3-MINUTE TRAVEL GUIDE:
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
DON’T FORGET TO PACK Sunscreen! Down under, especially in Australia and New Zealand, the UV is way stronger than in the US, so be mindful when planning outdoor activities and always have sunscreen on.
BEST LEFT AT HOME Multiple layers of clothing. You are not going to need lots of winter clothing as it does not get super cold during the winter in the North Island.
WHERE TO LIVE Carlaw Park Student Village in Parnell. It’s a great location with a community of international students. I had a view of the downtown skyline and skytower! If not Carlaw, I would recommend Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa (also called T.T.) as both are super accessible and close to campus and the central business district.
BEST EATS NEAR CAMPUS Eden Noodles in downtown Auckland, Non Solo Pizza in Parnell (10-minute walk from Carlaw!) Great coffee/pastries at Daily Bread in Britomart as well.
FAVORITE NZ ACTIVITY Rugby Games! Kiwis take immense pride in rugby, and the atmosphere at any game is always fun. Watched the Black Ferns play Australia and went to many local Warriors Games!
WHERE TO STUDY: TheUniversity of Auckland library has a great view of the clock tower, or you can study outside when it’s not raining in Auckland Domain or Albert Park across from campus.
MUST-TRY LOCAL DISH Meat Pies (chicken, bacon, and mushroom is my favorite) or a Flat White. A popular fruit of the country is Feijoas!
However, my favorite local treat has to be Whittaker’s Chocolate. Only in New Zealand, it’s the best chocolate I have ever tasted. My personal favorites are the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel or the Hazella.
BEST PHOTO OP Sunset/Sunrise at Mount Eden or in front of Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole in Hobbiton.
BEST LOCAL EVENT Farmers markets are everywhere most days of the week, so stumbling upon one was always so nice. My favorites included the Britomart and Parnell markets on the weekends. It was fun to grab some groceries (loads cheaper than supermarkets) and the delicious pastries that all of them had to offer!
BIGGEST FAIL New Zealand does not view an American driver’s license as a valid form of identification. When I went to the bar for the first time with some friends, I was not allowed in with my California driver’s license. Either bring your passport or get a Kiwi Access Identification card, which works as a New Zealand ID card for tourists or individuals on a visa (it is also an awesome little memento for when you get home).
I also did not have the chance to go to the Hamilton Botanical Garden, but I would highly recommend it if you are interested in botany, flora, and fauna!
MOST INTERESTING CLASS Crime and the Media: Discusses how crime is viewed in the media through wording, media, and portrayals of acts and individuals, and how they can sway opinion and fear through groups of people.
Written Māori: Learned to read/write and speak written Māori which gave me a more individualized perspective and deeper view of Māori culture.
BEST PART OF THE PROGRAM The people I met! Most of my friends that I met were either from the East Coast or Kiwis, which was so cool! We are still in touch today and talk a lot about our study abroad adventures.
Additionally, taking time to travel this amazing country. It has so many things in terms of nature, and there really is something for everyone.
UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND TRIPS Vanlifed in my friends van up the coast to Whangerei and Matapouri, swam in some beautiful coves, went to Whangerei Falls and enjoyed the famous Matakana Farmers Market (got a meat pie and coffee of course). Waipari climbing trip with the Auckland University Rock and Alpine Club! This was a perfect weekend trip where I met so many friends and went climbing outdoors in New Zealand for the first time. It was amazing to go with the club—they had everything you needed and made the experience worth it! We also went to the Hamilton Farmers Market for dinner the first night, and I got the best bao of my life.
BONUS PRO TIP: Do something new every day and make sure you stay open to ideas! The first couple of weeks are tough for adjusting, but keeping an open mind and getting out of your comfort zone is so helpful in the long run. If I had not gotten out of my comfort zone, I would have never met my amazing friend group!
