THINGS TO DO in Auckland, New Zealand

Easing back into blogging, I wanted to write about something I'm looking forward to in 2018. We're hoping we'll make it back to Auckland, New Zealand (and Melbourne, Australia!) for a visit. It's been 5 years and 7 months since we moved away from Auckland. I'm daydreaming about visiting all the old places, cafes, restaurants, etc. that were a comfort to me.

If you're ever in Auckland, here's a list of old favorites:

Mount Eden 

For sweeping 360 degree views, Mount Eden is a must-see. It's the highest point in the city and also a dormant volcano. 

Vulcan Lane

In the heart of the central business district, Vulcan Lane is a beautiful laneway filled with shops and restaurants. Take a lovely stroll along High Street and check out one of these places (scroll down below). 

Raw Power Cafe

While you're on Vulcan Lane and in search of healthy but tasty, vegan/vegetarian friendly food, check out Raw Power Cafe. My personal favorite is the marinated tofu burger with greens on foccacia bread. They also squeeze fresh juices. In this photo, I enjoyed a carrot, ginger, beet root juice. 

Cafe Melba

Still hanging around Vulcan Lane? Keep strolling through the laneway toward Cafe Melba for a damn fine cup of Australasian coffee (preferably a flat white) and brunch. On a bright, sunny day, this little, hidden, cozy, charming pocket made me feel like I was in Europe. 

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park 

This park has a mint view of Mission Bay and Mount Rangitoto. In the summer, you'll see families flying kites. Afterward, go to Mission Bay and get some ice cream at Movenpick. 

St. Kevin's Arcade

Back in the city on Karangahape Road, I loved spending time at St. Kevin's Arcade. It has vintage shops, cafes, etc. I've noticed they put a Lord of the Fries in here (basically a fry bar with toppings), which I loved from Australia. The Wine Cellar was cozy and the Whammy Bar was a fun dive. While you're there, grab a slice of Sal's pizza. 

Revel Cafe & Kati Grill 

Across the street is Revel Cafe, described as a "grunge" cafe with great coffee and food. Next door is Kati Grill. I've dreamt about this place since I left. They serve Indian Kati rolls with a savory coriander fillings and Kati fries (curried fries). YUM.   

Le Garde Manger

Stop into the charming Le Garde Manger for a nutella crepe. Auckland can feel pretty gloomy during the rainy season, but this cute cafe will perk you up. 

Satya Restaurant

Hands down our most favorite Indian restaurant of all Indian restaurants. Whenever we eat Indian food in Seattle (not as often since we eat more Vietnamese food these days), we always talk about how it feels like we're back in Auckland at this place. We used to eat here at least 1 to 2 times a month. So many birthday celebrations and parties held here. On the menu, there's a "must-have" Dahi Puri dish (a sweet, spicy, creamy potato dish). You certainly should have it. 

Other places to check out in Auckland: 

Food

Umi Sushi (inside the Atrium Foodcourt on Elliot Street), Legendary Thai, Elliot Stables

Venues

Cassette 9, King's Arms 

Sights

Waiheke Island, Mission Bay, Rangitoto Island, One Tree Hill, Devonport village 

It was a total whirlwind pulling this list together and looking back at all the old photos. When I lived there, it was tough to make new friends, so I took a lot of photos instead and became a total wallflower. I'm glad I documented it. I've heard Auckland has changed so much, and I look forward to seeing it along with my old Auckland friends! 

Also, check out my Local Guide to Vegas

A Room With A View

During our last week living in Auckland, New Zealand, I made sure to take in the stunning views from our apartment balcony. We lived in this flat for three years! I'd spend days staring out the window in hopes of more sunshine, the city of sails floating around the harbour and being homesick.

I'd watch Juice TV, TV 3 and all sorts of NZ and British programming. The view from the Auckland CBD facing the North Shore.


City views. You can see the Sky Tower, Television New Zealand, ANZ Bank, ASB Bank and Newstalk ZB












Our flat all spruced up thanks to Veronica.


We always ate at that table near the window.




I hope we'll one day see these views again. Our landlord was my mum-in-law, so maybe she can make it possible for us :)

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New Zealand Wedding

In March, I took photos as a second shooter at my friend Maggie's Samoan/Niuean themed wedding. It was the first Pacific Island-themed wedding I've ever been to. I say that- as that's exactly what the groom asked me! (I went to a Maori wedding in 2010 where they sang in Maori, served a hangi and did several hakas! It was also held inside the Destiny Church. Needless to say, it was an amazing experience. Although, I'm unsure if Maori people consider themselves as Pacific Islanders but Polynesians.)

