Celebrating Five Fabulous Years in NZ

Five years have flown past since we arrived here in the dead of the night - after a gruelling 24-hour flight from Johannesburg. 

So – in retrospect - what have been the high and low points of moving from South Africa to New Zealand? 

First off, let me say that for us it has been the best move ever. We love where we live; we love the relaxed lifestyle and uncrowded beaches. We love being free to roam any- and everywhere, without a second thought about safety. It’s no-worries-mate living at its best.

We now know our way around the country, and understand more or less how everything works (ACC, WOFs, schools, the public health system and taxes). We don’t try to analyse the weather anymore, and just trust that, while it is changeable, there are plenty of stellar days to balance out the grey ones.

Lots of ‘people-stuff’ to do

The old-fashioned sense of community here in West Auckland is also something we appreciate. Quiz nights, working bees, and social clubs galore.

Public speaking, taiko drumming, belly dancing, surfing, boot camp, ukulele playing and choir - I've given them all a bash (sometimes literally).

While my family’s reaction to my pursuits has been mixed (i.e. lots of eye-rolling), I’ve had fun learning new skills (latter said rather defensively).

Second-hand mecca

Thanks to TradeMe (online trading platform) and huge second-hand stores like Savemart, anyone interested in carbon neutral living can enjoy guilt-free shopping. Apart from food, we can count on one hand the items we still buy new each year. 

Favourite places

Libraries and e-libraries. Crumbs. It’s wonderful that we can take out 120 books per month as a family, and countless films, DVDs and magazines. Auckland Central library, Takapuna library and our very own Titirangi library are among our favourite places to hang out.

Bush tracks. We have dozens of tracks on our doorstep, as well as the Sir Edmund Hillary Trail. Every year we do portions of this trail.

So far the tracks we love with the most dramatic scenery are the Whatipu to Karekare walk, and the Mercer Track between Karekare and Piha. The views are unforgettable.

 












Cycle tracks. Many of these have been built on abandoned railway tracks, and are flat and easy to navigate. They pass through splendid countryside and spooky tunnels. Our best experiences so far were on the Otago Rail Trail and Thames to Waihi Trail, as well as the Arrow Town to Kawarau Gorge Trail to see the bungee jumpers.

Ponsonby Central. From the vintage feel to the inter-linked eateries, this is like a snatch of Europe in the heart of Ponsonby. Nothing quite beats a strong cappuccino here on a Friday morning.

Matakana Farmers’ Market plus Valley. We just love this valley, and if we didn’t live in Titirangi, we would find a doer-upper (couldn’t afford anything more than that!) out here. Apart from the village, Pakiri, Leigh harbour, Goat Island and Tawharanui are all close by - gorgeous places to picnic, surf, kayak, snorkel and just be.

Good old-fashioned fun

We've enjoyed our fair share of raucous parties, dress-ups and hilarity with friends. Anything to stretch the imagination and keep young at heart.

The Not-So-Great

Shopping Malls. Now I am not into 'things' at all, but really, it would be great to go to a mall once a year and enjoy a decent spot of window shopping. The malls here are unimaginative, run-of-the-mill places with exactly the same look, and the same shops, as all the other malls in Auckland. They're about as inspiring as a McDonald's menu. Even the occasional gift shop has the same cheap tat as all the other gift shops. It’s as though they source their merchandise from the same supplier in China – and that’s it.

It is the same with the food available in the malls. No quirky, quality places to eat: just bland food chains serving substandard coffee and loveless, standard, pre-made products.

Can’t wait to get to Cavendish Square, the Waterfront, or Canal Walk this Christmas. We are so going to make up for lost time!

Same-old same-old

We’ve done quite a bit of travelling in NZ, and sometimes it feels as though the houses, the architecture, the beaches and the shops are a bit samey. It’s not like going to different provinces in South Africa, ranging from desert, to Karoo, to sub-tropical and tropical. Think of the distinctiveness of Port St John’s, Greyton, Stellenbosch, Port Nolloth, Barrydale, Knysna, Hogsback, Boulder’s Beach, Kalk Bay, Gamkaskloof – each diverse and fascinating with their historic buildings, crafts, arts, foods and unique flora and fauna.

After a while, we've found ourselves asking: where can we take the children this weekend? It feels like we’ve been everywhere, done everything. Whether we’re in Huia or on Waiheke Island, Muriwai or Long Bay Regional Park, we’ve been there, done that many times, and we’ve run out of places to go. 

After only five years, this is a little worrying.

There are other niggles, like mean-spirited drivers who tailgate; a media that often seem bored, desperate and even cruel; sloppy teachers who are ingrained in the education system; a leading government party that doesn't reflect our family values; but these are the kind of irritants you would probably find anywhere.  

If I think of more things that bother me, I’ll add them here.

We are about to head back to South Africa as a family for the very first time in almost six years - for Christmas with our family. Post to follow soon - no doubt with plenty of photos and comparative observations.