Auckland
I finally arrived at Auckland, the last destination of my long trip. I had connected with another flight at Auckland airport several times before but I hadn't stayed there. So I was not quite sure if Auckland was an interesting city or not for me.

Aspen House Hotel
I stayed at Aspen House Hotel for 6 nights. It was located in the heart of the city but it was on the top of the hill. There were too many slopes in Auckland. As I suspected, because I had been out of training entirely recently, it was a bit of hard work to go up and down the hill every day....
left:
The right was an old wing and you can stay there at a low price. But all of the rooms didn't have en-suites. The left was a new wing, each room had TV and private facilities. Of course I stayed at the old wing!
center:
Room rate for a single with shared facilities was NZ$50 per night per person. It was a little expensive for me but I chose this hotel. Because I'd had bookings every day during my stay and because I had to get up early and come back late at night. I didn't want to disturb and be any concern for other people. My room was very simple, there was nothing in my room beyond a bed with linen and a table lamp on the desk. The next building was very close and when I opened the curtains there was only a wall....
right:
I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast. It seemed to be good for my health! The free continental buffet breakfast was in the dining room every morning for guests. I didn't have to prepare for breakfast for myself so it was very easy.

Dining room in a new wing
Spacious, clean and many kinds of cereal!

New wing and old wing
left:
A hall way at a new wing. It was like I was in another hotel....
center, right:
It looked like an old style accommocation.

Countdown until the Rugby World Cup 2007
One side of a building was showing "The 24949401 seconds until the Rugby World Cup 2007". Other side was showing the number of minutes until the Rugby World Cup 2007! Kiwis must be really a big rugby fan.

Auckland city
It was a big city and the streets were crowded with people and cars. However, it had a good outlook over the harbor. The world's most famous yacht race, "The America's Cup", is held in Auckland on Feburary.