Over an hour after boarding the airport shuttle bus, and after an in-depth tour of a number of Auckland's suburbs, we arrived at the International YHA. Dreaming about crawling in to our inviting, cosy bed for a decent sleep, we were more than slightly concerned when the receptionist claimed that we didn't have a reservation! This meant that I had to wait at reception with all the bags while Dan headed off to the nearest internet cafe to print off our booking confirmation email. Twenty minutes later the staff admitted that there must have been a mistake and we were eventually allocated a twin room (although we had booked a double). Upon entering our room, which resembled a prison cell, despite being shattered, we decided to go straight back out and look for alternative accommodation.
We were in luck and booked into the ACB (Auckland Central Backpackers) for the duration of our stay, although we were unable to secure a room for that night. After a short walk to the storage company where we'd left a few bits and pieces over Christmas, we headed back to the YHA and crashed out in our cell.
About five hours later we woke up after a restful sleep. Dan didn't feel great though, as he'd finally succumbed to the cold that I had over Christmas. So I went out for a walk on my own and ended up in Burger King before making my way back to the hostel loaded down with lemsips and tissues. I then had my best night's sleep in ages, but Dan was kept awake by doors slamming through the night and then by an army of builders who started working at dawn on a site right outside our room.
Not disappointed to leave the YHA, we wandered down the road and checked in to the ACB. We were relieved to find that our room there was infinitely better, which was just as well as we spent most of the day lounging around and recovering from the flight.
The following morning I had a long lie in (I think I'm catching up on all the sleep that I missed when I was at home - I'm sleeping much better here!) and Dan went out to treat me to breakfast in bed. After both spending a couple of hours on the internet, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful, clear day and go up the Sky Tower for an aerial view of Auckland.
Having reached the viewing gallery, we were struck by how large Auckland actually is. It certainly helped us to put the city into perspective and it was really useful to get our bearings of where particular landmarks were located in relation to others. As we walked around the viewing area, we came across several glass floor tiles where you could stand and stare directly down at the streets and buildings below - a slightly unnerving, if fun experience.
Whilst at the top of the tower, we watched a couple of guys who had paid (a premium price) to jump off the tower in a 20 second controlled descent (similar to a bungy jump) - it was quite bizarre to look through the window and see a body flying past you. Dan and I decided not to have a go - after all it was far too expensive!
Once we had rode the glass elevator down to the bottom of the tower, we had a quick look around the adjoining casino complex - Sky City. Dan had previously noted an ad in the local paper for a New Year's Extravaganza to be hosted here and we nosed around as preparations were being made for the evening. Considering entry was free and a variety of entertainment was promised, we decided to come back and check it out later in the evening.
Andrea and Dan
36 votes 
This is a top pick!
