I was lucky enough to live in Auckland, New Zealand for 5 months while studying abroad. Here you can read about all the wonderful things that Auckland has to offer! Plus some funny Kiwi stories along the way 
Final preparations Getting ready to leave the USA
The Flights! The 24+ hour journey!
My First Day in Auckland The longest day ever: moving into our apartment and the errands needed to make those arrangements!
International Student Orientation Satya Indian restaurant, AUT study abroad student orientation, and hokey pokey
Our First Weekend Takapuna Beach, Chinese Lantern Festival, and Mount Eden
Devonport Wine, Food, and Music Festival
Devonport, New Zealand A day trip to the charming town on the North Shore: hiking and chocolate!
6K Coastal Challenge A 6K race along the North Shore of Auckland
Tramping Around Auckland All the fun hikes near Auckland CBD
Back to School Week AUT Orientation, Mission Bay beach, and first week of classess
FREE FEED!!! Free Food on Campus, plus some other early Kiwi eats.
Auckland Farmer’s Market Our first trip to the weekly market.
A Day in the Life of Kiwi-Made Jam: Breakfast
A Day in the Life of Kiwi-Made Jam: Lunch
A Day in the Life of Kiwi-Made Jam: Dinner (and Dessert!)
Big Chard More Farmer’s Market loot
Trail Running in the Jungle Just a typical jog through Auckland’s park
What I had to live without….. Two technical benefits of living in the USA
The Juicery A great juice bar in Auckland – you can even get a green monster!
Surfing Lessons We learn how to surf on an Auckland beach
What is American Food? We are challenged to cook an American dish.
Noho Marae Cultural Weekend A school-sponsored experience into the native NZ culture
World Culture? World Cuisine! I get a chance to try some international food, as well as local Kiwi favorites
Our Weekends Start on Tuesdays Auckland Nightlife for a Uni kid
Apparently it’s cold today…. The Kiwi perception of weather
5K for Christchurch I run a virtual race to raise money for the earthquake relief effort
Free Concert and Cheap Food We get a $1 dinner and free concert, right in our backyard!
Run to Cure Homesickness I release my homesick feelings the best way I know how – hit the pavement!
Eating to Cure Homesickenss Some meals we have during a homesick weekend
St. Paddy’s Day & The Morning After Pub-hopping through very Irish-influenced Auckland
Habitual Fix and Licorice Logs Healthy, cheap fast food and a yummy treat!
Bungy Jumping: A Leap of Faith AMAZING!
Kayak Waiheke: Shut Up and Paddle! Led by a native with lots of animal life!
Date Ideas The best crepes and fish ‘n’ chips in Auckland. Also, the public library.
A Free Americano for this American…a A funny story about Kiwi Starbucks
Zumba: Not Bad for a White Girl My experience at a Kiwi Zumba class
Hunger is Non-Negotiable Faro Spanish restaurant in Elliot Stables
Auckland Museum: Polynesian Artifacts We just get to see a fraction of the museum
NZ Dairy Alternative and Pita Pit!!! Oatmilk and Falafel Pita wraps
Apartment Yoga How I tried to squeeze in my practice in my tiny room…plus trivia!
“Are you a vegetarian now?!” How my diet changed in New Zealand
CinnaBon Craving Conquered! How I satisfy my American appetite
Karaoke Rehearsal For Father Ted’s
Coast to Coast Walk A 16km journey from the North to South Coast of Auckland
Textbook Fiasco The troubles of being a study abroad student.
ARE YOU EXCITED?!?!?! Even in New Zealand, there is no thrill like finishing a paper.
Where is the Love? We sing an American anthem at Karaoke after Father Ted’s trivia.
Dreaming of Kitchen-Ware Dealing with a severely sub-par student apartment kitchen.
Course Registration Registering for classes at UVM from down-under.
The Loft Yoga Lounge My favorite studio in Auckland.
Auckland Inner City Dash A great jogging route
The Treaty of Waitangi I finally finish my Maori culture essay
New Zealand Chili Finished my leadership presentation and prepared an American dish
Packages from Maine! Hannah’s Nana in Maine sends her a package.
Winter is Almost Here! The seasons are all messed up down under.
May Foliage Imagine that! The leaves were changing in May!
Package from Princeton! A seriosuly thoughtful package arrives from Hannah’s mom!
Cinco de Mayo Getting in touch with Mexico…in New Zealand!
What I Eat on Sick Days Under-the-weather in Auckland
Slices of Heaven A very special, classic Kiwi treat from the Farmer’s Market
Dwindling Food Stash How we prepped for Alex’s arrival
Photo Shoot! We help with a friend’s photography assignment…by modeling!
Energy, Energy, ENERGY!!! How life in NZ has sucked the energy out of me.
Alex is finally here! We welcome Alex to our apartment!
Homemade Meatballs We cook a big dinner for Alex’s first night.
Third-Wheeling is Fun! Exploring Auckland with Alex and Hannah.
The Last Thing I Expected I get the surprising news that my Nanny passed away.
Dealing with grief a world away.
Looking up! I start to feel better, we even go out for sushi!
A Perfect Saturday Morning Spent at the Farmer’s market with Alex, then at the library
Alex’s Last Night We have a proper send-off for Alex
Pressed for Printing Dealing with the AUT library
Maori Culture A look into some of my courses
Brrrr in June! Autumn weather, plus planning for traveling with my brother!
Pancake Stand And my final paper about my practicum
Bronze Trivia Medalist & International Potluck Kai We almost win trivia! And then we have a party during our last class.
What I Was Reading Some of the book I read, plus the most stressful day of the semester
A Personal Problem I did NOT get along with my roommates.
The Ekko Park Show Our Trivia leader’s band played a free concert
Shopping! Dates! Picking up souvenirs, and eating imported American dates.
David arrives and we eat lots of food My brother spends his first day in NZ eating through Auckland
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Friday Airport pickup, souvenir shopping, Brew on Quay, Blues rugby game
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Saturday Farmer’s Market, Kapa Haka (Traditional Maori Performing Arts), Murder Burger
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Sunday Auckland Zoo, Galbraith’s Alehouse, Cookie Time
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Mon. & Tues. Kelly Tarlton Aquairum, thrift shopping, Monarchy Thai, Thirsty Dog Open Mic Night, Devonport, Elliot Stables, Father Ted’s Trivia
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Wednesday Pie, One Tree Hill, the Brickhouse Cafe, The Sky Tower, Orbit Revolving Restaurant
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Thursday Souvenir shopping, grocery shopping, and the Auckland Fish Market
Jenkins Family in Auckland: Friday Weet-Bix, The Auckland Museum, Asian take-out, and our last pint at Father Ted’s
Journey Home from Auckland Villa Maria Winery and 24+ hours of travel
Recovering from Time Travel How I’ve dealt with the changes of being back home.
Starting Fresh: Setting Goals How I made the transition back into my old life
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