Almost there!
In the late 80s I would consider New Zealand as one of the most isolated countries in the world. But not anymore.
This is a personal journey back to Auckland, the city I lived and worked in for three and a half years when I was in my 20s. I felt a tinge of sadness as I was driven around Auckland…
The neighborhood with vast empty land and a few small houses were all cleared. Now they are filled with strip malls, shopping centers and houses. Affordable homes sold in the high 100s are selling like ‘hot cakes’ for high 500s and going higher each day. News of people flipping houses for profit sounded so pre-2008 America.
Stores that closed by 6 pm and remained shut on Sundays now stayed open through the night and are packed with shoppers on Sundays. The land known as Aotearoa, “land of the long white cloud” by the first Maori voyagers, felt like a carbon copy of my old neighborhood of New Tampa, Florida.
A new mall in Auckland
I lived in this home in Mt. Roskill for over a year. Clearly, the new owner did not take care of his yard and home.
I worked in this old house on Symonds Street for about two years.
My friend Hope, an Aucklander assured me that “change is good!” “Now we have a variety of stores, and goods are cheaper than 20 years ago!” Compared to the late 80s when I was living in Auckland, and the mid-90s when I last visited, today's Auckland has become a multi-cultural center in the Southern Hemisphere. The tiny population of about 800,000 in the late 80s has increased to around 1.5 million in 2015. So, Hope is right to say that change is needed to accommodate the increase in population.
Although major changes are seen throughout Auckland, I was glad there were many constants, like the beauty of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto, Auckland Harbour Bridge, extinct volcanoes and historic buildings at the waterfront .
The City of Sails has a special place in my heart. The person I am today is because of the people I met and the elderly mentors I had in Auckland. Most of the elderly mentors have passed away. My contemporaries and friends in Auckland are still some of my closest friends today. They housed and showed my family and I the Auckland they love and the ‘hometown’ I cherished.
So come along with me and take a glimpse at the places, foods, and things I like about Auckland-
1. Half Moon Bay Marina, Auckland New Zealand
2. View of the City of Sails when driving through the Harbour Bridge.
3. View of Auckland's homes from Mt. Victoria in Devonport, Auckland's North Shore.
4. View of Auckland's waterfront from Mt. Victoria in Devonport.
5. Most homes are close to the water. This is Takapuna Beach, located just minutes from my friend's home.
6. Best gelato at the Takapuna Beach Cafe.
7. Fish and Chips dinner at Bucklands Beach.
8. Fish and chips dinner with friends and family at Cornwall Park.
9. Be like a kid again (like my son) at Cornwall Park.
10. Walk up to the summit of One Tree Hill, enjoy the view and take photos of the 'natural lawn mowers' - sheep of New Zealand.
11. Enjoy one of the best views of Auckland from Mt. Eden for free.
12. Grab a seat under the umbrella and enjoy a quiet afternoon at Queens Wharf, Auckland.
13. Visit Aotea Square in downtown Auckland. This waharoa is a 7 meter gateway like those found in a marae (Maori meeting grounds).
14. A model meeting house (hotunui) at Auckland Museum.
15. Watch a Maori Cultural Performance (including haka) at Auckland Museum and take a photo with a 'warrior'.
16. Learn about the Toi Whakairo - the traditional Maori carvings. (I found this at the Sky Tower)
17. Take a stroll on Queens Street and try New Zealand's unique hokey pokey ice cream at one of the ice cream parlors.
18. Dessert at Milse Britomart. Auckland's best place for dessert.
19. In the 80s, I ate a lot of cold chicken from the deli during lunch time. So for this trip I bought one. Get one if you are looking for the cheapest lunch in Auckland. They are delicious!
20. Auckland's ferry building.
21. Try New Zealand's cheerios -tiny sausages. You can find them in most grocery stores.
22. Try New Zealand's kumara chips (sweet potato fries).
23. The Jack Daniels BBQ ribs paired with Leprechauns Belle Irish Red Ale at Deep Creek Brews and Eats - the best place for BBQ ribs and craft beer located in Browns Bay Auckland.
24. Visit Achilles Point Lookout. You'll find these carved Pouwhenua representing Hoturua, Taikehu and Horoiwi, three Maori warriors.
25. View of Rangitoto from the Achilles Lookout. Close by is the Ladies Bay, in the olden days, a nude beach for women but these days there are mainly 'bare-all blokes!"
26. The famous fish and chips shop at Mission Bay.
27. The iconic Pohutukawa tree, the New Zealand Christmas Tree at Parnell Rose Garden.
28. The delightful New Zealand sweets! (especially Bounty and L&P).
29. Every gathering in New Zealand has one of these- the pavlova. It's easy to make. Buy the gluten free meringue from the store. Cover it with whipped heavy cream and top with your favorite cut fruits.
30. Drink lots of New Zealand wine with local cheeses.
31. My favorite restaurant for BBQ and craft beer -Deep Creek Brews and Eats in Browns Bay. This super yummy Meat Lover Paddle is the best!!
32. Cheers! A handle of Speight's apple cider - a popular RTD in New Zealand.
Auckland! I'll be back...
Is Auckland on your travel bucket list? These photos are just a fraction of what my family and I did while in Auckland visiting friends and family. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, check out Intrepid Travel's options for tours in New Zealand.
Hi Claudia,
Yes -- long time, no "see!" Glad you are back safe and sound in the States now, and of course in the magnificent city of New York. Great, great place to live. I'm jealous!
Your two years of travel sound incredibly enlightening and wonderful. I'm sure your kids have -- and will -- benefit greatly.
Your new site looks great. Let's keep in touch.
Josie
Hi Josie,
So glad to see you here my friend!
Love it....hope you added Grath from Canada to your mailing list.
Are you doing these as e books and consolidating in to 1 book later?
You told what the family was doing but not about you dear Claudia.
Good hearing from you dear one....are you in an apt or living on boat this season? So happy for you pursuing your family dream and your passion.
Many Blessing for you and your family.
Hugs'
Diana Beam
Hi Diana,
Glad to hear from you too. We are living in an apartment in NYC now.
Claudia, Nice to hear from you again and see that you are back "home" in the states again. I'm so happy for you and your family to have/had this wonderful experience travelling all over the world. Most people don't even go on a one-week a year vacation! It is inspiring to me. Hope you get to travel again. The longest I was away from home was 28 days and it was fun, makes me want to do it again. Love to you and your family!!
Rosie, Thanks for following the journey.