"Home Sweet Home!" Auckland by Vaughanie

So here I am, in Ackland and planning to stay for more than 5 minutes for once. It's a nice feeling now I'm here. I didnt think I was ready to be stuck somewhere for so long after life on the road but arriving here changed all that.
We flew in mid afternoon and those who have flown into Auckland will appreciate how stunning in is from the air - such a beautiful fragmented piece of land surrounded by water and islands and in the sunshine it looked so appealing. And so green (but green means rain, right?) It even made me a little homesick - green rolling hills but a more tropical feel to the place. England with sun? How cool would that be!
And then I suddenly felt excited that this would be my new home. That I could explore at my own pace. That I had to pay more attention than usual and not just worry about the the touristy side to the place but also practical things - things you would have to worry about when you actually live somewhere. I couldnt wait to get started.
The first week was manic trying to find a new home asap. But it was easy enough as the students have all gone home and the place is so quiet landlords were practically begging us to move in. The flat is in the city and is very modern and has a pool and gym and outdoor spa! Ha ha, time to shed the half a stone I put on in Africa. Shocking isnt it that there are people starving there and I manage to put on half a stone - I feel really bad.
Stayed with Mary till we found the place and it's so cool to see her again! Gina is back soon too and it's great knowing the locals. Dying to have a good *** up with them both asap!
So I'm slowly finding my way round the place. The city itself is incredibly hilly - I'm gonna come back with calfs the size of footballs. Talking of footie, found the pub that shows the premiership on day 1. Shame the matches are on such rediculous times. Maybe Arsenal will start improving now I am supporting them again....
Have made it out to the beach already to Carl's 'bach' (a bach is a holiday home by the sea or by a lake and EVERYONE has one) ( I might get one) It was stunning down there and so quiet but bloody FREEZING. I nearly got blown off the beach altogether. The weather I am afraid to say has not lived up to expectations at all. Rain most days. Only a cold 20ºc at best and quite windy. I am assured it will get better. It;s sure blown my plans of xmas on the beach to smitherines.
It is a real shame as I dont start work for 3 weeks and I would rather be seeing the sights than sheltering from the rain but fingers crossed it will get better.
So life is good. I am happy to be here and looking forward to becoming a kiwi for a while. Wish me luck!

Bestest Auckland friends

Well, my time in Auckland is nearly up. It has been 8 fabulous months and I have grown to love this city and it does feel like home.
We extended our time here by three months as 6 just wasn't ever going to be enough to do the country justice and I'm pleased we did.
We have had a really good crack at seeing NZ and none of it has disappointed. It is a beautiful country, friendly and spacious and compared to the UK - stress free.
Auckland itself is fine as a city. It has a bad name with anyone who lives outside of it but I guess it is pretty normal for a country to hate the biggest brashest most successful of it's city's. To be fair it is lacking some soul but it is a pretty city being surrounded by so much water and what with Rangitoto looming nearby and the tower and modern CBD lighting itself brightly at night, it is a city of contrasts.
I'm not sure where my favourite spots of Auckland are - maybe the Viaduct for a lazy sunday afternoon lunch, the conveniently located vineyards at the city's edge (food and drink again), maybe the Domain. I love it because it's spaced out and there's room to breathe. You can get away and within a short amount of time you could be on a sandy white beach in the Coromandle, skiing on Mount Raphehu, sipping wine on Waiheke or having a mud bath in Rotorua. It's been a great base for us basically and I look forward to the day I get to come back.