From Dublin to Auckland
Alison Smyth is experiencing as much of the country as she can on her working holiday.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
After working for more than two years in Dublin I thought ‘‘if I don’t travel now, I never will’’. Everyone seemed to be travelling to Australia and I had always heard great things about New Zealand. My boyfriend Robbie and I moved here five months ago on a one-year working visa and we are loving it.
What do you do here?
I work at Extra Mile Company as a Vision Weaver. It is an incentive and event management company and is similar to the work I was doing in Dublin.
What surprised you the most when you arrived?
I still can’t believe that people wander the streets in bare feet (especially now it is winter)! I also can’t believe what a small place it is. I was walking down Queen St, Auckland soon after I arrived and ran into a friend that I went to school with!
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
There is so much to do, even just hour or two out of Auckland. We are constantly being told of new places to visit. There are also so many great restaurants and bars to go to, which we weren’t expecting.
Disadvantages?
The time difference between New Zealand and Ireland makes it difficult to talk to friends and family back home. It’s also hard not having the independence of a car.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
Grocery shopping is expensive! This was surprising because so much is grown in New Zealand, like avocados and kiwifruit, yet they are cheaper in Dublin.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend my spare time travelling and experiencing as much as I can since we are only here for a year. We have been camping, seen Tommy Tiernan, an Irish comedian, and gone to an All Blacks game. The atmosphere and watching the haka was amazing.
What are your favourite New Zealand foods?
We have Friday drinks at Extra Mile Company accompanied with chips and ‘‘Kiwi dip’’. At first I thought mixing onion soup mix and reduced cream would be disgusting. But now I am addicted! Robbie isn’t so convinced though. I also love fish and chips, feijoas and hokey pokey icecream.
How do you get around?
I catch the train to work, then we hire a car for travelling.
How do you find the shopping?
I try not to spend too much time shopping, but I enjoy popping into the shops on Queen Street. I do miss some of the fashion brands we have at home, like Zara and H&M [opening at Auckland’s Sylvia Park shopping centre over the next few months] and cheap shops like [Irish clothing retailer] Penneys.
Favourite after-dark activity?
I like visiting new restaurants and bars around Auckland. Being in Britomart, we are spoilt for choice. We also enjoy taking evening strolls through Silo Park or the arcade on Queen St.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
One, Coromandel. This has been my favourite place so far. I honestly fell in love! Two, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. These were both magical for me. Three, especially for Aucklanders, travel a little north. Matakana, especially when the farmers’ market is on, and Tawharanui Peninsula and Goat Island are beautiful.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Despite the familiarity of New Zealand, I miss some of my favourite spots in Ireland and Mum’s home cooking, but this will all be there when I get back!
How easy is it for you to go home?
Difficult! It’s a 24-hour flight and it is expensive.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
The cold in my apartment. I am currently living on a hot-water bottle.
If you know an expat who has made New Zealand their home, email travel@stuff.co.nz with Kiwi Life in the subject line.