New Zealand...It Could Be Home
There are a few places I’ve visited and thought— I could move there tomorrow. Typically that’s just a lusty high of entering into a cool new world, but usually that fades over time and more practical view of the reality sinks in. However, when it comes to New Zealand, we’re convinced it could be our paradise. With what we’ve seen in the 2 months spent amongst the Kiwi’s, Jayme and I really did look at each other and say, “Wouldn’t it be great to live here!”
Two months is ample time to spend in most cities and play with the notion that you have a “feel” for a particular place. In that time, good meals could be had, markets could be visited, and sought out sites could be seen. Most importantly, one can get a feel for the day-to-day life, like going grocery shopping, experiencing driving culture, seeing how the community interacts with one another, and observing the general pace of life. Immersing in a culture while on the road provides a deeper understanding of a place. Our two month stint in New Zealand awarded us bright-eyed novice status on Kiwi living.
Now, if you’re reading this then you probably know that good food and good drinks are a priority for us. In some cases we pick travel destinations purely because of our appreciation for their wine. We are wine and food motivated, but for us to conclude that we could move to a city/country, that takes a bit more than a delectable Syrah or a tasty dumpling. NZ is not known for its distinctive food scene, but we had lots of excellent food that I’d categorize as California-cuisine, or world fusion. Made with fresh ingredients and big flavor, we had many fantastic meals throughout the country. Also, they LOVE a hearty breakfast almost as much as Americans and we can totally get behind that!
The North Island, land of Auckland and Wellington, dwarfs the South Island in both population and land mass. It is both cosmopolitan and rural at the same time. The skyscrapers of the major cities give way to tiny, charming beach communities like Whangaparoa which transport us back to our childhood. Kids were actually outside playing, unaccompanied by their parents and riding home from school on bikes! We’re from the U.S. where parents drive their kids 2 blocks to school instead of letting them walk, and don’t let kids play outside unless they’re behind a locked fence. It was delightful and brought us back to the day where if you didn’t have a new scrape or bump from playing, then you probably weren’t doing something right.
All nostalgia aside, as adults and seasoned travelers, the beauty and newness of this island nation made us uber aware of our surroundings--which was actually a little hard to keep track of-- The terrain is constantly influx and changes every 30 or so minutes while traveling by car. Emerald green pastures give way to arid landscapes with ominous peaks lurking in the distance. Lofty volcanic rocks and fumaroles expel hissing gases from below are a common site while traveling southbound on State Highway 2 from Auckland to Wellington. The landscape remarkably appeals to people with short attention spans who need ever changing stimuli to feel in the moment. It’d be damn near impossible to keep track of all the hashtagable sites here. In contrast though, the moment that you get out of that car and just stop and listen, breathe, and observe, the allure of the land will pull you in, and you will feel something primordial inside you that whispers “You could live here.”
Unfortunately, you can’t live a fulfilled life with your eyes alone; but fortunately, the Kiwi’s do know how to use the abundance around them. Grass fed lamb is plentiful, farm to table vegetables are rampant, and the most delicious bacon I’ve ever tried resides in a tiny hamlet of a town called Pukakohe.
Of course it is New Zealand, and it is surrounded by water; so yes, your inkling is spot on, and their seafood is second to none. All the glory of the South Pacific and beyond is just waiting to be shucked, simmered, and fried for ya!
Huge Green lipped Mussels were larger than life! When coupled with fried staples of any U.K. influenced nation, now you have something special and worth the 17 hour flight from LA for. <<The green lipped mussels in New Zealand are slightly larger, more muted in flavor than the smaller sweeter ones that are exported. There is a pleasant chew that gives way to slightly briny finish that isn’t for everyone, but is delightful in its own right.
The food needs next to no further elaborating. Of course, I’m sure you’re thinking the same thing I am, “What’s food without a few good drinks?” Right? Us to. So, the craft cocktail and brewery scene is in full swing there (as it is in pretty much the rest of the world). Surprising though, is that New Zealand has a unique and large tax on all things of vice. So that pack of smokes will run you about $20USD and some of the wines I’ve found to be cheaper in the U.S. than in New Zealand! It is surprising and a bit off-putting. When you’re in country and chat with any local, he/she will be happy to inform you that not only is ALL of their healthcare paid for, but there are times when the government will provide transportation and compensation you to attend your medical procedure or checkup. I know we’ve taken a less than jovial turn, but it’s something to think about.
New Zealand has that ever changing quality to it that is both foreign, reminiscent, but always comforting. The people speak their minds; all be it with a hilarious flare for the ironic, which took me some getting used to. They’ll smile at you as they mince words and wait long and patiently for any iota of confusion. This makes them happy, and want to continue to converse with you for moments like that or, the two of you find that friendly bond of world politics and the chat moves on. Probably the coolest aspect of the Kiwi’s is the way that the “colonists” integrated with the local Maori. Sure there might be a Smith Road but it reside in a city called Takanini. Their is a collective understanding and respect for each other that we found to be inspiring.
Our jaunt through the island of Waiheke was one of many wine tasting and wine experiences in New Zealand which again propels us to consider moving here. Most New Zealand wines are not like those new world big and bolds that have an alcohol content that could start your car. Their reds are balanced, their whites acidic and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for that Hawkes Bay stand alone pinot, or a South Island Sauvignon Blanc, this country has the balance and care to carry you on your path towards wine nirvana.
Our experience in New Zealand was in a way a balanced journey that put us in island beaches, vineyards during the grape harvest, braving hurricanes, and of course we happily ate our way through it all. The rugged untouched quality of this land touches the primitive part of oneself in a profound yet euphoric way. Yet, you don’t have to forsake the modern comforts of big city life because Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are just over the hill. Internet speeds are good, the food is farm to table fresh, and the list starts over again about what we love about New Zealand. At this point, I’m actually running out of reasons to not move there.
