In pursuit of adventure What inspired your move, and how long have you been here? How do you get around?
Robyn Tisdell swapped Essex and Brighton in England for a healthy new lifestyle in Aotearoa.
For me it was a lifestyle choice and a love of travel. Before I moved to New Zealand I had already visited twice as my brother lives here. I moved here in June 2016 and it already feels like home.
What do you do here?
I work as a custom groups travel specialist for Adventure World. I have a great team and get to spend my days planning exciting trips to exotic destinations – my bucket list gets longer every day!
What surprised you most when you first arrived?
How much it rains! I don’t think I completely realised how accessible everywhere is from Auckland either – it’s a big advantage being based here.
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
Weekend adventures. It’s amazing to be able to go to a different beach every weekend.
Disadvantages?
I could not be further away from England if I tried!
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
It is little more expensive for food and drink, but it’s worth it for the lifestyle.
What are your favourite New Zealand foods?
Not so much a New Zealand food, but I do love my dinner trips to Dominion Rd.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have joined a gym for the first time in my life – it’s a miracle. I try to go exploring every weekend, be it to a beach, a good walk or to a yummy restaurant. Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese store is a great rainy day activity. One weekend, I went to Waiheke Island – I absolutely love it there.
How do you find the shopping?
That is probably one thing I miss about England! It’s definitely not as good here. I haven’t got a car yet but it is on the list. I am lucky that I can walk to work and my friends have cars. Public transport here is not the greatest, so I do think having a car is pretty essential – it will be my next purchase.
What’s your favourite after-dark activity?
I love a good sunset – I need to find some good rooftop bars.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Hire a campervan and go exploring. Try to come for as long as you can – last year I was only here for two weeks and it is not long enough. And have a big budget so you do not have to miss out on anything.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Mum’s home cooking, roast dinners and Yorkshire puddings. And my family dog. I cried more saying goodbye to him than I did my parents (sorry Mum and Dad!) I do miss all the old buildings and the old country pubs.
How easy is it for you to go home?
If I was a millionaire it wouldn’t be an issue at all. I do not mind the long flights, but it is the cost of it, that makes things a bit tricky.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
How far away it is from home. If my friends and family were here, there would be nothing to change. This country is incredible and I feel very lucky to be here: the landscape, the ‘‘proper’’ seasons, the people, and the fact I love my job and have a work-life balance.