We visited Auckland on our own as it was the end point of the organized tour we took.  Our friends, who had joined us on the tour, headed home.  We spent the first day just roaming around downtown Auckland and then on the second day we took an all day paid tour by car which really gave us a feel for the entire Auckland area and the black sand beaches just to the north of the city. It is a really hilly city and with it being on bay reminded us very much of San Francisco. Great way to end a trip.