that I might have to hang around here for a day longer than I wanted as the bus was full for the Monday and Tuesday... b*****! Never mind- I went for a walk around town before crashing out early.

Next day I got up and got on the Kiwi Experience "Free Bus Tour of Auckland". First we went off to the harbour bridge, walked out to the bungy pod and watched a few people jump- I was keen but decided to hold out for the Nevis Bungy in Queenstown later in my trip... three times a big!!! Next we went over the bridge to Devonport, where we had "Fush and Chups", that most traditional of New Zealand meals!!! Next it was off to some volcanic mountains (they were more hills!) to see views of the city and some guns... as you do!! After that we headed back to town before jumping off the bus.

Still stranded in Auckland, the next day I went and did a stadium tour of Eden Park (where England will belifting the World Cup later this year!). Got absolutely soaked walking there too!! Chilled out that evening ready to get moving the following day!

Next morning jumped on the Kiwi Experience with our driver (Murray... Maury... Maori??!!). He took us up Mt Eden for a view over the hugely spread out city of Auckland before we headed off towards Mercury Bay.