I lived in Auckland from November 2008 when I arrived, until the middle of March 2009. I never really fell in love with the city, although that could be because I had such a hard time finding work so money was always a stress. I also made a poor choice in where to live, so that didnt help.

All the same, the happy memories far outweigh the negative ones: I loved how you could see the ocean from pretty much every vantage point (and it was here that I saw the Pacific Ocean/Tasman Sea for the first time!). I loved warm sunshine, and temperamental weather. I loved strolling along Ponsonby and Parnell, and shopping in Newmarket. I loved taking the ferry across to Devonport and climbing dormant volcanos. I love that it was my first home away from home and there have been times where Ive really missed it. For the first time in my life I celebrated Christmas away from my family, and my friends and their families took me in and made me feel a part of theirs.

Im flying up for a minibreak at the end of October 2009, and will be back at least once more for Ash and Elisa’s wedding and my subsequent departure for Thailand!

My first week in New Zealand

Devonport, on Auckland’s North Shore

The Auckland War Museum

A very Kiwi Christmas

Possibly related posts:

1. Daytripping around Auckland (on $40 or less)
2. Devonport
3. Earthquake?
   What earthquake??