final destination Auckland

After short 58 minutes we reached our final destination Auckland at 12:30 pm. Another security check, followed by getting permission for 3 months stay. Passing declaration and final secure check of baggage content, we left airport. Well, I have to say Kiwis are really likeable, because the helped us by getting to Ace Rental Car. This car service is not directly at the airport, so we had to call a free number to inform them to handle our transit to their office.

At the Ace Rental office the friendly woman managed an upgrade at the ferry from Wellington to Picton, because we do have same car all time. After a short checkout round the white Nissan, we stowed our luggage and prepared for the first run at the street. I fixed my GPS at the front window (updated with newest roadmap of New Zealand), and off we go at 14:00pm.

My experiences?
… first I tried to grap the seatbelt from the wrong side…
… second, my right hand crashed into door, to set gear…
… third, we left park area and I drove first 100m on the wrong side …
… fourth, trying to set the blinker ended in using the fucking windscreen wiper …
… fifth, I tried to rest my left arm on the imaginary door … jep! U have to rest the right arm - WTF?! :-)
… turning left, is easier as turning right …

Finally we arrived at 15pm our first hotspot the Hunua Falls at. This is pretty waterfall, and locals use this place to swim and relax. We spent time for realizing, that we are actually NOW in New Zealand!

At 18:00pm we arrived Matamata - also known as Hobbiton. After do checkin at Broadway Motel, we explored the supermarket. Hell, there are so many different items and goods … shopping becomes an extraordinary adventure. Back to motel, we soon fall asleep.



Details Broadway Motel:

• Modern and clean room (we stayed in room #6).
• Very helpful and polite owner.
• Each room has different style
• Extra separated spa with whirlpool (00-24h use possible)
• Full vested kitchen (microwave, oven, toaster, sink)
• Toilet is separated from the bath
• No WLAN but an old computer with internet connection. And when I say old, I REALLY mean OLD. This PC is still using floppy discs:-)
• Near Mc Donald has a hotspot with costs