Whenurhappy
I like the reference to cars.
It was only 32 years agao when I first went to NZ that the majority of cars were still old English bangers of the 50's and 60's vintage, the 2nd hand Japanese imports not having started. Seeing a lot of the cars from my parents era was an eye opener.
Aukland was not really planned so it always looks messy and unfinished in my opinion.
Violence - yes, it can be in certain areas and at night, just like most cities.
And if you do go to NZ, don't mention the French !!!