Mt. Maunganui & Auckland - where?

'Whistlestop' is a word that can be used to describe much of my trip around NZ, but none more so than my visits to Mt Maunganui and Auckland.

'The Mount' as locals call it is nice enough. Nice beach and a harbour with many sail boats, boutique style shops and cafes galore. I got the impression is was similar to some 'Riviera' type place - a playground for those on hols and with money. Still, the beach was good for a beer or two and some silly snaps.

Auckland's a big city. What more can I say? On a major positive side, my passport with my Indian visa was ready and waiting for me at the hostel.... It had been cutting it fine to sort this out and get it back in time to fly out on the 28th, so a rather large sigh of relief was heard!
I'm sure, with more time, I'd have been able to seek out some nice spots and such, but as it was I managed a tad of shopping, a walk down the main street and five mins sitting in the sun at the harbour front. It was really just a through point as the 'Bay of Islands' and Pahia beckoned - a place to spend the last few days in NZ chilling out, avoiding bus journeys and mentally preparing myself for my next flight!