Those who just pass through Auckland on their way to the thrills on offer in the rest of the country don't know what they are missing. Auckland has it all - beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, volcanoes for the nature lovers, and fabulous restaurants and night life for the more outgoing. I meant to spend just a few days there whilst I found my feet but ended staying for four months, then returned again after seeing the rest of the country and spent another year there.
On arrival there are plenty of places to stay, suiting all budgets. I started off in the YHA hostels at the top of Queen Street, which are much quieter than many of the others situated downtown. I quickly found like-minded people and found a place to rent for a reasonable price - if you need an agency there are a few on K-Road. Nice places to live which are close to town are Herne Bay and Ponsonby.
If you want to find work there are plenty of opportunities, especially in the Summer. For bar/ restaurant work you're best going in and asking if anything is available, as many don't advertise but are always looking for staff due to the transient nature of the industry. I'd say the Viaduct area is the best for such work as it has such a great, relaxed atmosphere, though you could also try Parnell or Ponsonby Road. For office work there are agencies to find work for you, or you could trying cold-calling into the many offices downtown.
For the touristy stuff I recommend Skytower - you get amazing views of the whole region. I loved going just before dusk to see the sun set and the City light up for the night shift. The War Memorial Museum is also well worth a visit to find out about the culture and history of New Zealand. The Zoo is another great day out if only to watch the randy ostrich running around its enclosure. For the more energetic of you there is the Coast to Coast Walkway, which takes you through the City's parks and inner suburbs and up Mount Eden for more panoramic views. Also the local vineyards are home to some of the country's best wines and are worth a visit.
If you fancy lying on the sand head to North Shore, where you have the popular Takapuna or, my favourite, the more secluded Narrow Neck beach.
The nightlife is also first class. For such a small city it buzzes. There is the hum of the bars, clubs and restaurants in the Viaduct, or further into town there are several more dotted around, near the backpacker hostels and also on Ponsonby Rd and the infamous K-Road. Auckland really is an excellent example of how well 24-hour drinking licences can work.
As you can tell I had an amazing time in Auckland and made some great friends. I really can't do it justice in this review and the best thing I can say is - try it for yourself!!