I arrived in Auckland at 2:30 AM... ... and was greeted with a welcoming hug at the airport by Leonie, the cousin of my good friends back home, Marjie and Nigel. What a great introduction to New Zealand, a country I've never been to before, but have always wanted to visit. The Kiwis definitely live up to their reputation for being warm and friendly. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, located on the North Island. I spent five relaxing days with Leonie and her boyfriend, Lindsay at their cottage in the rural town of Beachlands, just east of Auckland. Leonie showed me around the Auckland Area, with all of its diversity - from city life to rolling green pastures to ocean beaches and rain forests.
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