From India to Auckland
Kruthi Suresh traded Bangalore for Auckland and loves the friendly people.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
My husband, Harish, and I chose to move to New Zealand so that he could pursue his PhD at Auckland University.
We have been here almost two years now and are really enjoying the experience.
What do you do here?
I work at an incentive and event management company, Extra Mile Company, as a vision weaver.
What surprised you the most when you arrived?
First, how genuinely friendly people are. There is always someone smiling at you as you pass them in the street or asking how your day is going at the markets.
A work colleague even bought me a pair of socks when my feet were cold at work!
Second, I still can’t believe how unpredictable the weather is. Auckland seems to get all four seasons in one day. I still can’t figure out how to dress for it!
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
I love how beautiful everywhere is. There is so much nature everywhere, like the parks in the city and the walks around Auckland.
Disadvantages?
One of the hardest things we have experienced is finding a house. We have had a few knockbacks, but have finally found a home out in Ellerslie, which is so exciting.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
I find it really expensive compared to back home!
Especially the cost of the Auckland housing market and shopping for groceries.
How do you get around?
We have just purchased a car which has made getting around and being able to get to places so much easier.
I was catching the train to work but having moved house, I can now get dropped off or walk in.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love cooking. I spend a lot of my time searching the internet for new things to cook and trying out new recipes.
What are your favourite New Zealand foods?
I love the fish and chips, New Zealand mussels, and the fresh seasonal fruits.
How do you find the shopping?
I have found the shopping easy and convenient. There are shops close to everything and I find I can get everything I need here.
Favourite after-dark activity?
I love spending the evenings relaxing and cooking. We also regularly go camping and I love stargazing.
Especially once you head a little out of Auckland city, the night sky is breathtaking.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Go sightseeing. Because my husband is studying, I have only been to a couple of places out of Auckland, however there is still so much to do.
You don’t have to travel far to see new things. We have been camping and visited all the beaches and regional parks.
Experience all the adventure sports. Harish went skydiving and it was so cool! Go bungy jumping, jet boating or biking.
I love trying new food, and there is so much on offer in New Zealand.
I personally love all the icecream places like Movenpick and Giapo, so yum!
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
India is a land of festivals and fairs. I really miss these, especially the feeling of excitement that comes with them.
There are special treats and decorations covering the roads and markets.
There is even excitement in spending time preparing for the celebrations, plus you get the day off to celebrate!
How easy is it for you to go home?
The flight is almost 16 hours. I am heading back in August for a couple weeks and this is the second time I’ll be going back since I moved here.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
There are two things – how windy it gets and how cold the wind is, and the cost of renting in Auckland!
If you know an expat who has made New Zealand their home, email travel@stuff.co.nz with Kiwi Life in the subject line.
Once you head a little out of Auckland city, the night sky is breathtaking.