Our plane arrived in Auckland before noon. We chose the Shuttle Taxi to the downtown Auckland, since it was cheap and easy. However such taxi is a kind of minibus, that fills itself with at least seven people before starting. The waiting is the cost for the cheapness. We hadn't reserved any accommodation for that night, so we had to try four hostels, and backpackers lodges before we found a room for us. It was some luxus for a hostel: a room with a lockable door.

From the hostel I called my internet friend Doug Rinckes, who lives in Auckland. We met him later in the evening having couple of Kiwi beers, and chatting. He asked our planned route, and warned us about the strangest traffic regulation in NZ. You have to give way to the right turners. Cannot find any logical reason for such a rule.

We studied my maps, had another beer, and discussed about my bike rental. Since the rental shop was in the other side of the city, in Takapuna, Doug promised us a lift from our hostel to the rental shop. We were very grateful and decided to go to sleep.