Local artisans a capital winner How do you get around?
Brit expat Josie McCrickard loves our peanut butter, icecream and fashion designers.
Where are you from?
I am originally from York in the UK but I’ve lived all over the place including Manchester, London, Melbourne and Toronto.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
I came to New Zealand at first for the adventure but also to be with Lucas, my boyfriend, who is actually from Melbourne.
What do you do here?
I work at the Ministry for Education in project management, and I write a lifestyle/expat blog, lostinsilverfern.com.
What surprised you most when you first arrived?
How easy life is here. Finding a job and a home and settling in all came very easily for me and Lucas. We thought it would be a lot harder to find our feet. There have been some difficulties, but overall it’s been a very smooth transition and we have loved it.
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
Definitely the proximity to some of the world’s most beautiful nature and pristine wildernesses. You are never far from a breathtaking view, and I never take that for granted. It is so amazing to be able to get out into the wild, just a short drive from where we live.
Disadvantages?
I hate to say it, but the weather in Wellington has a lot to answer for. However, on a good day , the city comes to life and the harbour especially is a beautiful place to be. When it is like this, you forget all about the wind and rain for a while!
What do you do in your spare time?
Apart from blogging, I love going to yoga and there are loads of great studios in Wellington. I’m also taking a sewing course at Wellington High School. Skiing is another thing I love to do, as well as hiking and exploring generally. It’s hard to find enough time for everything.
What are your favourite NZ foods?
I love the local and independent companies, like Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter and Wooden Spoon icecream. They are delicious and I enjoy supporting local artisan businesses.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
It isn’t necessarily more expensive but there are just no cheap options. For example, back home I would go to Aldi or Ikea or order things from eBay to save money. I don’t really have that option here. I walk to work but we also own a car for trips to the country and for exploring the North Island.
How do you find the shopping?
I love some of the smaller independent New Zealand clothing brands: Penny Sage, Lonely and Twenty-Seven Names, for example. They are using ethical production methods and the designs are practical but beautiful. I have been impressed with local designers, but the overall selection is more limited than in the UK.
Favourite after-dark activity?
To go to the movies. I am lucky because Wellington has around five independent movie theatres and numerous film festivals. I love going to Lighthouse Cuba and getting cosy on a little couch, with a glass of red wine.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Visitors to Wellington have to go to the national museum, Te Papa, the Botanical Gardens and hit up Cuba St for the amazing food and little boutiques. I really recommend hiking overnight to one of the DOC backcountry huts and really getting out into nature.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
I miss the art galleries of London and the way there is always a world-class art exhibition to visit.
I also miss the street fashion and the free festivals, like the Lambeth Country Show. Thinking about York, I definitely miss the old pubs on every corner.
How easy is it for you to go home?
It is not easy. It takes about 30 hours with stopovers, and costs a fortune, but it is doable. I had only been in New Zealand for six months when I went home for Christmas.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
The distance from home is the only thing I don’t like. Everything else is great.
It is quiet, beautiful, progressive and encourages independent and local businesses. I love New Zealand and that is part of the reason I started blogging about it, so I can share the love.
Well, actually, maybe I would like some more sunshine too!