New Zealand - Auckland

Auckland is weird. I’m not totally sure how I feel about it. The people are nice and very good looking, which always helps. They have a nice waterfront area and a decent city center with a big casino. They have a pretty kitschy road filled with hippie shops and strip clubs. They have ferries going all day to surrounding islands. I think I really like Auckland, but it must serve as a jumping off point to other areas.

Notes to self:

-Eat some steak. For me, Australia and New Zealand are firmly behind the US (easily the best) and Argentina, but that makes it 3rd best in the world…which is pretty damn good (Japanese beef is too boutiquey for this argument).
-Hit up some islands. Even just the ferry ride can be very relaxing with fantastic views. Waiheke is about 30 minutes away and is the most visited (mainly for the wineries). I found the beaches to be desolate and the commercial area to be small and boring (Oneroa has the only real commercial stuff). I would not go back to this particular island unless it was for wine.
-Check out K-road on the weekend. Good bars and strip places.
-Visit a different city in New Zealand…

Sofitel Auckland - Nov 2013

I didn’t have the greatest time here…but I don’t think that is their fault. Auckland is not exactly a walkable city, but this place is actually right on the Harbor, and a pretty big restaurant and nightlife area is a ten minute walk along the water. The water taxis that head out of town are also there so maybe the location isn’t so bad.

The hotel has an indoor pool, a couple restaurants, and some pretty good style. Maybe the main turnoff for me was the hotel is designed like a square, with an inner courtyard. Why anyone thinks that people want to see a pond like atrium with hotel windows all around it (with the ability to see in your room) is beyond me. That being said, they had 24 hour room service, good pay per view movie options, and a nice bathroom with a giant tub and nice rainfall shower.