We arrive in Auckland having had some sleep. I did peer out while we were flying over north Western Australia at night and could see little towns (some just a single main street) with stars above and a thunderstorm in between. Little and large flashes of lightning lighting the clouds from within. Ayers rock isn't lit up at night so I missed it.
We spent a while staring at accommodation and car rental brochures before deciding to go to the Youth Hostel by Airbus. The YHA Airbus fare discount looks like it'll be the first of many [YHA discounts] in New Zealand, they seem quite clued up. Rather than the advertised 14C it seemed a more balmy 19C or so.
The YHA is very much like the old University halls we had, 10 or so twin room per floor with two toilets and two showers to share. We catch up on some sleep then do some laundry. Washers and dryers [that are] industrial -- yet not student or hosteller -- strength, more University memories. The head out for a downtown pub/micro brewery. We've missed food but have a couple of decent beers. A slight mis-read of the menu meant my first was a 6 degree proof stout. An English porter sprang to mind which requires some patience and a strong stomach. We headed off at 11 for some food back up Queen St.. Having firmly refused to eat at Burger King, even all the Korean and Japanese restaurants had closed (except those without English translations -- locals only!), we ended up walking back down the hill for a BK.
The Sky Tower looks great at night, though the photo didn't capture it.
City YHA, Auckland S36.85673
E174.76274 Elev. 104m. 
Copyright 2002 Ian Fitchet. All rights reserved.