AUCKLAND
With little traffic the ride in was the fastest I can remember (on a bus) - about 25 minutes.
I checked into the Crowne Plaza where I was staying on a Points Break award. The check in agent made a comment about the cheap rate I was getting and handed me the usual letter from GM to elites, plus my keycards. No surprise, I got my usual room on the floor below club floor, with a nice view. A gingerbread man, some chocolates and a welcome card were on the bed, but not the usual complimentary water bottle.
Next morning after an early wake up (but not so early as for my usual flight) and oh too little sleep I grabbed the newspaper (delivered nice and early to cater for guests checking out for the early morning departures), checked out and made my way to the airport on ths bus.