In Auckland!!!

So overall my flights went well and I am safe and sound in Auckland. Though upon arrival in LAX I discovered 1 hr before take off that they will not let me board without a ticket leaving NZ. I had to exit security and purchase a ticket to Australia for December, I guess I can't really complain, but I didn't want to have to do that. Luckily, I already had an AUS visitor visa. The NZ travel site said I needed enough funds or a plane ticket leaving in 3 months (max time for visitor visa). Oh well. Anyway, the 12 hr plane ride from LAX to Auckland was just fine but of course I was in the middle of 2 obese people, one who had horrible breath! I offered gum to both and the one with fine breath accepted. It was a smooth flight all in all, watched a few movies and ate a lot of food. I ordered the veggie option so I was "special" and was able to eat before everyone.
Upon arrival, I took a bus to downtown Auckland to my hostel. The website listed that it had 24 hr reception but it didn't. (I arrived in town about about 6:15 am) So I went to a near by market and befriended a Korean man who let me put my bag down while he tried to contact the hostel. By 7am I was in. I passed out until 11 and woke up, showered, and here I am in an internet cafe writing to you all.
I think I am going to like this place.