First impressions on recce
Firstly I would like to state the obvious - it's a long long way. I knew that the flight would be long - but after the first leg to hong kong I'd had enough - nz definitely a no go! *But the second leg was better - not sure why - maybe just got used to it. *So arrived in Auckland early on Sunday morning (started travelling from Grantham on Friday am!). It's a bit daunting having to go through the scanners as you enter a country rather than leave - but everyone at the airport was really friendly - heathrow it wasn't. *Dropped bags off at hotel and hit the streets of Auckland. *Couldn't believe how warm and sunny it was. *The sun is much higher in the sky and hence much warmer than in the uk at same point in winter. *Did bring coats and need them first thing in morning and if it rains but mostly too hot. *Monday hubby had agency interviews - so I sorted out bank account and had a wander. *I quite like Auckland but not sure that I would want to live in the city. *It's not very busy - even if compared to a similar sized city in the uk the traffic is very light. *We did watch the traffic over the harbour bridge each morning - it starts really early and seems quite heavy but keeps moving. *On tues we took a bus to takapuna had a wander and then a further bus to devonport and the ferry back to Auckland. *Loved the beach - definitely felt this was a place to live. *Had worried before this that takapuna would be too big - but didn't feel that way. *We did go to the Westfield shopping centre - Lego sets hugely expensive - some nice shops. Probably the most children we had seen since arriving - so definitely child friendly. *Had a lovely lunch in devonport - service in nz (so far) is way above anything in the uk. *Looking forward to day in Wellington tomorrow.