Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and main transport hub, the region is home to some 1.5 million people. Maori were the first inhabitants of New Zealand and they came from an island or group of islands in Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. There are distinct similarities between the Maori language & culture and others of Polynesia including the Cook Islands, Hawaii and Tahiti.
  After a long flight from LA, I arrived at Auckland early in the morning; my flight with New Zealand airlines was excellent. I took the airport bus from the door 9 and it cost me $16. The driver helped me to get off at right stop for my hotel Best western at Victoria St west. It was only 4 min steep walk there.

I quickly left my luggage at the hotel and I rushed to get the Ho Ho bus for 9.45 am which was only 3 mins from the hotel. I even had time to check the intercity bus pick up around the corner. Ho Ho bus cost $40 and we passed the harbor, Bastion point and I got off at Auckland museum. You can interchange ar Auckland Museum for blue line. I spent little time here, the Maori exhibits are extensive and worth a visit then I took blue bus for Mt Eden. At Mt Eden a guide was waiting there and he took us in a small shuttle up the Mt Eden. He also told us more about MT Eden volcano. 




  Mount Eden

 Mount Eden or Maungawhau is the highest volcano in Auckland city at 196 metres high. One significant feature is a large, well-preserved crater, some 50 metres deep, contained within the summit cone. We had 360 degree spectacular panoramic views of Auckland, the volcanic cones were quite visible and it was good to look down at the crater.
It was sunny day and I spend 2 hours there watching people meditating, singing and admiring the views. I climbed down in five mins to the centre which has wash rooms. I took the blue bus tour passing rugby stadium but I could not take clear picture from the bus as it was full. I did the full circuit and then did the red circuit passing the city attractions.
 
 
  I went to the hotel and Raj at the Best western was most helpful to give me directions to buy adaptor. He also loaned me one so I could charge both my gadgets. My room was lovely with view of sky tower. Later I took a walk around and I bought a adaptor from Dick Smith for $20. The streets were busy as people finished work and were heading home. 

  Now it was time to find a restaurant, after eating Mexican and Italian, I decided to go for an Indian vegetarian restaurant, called Rasoi at 211 Karangahape Rd. It was 10 min walk there, the restaurant front window was very appealing with colourful display of the Indian sweets. I decided to go for the set meal. My meal was tasty and v reasonable for choice of two curries, roti, rice, dal, salad and poppadum's. I also bought samosas and bhaji to take away for breakfast, I could warm them in the morning as my room had microwave in it which was very handy.

 

 
 


 
 Best western charge extra $10 for wifi but you can get 30 mins free in lobby. I paid $5 for 4 hrs in lobby as I just needed it for one hr. But when I came back there were no seats in lobby as big group of a tour were having meeting there so It is worthwhile to pay $10 and have it in your room but when I asked the lady at reception but she was rude and refused to sort it out.
 But the hotel is in excellent location, 3 mins from Sky and 5 mins walk to intercity bus. Some of the staff like Raj was very helpful, my room was clean and the view was great. I would definitely recommend this hotel but if you need wifi just pay $10 extra to have it in comfort of your room.