New Zealand - Auckland

Stayed in an airport motel for 2 days. Not sure why, just seemed like we didn't know what else to do. But the kids loved the pool and the little pond with goldfish. But at $15/day for internet and way more to stay this was unsustainable so...






We moved into town, Parnell, a section of Auckland near the museum and downtown. We got a room in the Aloe Inn backpacker or hostel on Queen's Bay st. Yes, Wireless! So we caught up on email, bought christmas presents, the kids saw the new Harry Potter movie. There are 4 other hostels in that couple blocks. Popular place.





The museum was very cool, a large display of Maori and polynesian artifacts, including a really huge war canoe and a Maori meeting house reproduction. They also had a Da Vinca display, of all things. Mostly of his machines, many of them interactive.

The waterfront area was very active, both with business and tourist stuff, including of course, America's cup boats. You can stand under "The Big One" and admire the Kiwi's audacity at playing the America's Cup game and almost beating us at it. Or you can sign up for some match racing on former AC boats, including a showy tow out to the infamous Huraki gulf and champagne lunch after.