Two months in New Zealand: our journey has just begun.
Due mesi in Nuova Zelanda: il nostro viaggio è appena iniziato [IT]
Per la versione italiana clicca qui.
Originally written in Italian. Read the original version here.
One day, when the wind has dried the sweat from our skin, time has softened our memories, and a few nights of rest have restored our muscles, there will remain only fantastic stories, good excuses to laugh with friends, and countless photographs – snapshots of our past that turn us into walking collections of memories to share wherever we go.
Dear reader,
Two months after we arrived in New Zealand, I've decided to pause and put down on paper what I've done so far. Partly to not forget past experiences, to share them, and finally to make the most of the time invested. As with many other travels, when you move beyond the "vacation" period, where it's easier to see and appreciate the beauty of any place, I begin to see the various nuances of a broader picture. The details become clearer, the perspective deepens, and I can appreciate both the overall experience and the small moments that made it special. After taking it all in and letting it settle, I return to the big picture with the most meaningful details now part of my memory.
Below, in almost chronological order, I've divided the main categories of our first experiences in New Zealand.
First steps in Auckland
Our journey began with landing in Auckland on November 12th. From the moment we arrived, we found ourselves immersed in greenery. The first thing we noticed was the variety of plants and animals present even in the city. Beyond the fantastic cultural immersions, we unfortunately had to navigate through offices and bike shops, both to sort out our work visas and to buy all the bike parts we had forgotten or broken. Inexperience can be a great excuse to meet new people, even if it's sometimes a bit expensive.
In the city, we visited various neighborhoods, including Britomart with its contemporary charm, the artistic suburb of Titirangi, the vibrant Kingsland, and the beautiful bays of Mission Bay and St. Helliers. I must admit, though, that the city gave me mixed feelings. While I loved its livability in terms of green spaces, traffic, and opportunities for sports, I didn't encounter a historic center that captured my attention. Perhaps it's because I'm used to European cities, where you can typically appreciate the history of a place through the architectural lines of buildings, and which are often literally open-air museums.
In all of this, however, I found a cultural diversity that is precious to my eyes. Being a country of intense emigration and immigration, I never felt marginalized, foreign, or like a tourist, because most of the people I met were of multi-ethnic origin or just as much newcomers as I am.
From a cultural perspective, a significant moment was our visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where we immersed ourselves in the richness of Māori culture, and discovering the evocative Wintergardens of the Auckland Domain.
Our cycling adventures
The real adventure began with our first trip, which was also Valerie's first travel experience on two wheels. A characteristic we share is exploration – we'd rather try and fail than never try at all. For this reason, Valerie decided to get a bike two weeks before departure, load it onto an international flight, and try to explore a new country on two wheels, bringing everything necessary for a move that we hope will last longer than a vacation and shorter than "forever."
After our first successful attempt – a two-day trip around Auckland – we followed up with a more ambitious experience: four days of cycling from Karekare to Hamilton, passing through Port Waikato and Raglan. This journey, despite some technical hiccups (a phone and GPS sacrificed to the cause!), allowed us to do some testing for the next trip, which will be even longer. But most importantly, we got our first taste of the local surf culture.
Port Waikato was a complete surprise – a village that appeared after a couple of hours of cycling along an uninhabited coast. And Raglan, a lively town with attention to detail, revolves around surf and tourism. I admit I immediately started looking for work in Raglan when I saw it – if I could have, I would have stayed a few months.
For Valerie, it was quite an introduction! Cycling in New Zealand isn't always easy, especially for a first experience. The elevation changes are always significant, and the roads aren't the most cyclist-friendly, both because they often don't have a dedicated lane for slower vehicles (here called a shoulder), and because drivers aren't always aware of how unpleasant and dangerous a heavy car can be near a cyclist. For this reason, it's best to be patient, do some preparation, and stick to unsealed roads, where you'll go from the sound of cars to immersion in pastures and flocks of sheep.
The Sacred Earth Experience
A special chapter of our journey was our month of volunteering at Sacred Earth, an experience that deserves a separate story and has deeply enriched our stay.
For each stop on this journey that particularly intrigues you, I'll be happy to dedicate an in-depth article or share the details in a more personal conversation.