Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, but not the capital, Wellington has that honour.
Auckland lies 37º south of the Equator on the North Island of New Zealand. Rain falls all year round with a winter maximum. However, winter may be used loosely as the average minimum temperature drops to around 8ºC. Summer temperatures are comfortable in the mid twenties.
The core of Auckland is sited on an isthmus. There are numerous bridges crossing the various waterways, Auckland Harbour Bridge runs directly to the north. With limited public transport, the bridges become bottlenecks at peak times.
Arriving in Auckland by air
Ensure the NZeTA application is completed online some weeks prior to arrival. There is an app, check carefully, passport scanning errors can occur. Allow days for corrections to be rectified.
Restrictions as to what can be brought in to New Zealand are tight, having cleared the simple electronic passport control, you will be made to walk the line past sniffer dogs. Basically, don’t bring in anything you shouldn’t, simples.
With public transport limited, a pre-booked taxi is recommended. 
If you wish to use public transport, then purchasing an AT HOP card is necessary. Not being able to buy one at every train station is both frustrating and strange. Uber do well.
Notable places of interest visited:
SkyCity
Long Bay Regional Park
Mission Bay
Pukekohe
Breweries, bar, restaurants and cafes visited:
Brothers Brewery – 5 Akiraho Street, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
Churly’s Brewpub & Eatery – 1A Charles Street, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
Galbraith’s Alehouse – 2 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1023
Orbit 360º Dining – Level 52 Sky Tower, 72-78 Victoria Street West, Auckland 1010
The Malt – 10 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe, Auckland 0632
Des Traditions – 54 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041
Willow Cafe, Albany Eatery Westfield – 42 Tawa Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632
The Stoned Cow – 22 Beach Front Lane, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630
Kapiti at Mission Bay – 61 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Crown Bakery & Coffee – 132 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120
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Back to : Auckland – Days 18 – 22