KiwiLand

Trip Start Feb 08, 2008
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Trip End Mar 10, 2008


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Where I stayed
Copthorne Harbour View
(Auckland hotels)

Flag of New Zealand  ,
Sunday, February 10, 2008

We survived the long flight - I slept most of the way, Al did not.  The service on Air New Zealand was great,as was the food (curried lamb, yummy).  We got to sample some wonderful New Zealand wine (which is probably why I went right to sleep).

Arriving in Auckland airport however was a nightmare.  We fly 11,371 km to spend forever getting through customs.  We arrive to see a large maze before us, moving very slowly.  Luckily for those with young families they do have a separate lineup.  We creep through the line.  An hour and a half later we reach the front of the line, feeling very wilted from the noticeable high humidity (I already have curly hair - I packed all that hair product for nothing!)  Finally to the front of the line, get our papers checked (they allow NO food here and want to know if your shoes are clean.)  Then we get our luggage (it is all here yippee), and then another long line to go through another xray machine and a little greeting from the cute sniffer dogs.   We finally get to exit to find out that of driver to take us to our hotel had given up on us (we are now about 2 hours late)..  the good news is that New Zealanders are famously helpful and we soon have a gentleman helping us to contact our shuttle service and soon Gail is here to rescue us and whisk us off to our hotel.  Advise to those having to make connections through Auckland - allow lots of time!
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Comments

domcrest
domcrest on Feb 10, 2008 at 01:58AM

Hi Jillian
I am always envious that you can sleep on an aircraft. You now know first hand and can relate to my experience at Auckland Airport. I am impressed you found great coffee, I never did in New Zealand. Kudos to you two.

Yes, it is very expensive there, $8.00 for a beer, I hope it tasted good.

It has stopped snowing in Calgary and is supposed to become very warm tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all your entries.

Take care,

Dorothy

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