AUCKLAND
Flying in from Thailand to do New Zealand for a month is a bit a of jaunt but NZ’s weather can be temperamental and January is the time to do it so here I am. In terms of the weather it proved to be completely the wrong decision but as for everything else, it couldn’t have been better!
ONE DRINK LEAD TO THE INEVITABLE NIGHT OUT AGAIN
WHERE IS NEW ZEALAND?
As far from home as you can get
LIKE HOME
Out of the airport and what a shock. I’ve been in such different places recently that Auckland looks just like home with its green grass and proper western buses! Checked into Nomads Auckland which isn’t a hostel I would usually go for seeing as there is always 500 people per dorm. Smaller hostels for me are the way to go!
BOOKING THE KIWI EXPERIENCE
I’m in two minds about what to do here in NZ and what the best way to explore is. I’ve been recommended by a lot of people, Hannah inparticular, to do the Kiwi Experience but finding it difficult to bite the bullet but once I went through the options the girl made it clear. It’s also known as the f*ck bus for some reason :L. Can’t get a seat for another few days but should suit quite well to meet Owen (also from N.I., who I met in Oz in 2011) and Carlos (who I met and travelled with in Thailand).
First day in New Zealand
MEETING AN OLD FRIEND FROM OZ
Absolutely shattered today but met Owen for the infamous “one drink” in none other than an Irish bar. To think this guy was born 10 minutes from my home and that I have only ever seen him in Oz and now NZ is insane! He has asked if I could come to a BBQ he’s hosting but I said I’ve been travelling all day and shattered. After 3 pints he got up and shouted ‘right this BBQ, your going and that’s it.’ It was serious food, just like a BBQ at home and I was expecting everyone to be Kiwi but everyone was Irish!! It took me until I nearly fell asleep at the table to go home, was a great night and good to catch up!
Myself and Owen in the Irish Pub, Danny Doolans. First day in New Zealand
MISSION BAY
Got the bus to mission bay today and ran back. The view of the city across the bay makes it an easy run and the first bit of exercise I’ve done since I left. All the hard work was undone when I met Carlos and a few of his mates for a night out. The idea for me was to take it easy before this bus as once you are on it you can be rest assured there will be no rest from it.
View of Auckland from Mission Bay. First day in New Zealand
FINAL THOUGHTS
For a western city Auckland isn’t bad on the eye and not overly big which makes getting around an easy job. I can see why so many people from home decide to move here not to mention you don’t have far to commute when living in the suburbs.
NEXT UP
Starting the Kiwi Experience bus tomorrow which i’ve been told is the only way a solo traveller should see New Zealand, can’t wait but the weather hasn’t been great!. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
25/229
This post is part of The New Zealand and Fiji Series, click to explore
