My Town
Auckland, New Zealand
UBC alum Becky Bradley at Milford Beach in Auckland, with Rangitoto Island in the background. Photos courtesy of Becky.
Becky Bradley (BA’21) is a therapist with a private practice in Auckland, where she has been living for the past three years.
What three words best describe Auckland?
Hilly. Coastal. Relaxed.
How did you come to live in Auckland?
During my time at UBC, I did a study exchange at the University of Auckland. It was there that I met my now-fiancé, who is an Aucklander. After living together in Canada for a few years, we decided to relocate back to his hometown for its incredible lifestyle and weather, and to embark on a new adventure.
What do you like most about living there?
The lifestyle is second to none. A healthy work-life balance is truly celebrated here; with four weeks of annual leave and “Mondayised” public holidays, long weekends are frequent. I especially love how active the community is in my neighbourhood. On Saturday mornings, the area comes alive with people cycling, running, walking, or swimming at the beach. People are genuinely easygoing and friendly, and I really value the city's vibrant multiculturalism.
Becky, in UBC gear, just before racing in her first marathon in Auckland.
The annual Runaway Auckland Marathon is a very popular event in the city and includes crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, normally only open to vehicles.
Becky recommends taking the Milford to Takapuna coastal walk, which she finds beautiful in all seasons. This photo captures a section of the picturesque walk on a winter day.
If you could change one thing about Auckland, what would it be?
The traffic! It’s a classic local grievance. I’d love to see a more robust public transport system to help reduce the daily commute times that many Aucklanders face. (City Rail Link—New Zealand’s largest infrastructure project ever—is set to open this year, which many hope will improve the traffic.)
What might surprise a visitor about Auckland?
How relaxed it feels. The barefoot culture is real—it's not unusual to see people in the supermarket or at the petrol station without shoes, leaning fully into the laid-back island vibe. The city can also feel surprisingly quiet at night, especially compared to other cities of its size.
Coffee culture is another shock. Starbucks are few and far between because independent cafés dominate. You might also notice a strong commitment to mullets and rat tails. And then there is the weather. Auckland is famous for “four seasons in one day,” with sunshine, rain, wind, and clouds all rolling through within a few hours.
What are your favourite hidden gems or activities that only locals know about?
The Milford to Takapuna coastal walk is a great one—you’re walking right along the rocks with views of the ocean and Rangitoto Island (Auckland's largest dormant volcano). Devonport is also worth a look. It’s a quiet neighbourhood located about a 10-minute ferry ride from the Central Business District (CBD). You can walk up North Head or Mount Victoria for some good views of the city. For a day trip, heading out to the beach town of Ōmaha, Piha Beach, or Tāwharanui Regional Park is nice, or you can take a ferry to Waiheke Island for the vineyards and beaches.
How easy is it to meet new people?
Meeting new people in Auckland is possible, but it does take effort. Like anywhere, you have to put yourself out there. I found joining local sports clubs was the best way to integrate. Sport is a huge part of the culture here, and clubs tend to be welcoming of all skill levels.
That said, many Kiwis have known each other for years, often since school, so social circles can feel quite established. I definitely had to be proactive and put in sustained effort. I have also heard from other international residents that building close friendships here can take time.
The upside is that there are plenty of clubs, groups, and activities you can join if something genuinely interests you. In my case, I play tennis on Monday evenings, touch rugby on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and drop into run clubs when I can. Dating a Kiwi also helped me find my feet socially.
What issues are particularly important to the people of Auckland?
The high cost of housing is a major talking point, along with public transport infrastructure. There is also frequent discussion about the "brain drain"—young Kiwis moving to Australia for higher wages.
What is one local custom that every visitor should know about?
Auckland is built on volcanic cones, which are often sacred sites (maunga) to local Māori. While you can walk up most of them for a view, it's respectful to avoid walking directly into the craters or standing on the very highest points of the summits.
Becky exploring Karangahape Road (K' Road)—an eclectic part of town that, she says, is "always worth a wander."
Palm trees dotted throughout the city give Auckland a relaxed, almost tropical feel.
This particular photo was taken in Auckland Domain, a beautiful 140-year-old park located in the heart of the city.
Tāwharanui Regional Park, located about a 75-minute drive north of the city, is a great place to visit. Its wild vistas and ocean views make going there feel "like a weekend escape," says Becky.
New Zealand's iconic red pōhutukawa trees are a common sight along Auckland's coast, often coming into full bloom around Christmas.
A panoramic shot of Auckland's Central Business District (CBD).
Looking to connect with your UBC alumni community?
If you live outside our campus communities in the Lower Mainland and Central Okanagan, visit the Global Alumni Network page to see if there’s an alumni ambassador or social media community where you live.
Alumni volunteers also host fun My Town Meetups in locations around the world. Check out our Meetups page to see if there’s a gathering near you—or sign up to host one in your location!