As the second photographer, I captured so, so, so many tender and memorable moments. My favourite part was when the wedding party stepped outside the church. Everybody was hooting, howling and grinning ear-to-ear. I met Maggie's bro who was the videographer, who's also an amazing photographer. Turns out he's a prominent Australian contemporary dance choreographer who travels around the world for dance companies. It was inspiring just being in his presence. This day was so inspiring.

The wedding continued on with several cultural traditions like singing, chants, dances, Nieuan cloths rolled out where money was collected. Apologies as I don't know what it was called, but it was a Nieuan tradition! There were Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Cook Island and Niuean dances! And then eventually the bride's family ended the reception with an amazing hip hop dance. The people at this wedding were so enthusiastic about dancing. I honestly want a CD mix of the fun Samoan dance music I heard that day. I can see why our friend Jeff had such a great time in Samoa dancing there!

Here are a few of my favourites that I was fortunate to catch:

The rest of December 2011 in photos...

Ryler was our flatmate! We celebrated the completion of Jeff's post-grad studies! We read upside down books at Library Bar (a ritual Hayley intro'd to me) :)




We danced to Robyn at DOC.




We adored cute houses in Devonport




drank coffee and talked about coffee, NYC and bikes





Yes, I'm wearing shorts under that. I always do :)

This is at a cute vintage/antique shop in the ferry terminal.

xo
jv


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Big News: WE'RE MOVING TO SEATTLE!!!

WELL, I have some big news to announce! :)

After three and a half years of living in Auckland, New Zealand, my husband and I are moving to Seattle in two-months time! When I first moved here, I had no idea how long I would be staying and the future of my relationship. Well, well, well! We are absolutely thrilled to start a new life in the Pac NW. I've been dying to get back home to the USA, closer to my family and friends who are basically my LIFE. (They are mostly scattered across the west coast aka. best coast) :P

I have been keeping this secret for a while, and now I feel like I can actually write in my blog without being so reserved. (I don't publicly divulge that much info. about my personal life on the Internet even if it does appear to be that way.)

For the last three and a half years, it's been an unforgettable adventure filled with joy and heartbreak. I have changed so much and am so grateful for the good people I have met along this journey.

There were times when I felt like this:



Add one dose of culture shock, an isolated island 12-hours-direct-flight away from home! Round trip tickets cost anywhere from $1,500-$2000, heaps of homesickness and there it is. It's time for me to move on. I've met some wonderful people along the way; you know who you are. And have learned SOOO much about my husband's country that he calls home.

You may be thinking, "Why Seattle????" We've discussed and debated over this many times, and Seattle was winning out of all the places on the west coast. We wanted to to be closer to my family. Great economy, lots of industries and opportunity, my closest friends already live there, the great outdoors, the beach, good coffee, great music scene, affordable living, public transportation, progressive green-thinking culture, close proximity to Portland/Vancouver, BC...the list goes on. Win win win! If you're thinking about the rain and lack of sunshine. Would you believe that it actually rains MORE in Auckland than in Seattle? And Seattle actually has a few more hours of sunshine than Auckland! Basically, we're moving to a place with the same sort of climate. I'll make sure to visit Vegas and LA frequently where I can rely on heavy doses of sunshine.

I cannot wait to get back and have a fresh new start. New home, new city to explore w/ old friendly faces. Also, I would love to connect with any Seattle or Portland area friends/bloggers. :)

This is us when we first visited Seattle together back in 2008.



And as we wrap up this Auckland life, I will be posting a series of blog posts titled, "Best of Auckland and New Zealand" showing our favourite places to hang out. Watch this space.

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November Birthday Recap

Nearly one month later, I want to thank you all so much for your lovely birthday messages. It made my day. :)

I had a wonderful birthday! At midnight, Chris surprised me with chocolates and two CD's I wanted for some time now...the new Cut Off Your Hands and The Outsiders cds.
(He bought me my much coveted crochet dress from Forever New months ago.)
Later that night, Chris surprised me with dinner at our favourite Indian restaurant and he invited our good group of friends. I had no idea they were going to be there.


this is what I wore...
dress- F21
shoes- Warehouse
necklace- F21
trench coat- op shop'd at Paperbag Princess










I got so many amazing presents! And I wasn't even expecting any of this.

A style book by the costume designer of Mad Men! a beautiful brooch, American Mac n' Cheese, Body Shop musk, a flowery coinpurse, lip gloss, hair accessories, nail polish, etc.


LOL!




At the end of the night, I posed with New Zealand's once eligible bachelor now recently taken off the market, hunky Dan Carter. HAHAHA :)

I had such a great night catching up with everyone. I'm trying not to get too sentimental since this is a big birthday for me gratefully spent with some great friends...and another birthday spent a long way from home.

As a big birthday present to myself, we planned a trip to the South Island and explored Dunedin, the Otago countryside and Queenstown. It was surreal. I can't wait to share some photos with you.