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Arriving into Auckland at 5am we breezed through customs and immigrations and were met by Maz's cousin, Geraldine. Hugs and kisses exchanged we made our way to her house. We were made to feel right at home, after a quick explanation of sleeping arrangements and how everything worked Geraldine rushed off to work leaving us to our own devices. Although we were both shattered neither of us slept, maybe it was the excitement of being in a new country....Dal buried her head in the book/magazine collection and Maz happily flicked through music channels. Hungry we searched the cupboards....Maz shrieking for joy as she found baked beans, something she had been craving ever since she left the UK!! A family meal was planned that night so Maz could meet her other cousins, several glasses of wine later we were more than ready to hit the pillow.
The following day (slightly hungover) we walked around the local area and visited Sylvia Park, a big nearby shopping complex. It reminded us very much of home as we walked by stores such as borders, starbucks and wagamama's. Borders being our 1st stop to pick up a guide on New Zealand so we could start planning our road trip! Next was the supermarket to stock up on fruits and veggies, something we have really missed in South America. What really surprised us was the currency! All notes and coins have the Queens head on them, both feeling a bit dumb for not knowing it was part of the British colony! Duh!
Feeling a bit more adventurous we braved the public transport and made our way into the city. We made our way to the viaduct, famous for its luxury ships and views, lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. A visit to the tourist info office supplied us with everything we needed to navigate our way around. We visited the art gallery containing Maori portraits, british colonial and contempary art...the most interesting for us being the Maori. A long, tiring walk through town brought us to the Museum where we booked a guided tour, us being the only 2 on it! An old english gentleman led us through the museum, explaining the history and culture of the Maori people giving us an indepth knowledge. Another night sat around the dining table, eating and sharing a bottle of wine while trying to understand more about the family history.
On Dion's day off she took us to Ateora Market for a cultural experience....many Maori and Pacific people frequent this Market every weekend. However, we felt more like we were in the bronx as their attitude, clothing and love of music is very similar. Afterwards we visited Mt Eden (an inactive volcano) which offered us fantastic ariel views of the city, followed by a lovely lunch in Ponsonby. Next stop, the pub which specialised in tasty Belgian beers. A drive around the beachfront where we stopped at Dockers, a bar with great views of the harbour where we enjoyed a sundowner as we watched the sunset. A beautiful finish to a beautiful day :)
Sunday was car auction day.....Neil picked us up and and took us to Ellersie market where we were hoping to pick up a campervan. Overwhelmed and inexperienced we came away empty handed and feeling slightly demotivated.   An afternoon with Dion to a nearby bar, a beer and 2 glasses of wine later and all was well :) That evening Neil took us all out for a meal and we ate until we nearly burst!
A couple of days later we managed to settle a deal on a Mazda Bongo (heheh a wonderful name!) We negotiated a price reduction. Our bongo is automatic, easy to navigate and cruise the streets in! We have a Batman fold out bed and storage cupboards. Our kitchen can be found to the rear of the vehicle with all amenities including a stove!! hahah! We're lapping it up in luxury! :)
We're now just wrapping everything up here, buying a few extras for a more comfortable travel and detailing an itinerary, which is always subject to change! Tonight we hit our first indian since we left England....looking forward to some authentic curry and a few beers! So english!
Tomorrow is the start of our new adventure around New Zealand.....relaxing and rejuvenating in Auckland for one and half weeks after 6 months in South America we now feel ready to tackle the North and South Islands!
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