Scot finds new focus in Taupo
Photography fanatic Ally Mcfarlane is loving the diverse photo opps in her new homeland.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from a small seaside town called Largs, which is on the west coast of Scotland.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
I made the move to Australia after I graduated from uni in 2011 and was overcome with the travel bug, which brought me to New Zealand, where I have been for over four years. I started in Auckland and recently made the move to beautiful Taupo.
What do you do here?
Honestly, I feel blessed in New Zealand as I work in travel and tourism. In Auckland, I focused mainly on adventure youth tourism and now in Taupo I focus on outbound travel. When I have the time I also work as a freelance photographer and have a small independent clothing line called ‘‘altered perspectives’’.
What surprised you most when you first arrived?
It was a shock how friendly Kiwis are. Travelling extensively throughout New Zealand, I was surprised by how outgoing and welcoming everyone was and it has made it so much easier to call New Zealand home.
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
I love photography so for me it has to be the picturesque scenery. New Zealand as a whole is stunning and the North and South islands are so diverse that whenever I post photos my friends and family always ask ‘‘are you on holiday again?’’ and I get to reply ‘‘no, just making the most of where we live’’.
Disadvantages?
There are not many disadvantages about living in New Zealand, but if I had to pick one it would be how far away we are from everywhere, especially Scotland. I would like to be able to visit my family more regularly and vice versa.
How do you get around?
In Auckland I mostly used public transport to get to and from work, but now in Taupo everything is at your fingertips so it’s easy to walk and at the weekends we drive to each destination.
What do you do in your spare time?
Explore as much of New Zealand as possible. Every weekend my partner and I try and tick off another regional or national park and take as many photos as possible. We love the outdoors so when we are not off doing the walks and trails we love the amazing adventure activities including kayaking, skydiving and rafting.
What are your favourite New Zealand foods?
My favourite hands down is Whittaker’s peanut butter chocolate – it is amazing. Also, I love L&P and pavlova and it wouldn’t be New Zealand without a mince and cheese pie from the BP.
How do you find the shopping?
Compared to the UK, shopping is not the best and when I first arrived I struggled. However, I love H&M so its arrival in Auckland has made shopping waaaay better.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
When I first arrived I thought New Zealand was very expensive, but now I reckon I have become used to the prices and the wages here reflect the price of things. However, regardless how long I live here, I am always shocked at how expensive food is compared to the UK.
Favourite after-dark activity?
Without a doubt, the cinema – I love movies.
What are the top three things you would recommend for visitors?
In Taupo, definitely climbing Mount Tauhara, skydiving or visiting L’arte mosaic cafe over in Acacia Bay. Nationwide I recommend experiencing Maori culture when you can, exploring the glaciers and visiting the Pinnacles in the Coromandel – the photos are superb!
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Photographing castles... New Zealand has no castles.
How easy is it for you to go home?
I go home once a year so, aside from the cost and the jet lag, it is very easy and overall worth it.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
Auckland traffic...