Auckland - Welcome to New Zealand

Finally! After a 4-hour flight from Fiji, we have arrived in our main travel destination. The immigration process was completely problem-free, even the notorious bio-security was completely harmless. During the transfer to the city, we immediately experienced the traffic problems here. Auckland is booming, and the airport bus was stuck in traffic. But the cool thing was that the transfer bus had a free internet hotspot. So, we could go online right after arrival, very convenient!

Our accommodation in a 1-bedroom B&B turned out to be an absolute stroke of luck. Our host Wayne, an older retiree who also drove a bus for 3 hours in the morning ("then you'll have the bathroom to yourselves"), was so hospitable and helpful. He picked us up from the bus, gave us many tips for Auckland, lent us a power drill for our motorbike boxes, arranged a transfer to the warehouse to pick up the mopeds, and constantly offered us things: coffee, tea, and a glass of wine in the evening - all of it was natural to him. The location of the charming old house in Freemans Bay was also ideal, within walking distance to the city or the entertainment area of Ponsonby Rd and K'Road. So, we felt very comfortable in our small room in the garden house.

That's why we immediately decided to spend our last days in New Zealand here in March. A suitcase is currently parked in his garage.

The 6 days in Auckland went by very quickly. We had some organizational things to take care of: opening a bank account, getting phone cards, going to the "Kiwi ADAC" AA. As a member of the ADAC, you get free AA membership.

We also did a bit of sightseeing. The harbor area is very beautiful, where you can feast your eyes on boats. It's incredible what kind of boats are there. On Sunday, we took a little trip to the volcanic island of Rangitoto. Less than an hour by ferry from the harbor, you're on an uninhabited island right off Auckland. A few hiking trails and a toilet facility are the only infrastructure.

And on Monday, we had an appointment at the warehouse of the forwarding company to pick up our motorcycles. We were somehow a little nervous...