11 May 2015
| Last updated on 12 May 2015
Swapping the Big Smoke for Tramping
I’m living in:
A bit about me:
How long have you lived there?
I have lived in Auckland for 2.5 years.
Why did you move?
I have always wanted to live abroad and after the Olympics finished it seemed like the perfect time to go. New Zealand was the only option for me as I love the outdoor lifestyle and I am a big fan of the Lord of the Rings!!
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What are the summer months (Jun-Aug) like in your part of the world?
It is actually winter during June- August in New Zealand! Winter varies depending on which part of New Zealand you live in. In the mountainous regions such as the Southern Alps, there is a big skiing industry during winter, but up north where I live winters can be pretty mild.
Is summer (Jun-Aug) the best time of year to visit?
Most tourists will visit New Zealand during the kiwi summer (December- February) as the weather is glorious and you can make the most of the epic beaches. If you like skiing and snowboarding, then New Zealand in the winter is for you. Personally, I have quite enjoyed travelling around New Zealand in the winter as it is still incredibly beautiful, but without the crowds- and everything is a bit cheaper!
What do you enjoy doing with your time in the summer?
In kiwi summer I like lounging by the pool or going to the beach. In kiwi winter I love trail running and hiking (or tramping as it’s called here!)
What’s the highest temperature it can reach in summer time (Jun-Aug)?
In June- August, highest temperatures in Auckland are around 18-20 degrees but lowest can drop to 2-3 degrees.
What do you love the most about this time of year?
I love that the sky is still blue on most days, unlike England in the winter where it feels like it is constantly grey! I also love snuggling up in front of a fire with good company and a nice big glass of New Zealand grape to watch the rugby!!!
What do you like the least about this time of year?
I hate that it is summer in the northern hemisphere so all of my UK based friends make me feel jealous that they are outside enjoying the sunshine!
What do you wish you’d known before you moved?
I wish I had known how bad public transport is in New Zealand. As I lived in London for so many years, I never needed to learn how to drive and it is quite a hindrance to not have a car in New Zealand. Luckily, I have made some good friends who have cars and I am working towards getting my license this year.
Anything else you’d like to share with us about your expat experience?
The most challenging thing for me and my expat experience is the time difference. Being around 12 hours ahead of all of my friends and family in the UK can make it very difficult to have impromptu phone conversations. Rather selfishly, I wish I could move all of my friends and family to New Zealand as I do really love it here!!!
