AUCKLAND AT LAST

My flight hit the tarmac at exactly 6:15am this Wednesday morning. (My blogs are a day late because I’ve been too lazy to access internet on schedule during my travels). I arrived to a very welcoming environment and an efficiency that I soon learned was exhibited at every agency I encountered today. I first saw it at the customs desk; the customs agent merely looked at my visa, stamped my passport, and passed me through. In the United States, whenever I return, I get asked a myriad of questions, as if I was under suspicion for something bad. On top of this Spanish inquisition-like interrogation, they are rude to me. Besides the politeness and the professionalism, the Auckland airport security personnel were very good about directing the human traffic through all the security checkpoints. One final scan of my bags upon departing the customs area and I arrived at baggage claim. I waited several minutes before I sighted my grey luggage emerging around the corner on the carousel. Happy and relieved to know that my luggage had not gotten lost or strayed in-flight, I proceeded to exchange my currency at the Traveller’s Express booth and subsequently walked over to the traveler’s corner to reserve a dorm bed at the Camel Nomad.

I should also mention that the traveler’s corner at the airport contained a lot of information, a feature essential for those without possession of the Lonely Planet. I sighted accommodation directories for both the North and South Islands, among other helpful information. I also learned that the AirBus Express arrives every 10 minutes, often enough to make transitioning to the hostel convenient and smooth. The AirBus Express even sponsors a booth, where people can purchase tickets before boarding between 7am and 7pm. Adapters can also be purchased for NZD$20.00. The plus side about using this public transportation service is that the staff seemed to be very knowledgeable. The driver knew exactly which zone I would have to get off at after I presented the name of the hostel to him.

The ride to Auckland central took about 30 minutes. Within minutes – following a short walk from the bus stop along Front Street – I arrived at the hostel doors. The clerk remembered me from the phone and booked me in for this evening. The hostel allows travelers to store luggage in the luggage room for free, as check-in doesn’t occur until 1pm.

Along the way, I noticed a BNZ branch on Queen Street. So, after a brief breakfast at the ubiquitous Burger King chain, I walked across the street and showed one of the bank clerks the letter I received from the bank a month ago, signifying the holding account I had opened on line. The bank manager was very helpful and the entire process took probably less than 30 minutes. During this time, not only did I deposit my money into my account, but I also received my Eftpos card, which allows me to pay for charges immediately.

The day’s final errand was purchasing my NakedBus bus ticket. This bus, I was told, can be very busy. They charge an extra NZD$10.00 if the weight is over the upper limit of 20kg, but at the discretion of the driver. However, it is a small payment in light of the low price of NZD$39.00 for a one way ticket on an 8-hour ride. Compare this price to 45.00 or 31.00 for a 4-hour ride to NYC from Amherst. 

The NakedBus stop on Quay Street is a very convenient distance from the Nomad hostel. The same agency that sells the bus ticket, "4Sightseeing", gave me a free SIM card, but I haven't figured out how to work it on my motorola cell phone.

At one hour before check-in, I’m going to head over to the water front to enjoy the pre-summer breeze rolling in from the ocean. I can feel it from the Seattle Espresso café, where I am writing the draft of this blog.