We're HERE!

Post from Mum (Helen)
It seems so unreal to finally be in Auckland. It's so green and many of the buildings, both business and houses, are like the heritage buildings in Rockhampton. Both Kerry and Jodie were taken away by Customs in Australia to be frisked. It was quite exciting. And then when we got to New Zealand, the cutest little sniffer dog (with a young female customs officer) showed a great interest in our bags. I thought we were going to all be hauled away. After a while we were all on our way to Alpers Lodge. Two others women are here too. The rooms are pretty okay. One totally smelled of cigarette smoke, which we said was unacceptable so the management changed it. Caught a taxi to the wharf, checked out restaurant prices, when we caught our breath went hunting for something more affordable. Found a lovely place, good food, enough of it and good service. Saw a huge ferry/boat at the wharf. It was enormous. Saw some lovely Kiwi clothes, sporty type, black with white fern. Beautiful. All sizes. Our tour organisers turned up with caps, t-shirts emblazoned with Australia and best of all, our games tickets. The organizers say that the seats are very good. We'll see tomorrow. Yay!