Discovering How Auckland, New Zealand Surprisingly Differs from Expectations

Downtown and the harbor area are bustling with construction sites 🚧, creating a vibrant yet somewhat chaotic atmosphere. Gazing at the downtown skyline from the boat, you still get that unmistakable urban vibe, but it’s fascinating to see how it’s all concentrated in such a compact space! One of the highlights was getting to admire original works by Monet and Picasso for free—an experience that was absolutely priceless!

The biggest surprise, however, was Mount Eden 🏔️. Climbing up to feel the refreshing spring breeze of the Southern Hemisphere and taking in the panoramic views of Auckland city was truly breathtaking. At the foot of Mount Eden, you’ll find a charming array of unique villas, surrounded by lush greenery.

Everything here exudes a sense of elegance, and there are also some delightful little shops to explore. As we drove past the University of Auckland, we caught a glimpse of its expansive green spaces, which looked inviting from afar, though we didn’t have the chance to venture inside.