Auckland

Places visited:

Waiheke Island: We took the ferry to the island then took a bus to tour the island and visit a winery. Lots of nice bays and beaches to visit.

Mount Eden: A volcano with a crater that is scared to the Māori. Great views of the area from the summit. It is the highest natural point in Auckland.

Auckland Domain: A park, museum and gardens located close to downtown. A pleasant place to visit and unwind.

Mission Bay: An up scale part of Auckland. There are restaurants, stores and theaters to visit. Take the bus from downtown and spend an afternoon walking the area.

Karangahape Road: Walk to it from downtown. Slightly seedy, but lots of restaurants and people enjoying the evening.

Lodging

Base Auckland: A great location right on Queen Street. Base Auckland caters to young backpackers who just need a bed to crash in. Carpeting is worn and dirty, the mattresses are soft, the noise level is high. The cost was $5 NZ per bed. Stay at Base Auckland if you want the bar and party atmosphere, avoid it if you want clean accommodations and a comfortable bed.

Pentlands: Close to two bus lines within walking distance of downtown. A fair number of restaurants close by as well as grocery stores and banks. The room was acceptable, however the bed was very soft. The bathrooms are individual rooms, however some mornings there was a wait for an available room. The bathrooms also need to be cleaned more then once a day. As with other backpacker accommodations you label your food and put it in the refrigerator. This was the one place where other people ignored our label and helped themselves to our wine.

Recommendation

Base Auckland: No
Pentlands: No