dont go to auckland. go to waikato aero club. about 1 1/2 hours further south by road.
www.flywaikato.co.nz.
great a/c, great instructors, cheaper a/c hire and a well controlled aerodrome. You dont have to put up with all the crap at ardmore airport which is a big bonus.
Hamilton is Cheaper to live in too! but dont live there too long!