By: Luke Baum
There's no way I would stay in Auckland for my entire stay in New Zealand! Before my trip in 2023 came to a close, I ventured outside the city to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand.
Above: Looking back at Auckland, departing from Devonport, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Friends at the hostel informed me of Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. Only a 1hr boat ride and $40NZD away, a day in Waiheke seemed ideal for someone, like me, trying to stay central to the city. I chose a beautiful 60° day filled with blue skies.
Above: Approaching Matiatia Terminal on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
I hopped on the Auckland Transportation (AT) boat and before I knew it, I was loaded off onto Waiheke island. The bus system was relatively easy to understand. Thankfully, the entire island used AT, so my bus card carried me along.
Above: Me standing on the volcanic rocks along Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
At the end of one bus route, I found a sprawling beach with amazing views. The ocean was still cold, but I couldn't resist the plunge! I love beach days, and Waiheke was so peaceful. The cove hosted friendly people and critters.
Above: Walking up from Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Once I got my fill soaking in the sun, I found a trail up the hill overlooking the cove. This was just the kind of detour I was looking for! I missed hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, so this was a fun way to reflect and get active in nature.
Above: Expanding view of Mawhitipana Bay off Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
The view became more and more spectacular with each step. I was enchanted by the perfection in each gust of wind. I allowed the serenity of the island to wash over me. This was just a taste of what New Zealand had to offer, I thought.
Above: Looking over Hauraki Gulf, The Little Barrier and The Great Barrier Islands in the distance off Palm Beach overlook on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
The overlook was perfect, complete with a place to rest for anyone who ventured up the cliff. The horizon was alluring -- the silhouettes of volcanic islands in the distance.
Above: Native grass on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Before climbing down from the hill, I took a moment to capture the wind blowing through the native grasses. The fluffiness of the grass reminded me of New Zealand's silver fern symbol. While pausing, I was also gifted with birdsong. The tones were unlike anything I had ever heard before or since. The uniqueness on the island was enamoring.
Above: Path connecting Little Palm Beach and Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Above: Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
I paused to reflect on my time in New Zealand. Everything had come so fast, and it seemed like it had ended before I even got a chance to truly see what the country had to offer. I was hopeful that I would come back within the year during the legitimacy of my Working Holiday Visa, but alas, that time has since passed.
Above: Me devouring a burrito at "Waixican" in Ostend, Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
What better way to embrace the moment than embracing a delicious meal?! Thankfully, Google maps had this island charted down pat. I located a food truck cluster on the island that looked promising and used my bus pass to make the journey.
I approached this authentic "Waixican" food truck hopeful for a good meal, and what I got blew me out of the water. The Mexican woman who owned the truck made a mean burrito, but it didn't stand a chance against me -- even as it rivaled any burrito that had come before. Of course, I raved to her about her masterpiece before departing to the next food truck down the road.
After thirty days in New Zealand, I was icecream free, which might be the longest streak I've gone without it in my entire life! However, I decided to break my streak at another food truck by ordering a cookies and cream milkshake. Unsure about whether it was the best milkshake I'd ever had, I was still glad to have a tasty treat.
Above: Oneroa Beach on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
With time to spare, I hopped on the bus to check out another beach on Waiheke. This was a dog-friendly beach, so in the spirit of enjoying this beautiful spring day, many pet owners set their dogs loose to play together on Oneroa Beach. I looked on all of the excited dogs whistfully; I knew I would see him soon, but I missed my family-dog, Kai, so much!
Above: Lounging at "Vino Vino" on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
I turned away from the playing pups to look up the hill along the coast and saw a restaurant balcony looking over the beach. The last ferry back to Auckland wasn't until sunset, so I happily moseyed on up the path to the storefronts along the road. I found myself with a view of the South Pacific Ocean on Waiheke island from a balcony at Vino Vino restaurant.
I ordered a beer, sat back, and relaxed. The birds visited me at my table, surely use to picking off tablescraps. I welcomed the curious and eager spirits. We all knew I had no food to give, and yet they graced me with their pretty chirps and melodic songs. Waiheke island was a beautiful place to behold.
Above: Boarding the Auckland Transit Boat on Waiheke Island back to Auckland, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
It was time to depart from this glimpse of paradise. I followed the path I took back to port and boarded the last AT boat back to Auckland. I felt sad to leave this island behind. Realization struck that it was a possibility to find work and live on Waiheke Island. This journey opened my eyes to keeping all options available -- my new life could be at the end of any boat ride.
Above: Sunset from the Auckland Transit, Auckland Harbor Bridge in the distance, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Above: Approaching the Queens Wharf along the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
From a relaxing island to the busiest place in New Zealand, I was taken through a whirlwind of emotions and environments that day. It's clear to me now that longterm life in the big-city is not for me. Even though New Zealand is ripe with natural beauty, I craved the authenticity of mother nature.
Ever grateful for the opportunities in my life, I embraced a slight alteration of perspective after my visit to Waiheke Island: always stay open to new possibilities and keep moving forward to see what comes next!
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