Weekly Blog #5

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand and the most populated urban area in the country. However, compared to the cities I am used to in the US, it is considered very small. It is still a bustling city full of life and people from across the globe, and it has been amazing being able to discover its hidden charm and tiny quirks.

Auckland is one of the cleanest cities I have ever been too. Not only are its streets clean and its train stations spotless, but it is packed with tiny hidden parks, and larger ones throughout.  No matter where you are in the city, the air is crispy and clear like at the top of a mountain. You will find people strolling in and out of the parks at all times, going for morning runs, or stopping to throw pennies in the fountains. Tourists will be snapping pictures on selfie sticks of the distant Sky Tower, the standout point of Auckland's skyline.

Auckland, sometimes referred to as the "City of Sails" is a port city, surrounded by completely by water on one side. The waterfront is a central area to the city, most of the iconic restaurants and shops are located right on it. There is a gorgeous area known as Britomart right on the wharf. Lights are strung across the store fronts, hanging above the cobblestone walkway for the length of the street. It is a beautiful place to walk at night, and window shop in all of the closed designer stores.

The city of Auckland is built on an active volcanic field. There are about fifty active volcanos within a thousand square kilometers, and these volcanos serve to create lakes, hills, mountains, and valleys within the city. Bordering islands, such as Rangitoto, were formed around six hundred years ago from recent volcanic eruptions. One of the more famous volcanos is Mt. Eden, a suburb of Auckland not far form the central business district. Its summit is the highest peak of Auckland's natural isthmus, although it has been dormant for some time. People are always climbing to the top to peer in the overgrown crater, as well as view the city below. Mt. Eden park is full of rolling hills and misty sunshine,  giggling children hiding behind patches of tall, bright green grass.

Auckland was first settled by the Maori people in the mid 1300s due to its fertile land and prime port location. The British established a colony around 1840, and Auckland became the capital about twenty years later. Auckland continued to grow and develop throughout the 19th century and beyond, but not without inevitable conflict between Pakeha (European New Zealanders) and Maori people. Now, the city is a mix of people from across the world, about 60% Pakeha, 20% Asian, 20% Pacific Islander/ Maori, and a mix of others.

According to Maori legend, the mischievous Maui, a demigod, is associated with the formation of Auckland, and of the whole North and South Island. In local tradition, the North Island is a fish that Maui pulls out of the ocean, and the South Island is his canoe. Auckland is near the top of the North Island. Many people credit legendary figure Kupe with bringing the Polynesian people to the greater Aotearoa area.

One of my favorite places to walk in the city is along Queen Street. This is the main street in the city, and it extends through the central downtown area. It is full of shops, some that are popular in America and many that are exclusive to New Zealand. It is always full of people, crowding at each corner. In New Zealand, when the pedestrian light turns green, all traffic comes to a halt and it is perfectly normal to walk diagonally to the other corner of the street. People weave in and out of each other, avoiding umbrellas that pop open with the unexpected rain. The street is always filled with people playing music, and others dancing around them.

One of my favorite things about Auckland is it's central location. Not only are there gorgeous views in the city itself, but it is so close to amazing places just outside of it. We have been lucky enough to drive to Coromandel peninsula, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua and other weekend trips, all only a few hours out of the city. There are gorgeous hikes, amazing caves and so much more to do on the North Island.

In just a few short months, Auckland has quickly become a place I consider home. It is a beautiful, clean city with rich history, and is so much different than anywhere I have travelled before. It is a fun city full of students, and a beautiful city surrounded by beautiful places. I feel very lucky I have been able to spend the time I have here, and can't wait to continue to discover all it has to offer.