Oh cool, its a underrated place for sure, most people just stay in the airport. I think it may be a while before Monitor Lizard curry is available in Auckland?
Did you go to the Zoo? Was probably the best Zoo I have ever been too, mainly because they let you into the enclosures and I had the chance to see a white tiger up close.. and Speaking of Lizards, there was one enclosure that had us standing next to a Comodo dragon, I was scared.
Glad you had a good trip, and you are right with the lack of vibrance, Kiwi's seem to mostly occupied with what their house is worth and then never leaving it unless they are going to a shopping mall or McDonalds.