Beattys Overseas

Our flight out of Cairns took us to Brisbane, where we hung out at the Business class lounge, then we were on to Aucland. We didn't have enough time to explore Auckland properly, as we arrived near midnight, but we did the 'main spots.'  We went out to a local spot for a few brews, of course.  Our very late arrival on Friday night left us with nothing but - aw, gee, sucks - to do but go out for some beers in the young & hip district where we encountered some very enthusiastic Australian Open tennis fans.  Day 2, we left our lovely Hyatt Regency king-size bed to walk around Auckland's Queen Street (kinda like SF's Market Street or NYC's Canal Street).  
Auckland, mate!

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, with 1/3 of the entire country's population living in the city or in surrounding suburbs.  The city looks and feels much like other port/touristy cities we've visited in the Southern Hemisphere (Cape Town, Sydney), but has lovely parks and University campuses.  The piers were inviting, as were the many parks along the walk from our hotel.  We liked the easy vibe of even this country's biggest city.  

But, alas, we had to move on.  And, after a nearly 60-miniute wait in the line at the AVIS center on Sunday morning, we were on our merry way driving south.  The trip took us through some very quirky little towns, one of which is famous for it's corrugated metal (see photo).  Driving on the 'other' side of the road again, this time was easier for Whitney, as we were provided an Automatic (with AC!) vehicle!  Rotorua, a mid-sized town 3 hrs south of Auckland was our destination.   Here we come.