Auckland Arrival and Downtown First Impressions: Britomart & Queen’s Street

My flight from Shanghai, China arrived in the wee hours of the morning in Auckland. In fact, my flight arrived earlier than scheduled so I had to wait for sisterJ and Myrhh who were just on their way to the airport. It was the break of dawn and although I did not feel any jetlag yet, I know I will in a few hours time.

A traditional Maori wooden arch gateway called "Maharoa" on the Aotea Square and the beautiful and stately Auckland town hall to the right.

Pedestrian scramble intersection on Victoria and Queen Streets.

Speaking of arrival, I wanted to briefly talk about going through NZ Customs & Immigration. The country passionately protects its beautiful natural resources, thus any clothing, equipment or item that has to do with outdoors and nature has to be screened by customs. This meant showing to them the soles of my hiking shoes. There must be no traces of earth on it.

And oh, no dairy, meat, and any food with honey are allowed in as well. I brought with me some cookies and candies and that was it.

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