Return to New Zealand
‘Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming.’ – Joseph B. Wirthlin.
It’s not the big memories that I’d forgotten. I remember those – the trips away, the time spent with friends, the laughter, the drinking, the scenery. I can cast my mind back and remember key moments of my time in New Zealand at the drop of a hat. How could I forget celebrating the new year on a beach? Or the first time I saw Milford Sound? Who wouldn’t remember heli-hiking on a glacier with the worst hangover they’ve ever experienced? Or jumping out of a plane at 12,000ft? The big things, those moments, I remember them.
It’s actually the little, insignificant things that I’d forgotten.
I didn’t even realise I had forgotten them until I arrived! The every day, almost mundane things. Like the noise that the pedestrian crossings make to let people know it’s safe to cross the road. A beeping pulse, followed by an urgent blast of noise to hurry dawdlers along. Or the little plastic tags that they use to keep bread fresh. Or the fact that you can undertake when driving, as well as overtake. Watch your left as well as your right side! And don’t get me started on the fact that the indicator stick is on the right of the steering wheel and not the left… The number of times I’ve put my windscreen wipers on instead of indicating is unreal!
There are the scratchy cicada calls chirruping throughout the night, a cacophony of noise that lulls me to sleep. The friendly locals, welcoming, warm and smiling. They’re a welcome relief after the cold hardness of many Londoners, and a reminder that I should try to stay genial too. I’d forgotten how chilled the country is, how laid back the lifestyle is. I smile to myself when I spot people strolling around barefoot, such a typically Kiwi thing to do.
There are the small things that bring back irritation too.
Like the cost of food – spending an eye-watering NZD$100 on a small food shop to tide me over for the week. Ridiculous. Thank heavens when I go back to London, I can start shopping at the Aldi that has recently opened five minutes up the road from my flat. I also dislike having to apply factor 50 sun cream before heading outdoors for any length of time. If I don’t, I’ll burn to a crisp in a matter of minutes under the scorching New Zealand sunshine.
But, on the whole it feels magical to be back. The endless blue skies (although I’m assured that it was stormy only a day before I arrived), the turquoise waters, the delicious Sauvignon Blanc’s sampled throughout the day on a wine tour of Waiheke Island. The white sand beaches. The beautiful red blooms of the Pohutukawa tree. The robotic call of the Tui bird. The clean air even in the most urban part of New Zealand.
And I’ve not even been to my favourite places in the country yet.
I’m in Auckland, which as most people know is not my favourite part of New Zealand. However, this time, I have a car and I’m staying in my own self-contained little apartment in Bayswater, not in the CBD. I’m determined to explore more of the beaches and outer areas of the city I’ve overlooked or not had the opportunity to visit in the past. I’d like to love the biggest city in my favourite country as much as I love the rest of the country.
Roll on my adventures here. I can’t wait for the next few weeks of travel and exploration. Bring on Wellington, Taranaki, Doubtful Sound, Glenorchy, Wanaka and everywhere in between. I’m thrilled to be back here, after nearly three years away. It feels like a homecoming.
NB: For more information about my trip, check out my itinerary post here. You can also follow my travels on my Instagram feed or over on Facebook.
