[DMcG]

I'm seeing quite a few posts from people having last minute thoughts, depressions, panic attacks over coming to New Zealand. So I thought I'd try and do something to cheer them up and convince them they're not totally insane :D

To those who have actually made it here, what do you especially like doing in NZ that you never did before you got here?

For me, it's the daily stroll along the beach from the car park to the office in Takapuna. Stopping to admire Rangitoto and watching the navigation lights in the channel blinking of an on. That and the drive through One Tree Hill on the way home, watching out for chickens, joggers, sheep, cyclists, pheasants and the occasional cow - this in the centre of Auckland!

Dougie

[Sam B]

I love gardening - everything grows so fast, and I like the endless open, empty spaces. I like hopping in our campervan each weekend and hopping off to a new and beautiful place. I love all the birds.

[victoria]

I love the people. You will get a smile & a hello or suchlike wherever you go. Oh & those wonderful handshakes that can bring you to your knees. Now that's honest folks for you. Surrounded by paradise helps a tad too.

[Caroline and Dave]

Ditto what Victoria says,
The people are so friendly here with the odd exception but everyone seems to go out of their way to help you. You usually have to make the first move. If you keep yourself to yourself then people respect that.
I have just returned from another keyboard session at an old people's home and the reception is overwhelming. I am down for a garden party tommorow with some more old folks and their relatives and I am looking forward to it.
Their gratitude is amazing.My diary is fast filling up now and I am loving it.

Dave and Caroline

[benandclare]

I love the people. You will get a smile & a hello or suchlike wherever you go. Oh & those wonderful handshakes that can bring you to your knees. Now that's honest folks for you. Surrounded by paradise helps a tad too.

I whole heartly second that . In my part time job of delivering milk around Kaiapoi and into Countdown there, the folks are just so welcoming and willing to chat and be helpful.
Just after we moved here, I was walking in Hunstbury and came across a mature couple gardening , I stopped and and we chatted and with in 10 mins I was given a guided tour of their garden and then their house and when we reached the top floor and the lounge the view was out of this world, all the way from the Ocean, over Christchurch and round to the Alps.
They insisted I bring Clare round to show her and we passed a very pleasant hour chatting and once we are in out new house they are coming round for supper one night.


Ben

[KerryS]

I love listening to the Tuis in the garden. I love the fabulous view when I lie in bed out over the harbour and across to the sugar factory.
I love the laid back pace of life - no worries about keeping up with the Jones and having the latest and greatest of everything. (And I live in consumerist Auckland!)
I love the fact that I can run before work in the dark without fear, and I meet lots of others out doing the same thing.
That now the lighter evenings are here I can go to the beach and surf after work.
That I have a wonderful group of friends and a huge whanau that I wouldn't have unless I had come to NZ.

[CjChris]

I love how you call up someone about a business or service, and they tell you not to worry, not to go to any trouble, they'll send you the papers and you can get back to them when you can. The laid back style is very appealing to me....no one demands my credit card info over the phone. It's so refreshing after living in the US and having to pay for everything up front or you get nothing.

[Familyofmonkeys]

I love being able to take this kids out without needing money for car parking :) (well, apart from Auckalnd CBD).
I love it that people do not 'dress up' to go shopping, and no one gives you a second glance if you wander around the supermarket with trackies on.
People actually talk to children here....and listen to what they have to say back, even when they are not trying to get you to buy something.
Also love going to the many different beaches, without having to walk past a load of tacky tourist shops selling plastic rubbish made in china. You can just enjoy the environment without all the consumerism.