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Auckland, You Weird Little Thing (and My Damp Socks)

@Mia Sinclair2/27/2026blog
Auckland, You Weird Little Thing (and My Damp Socks)

okay, so. auckland. i just got back, and honestly? i’m still processing. it’s… something. i’m a botanist, right? usually, i’m all about the ferns and the moss and the quiet hum of a rainforest. auckland is… not that. it’s a city that’s trying really hard to be a rainforest, and sometimes it works, sometimes it just feels like damp concrete.


I’m here because of a conference - something about invasive species and the impact on native flora. super fascinating stuff, but also, you know, a lot of powerpoint presentations. i needed a break. i needed… something. i ended up wandering around *Ponsonby for hours, just staring at the houses. they’re all different, like someone just threw a bunch of architectural styles into a blender and hoped for the best.

a bird's eye view of a city by the water


I checked the weather - it’s currently drizzling, a persistent, clinging kind of drizzle that soaks you to the bone even if you have an umbrella. hope you like that kind of thing. seriously, pack a raincoat. and maybe some waterproof socks. because my socks are currently… not happy.

I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to find a decent cup of coffee. i’m a bit of a snob, i admit it. i need that specific blend, that precise temperature, that… vibe. i ended up at this place called ‘Frankly My Dear’ - apparently, it’s a big deal. someone told me that the flat white there is “life-changing.” it wasn’t life-changing. it was… fine. a little too milky for my taste. but the pastries were good.

aerial view of city buildings near body of water during daytime


I did a little exploring around Auckland Domain. it’s surprisingly peaceful, considering it’s right in the middle of the city. the winter gardens were… well, they were damp. but in a nice way. like, a cozy, greenhouse kind of damp. i overheard some tourists complaining about the lack of “authentic kiwi culture.” honestly, i think they were looking for sheep.

“Apparently, if you go down to Devonport on a Sunday, you can get the best fish and chips in the whole country. but you have to queue for like, an hour. Drunk advice from a guy at the bar last night.”


I didn’t queue. i was too tired.

Here’s a quick rundown of things i learned:

 *Bring layers. Seriously. The weather changes faster than my mood.
 *Public transport is… an experience. It’s not terrible, but it’s not amazing either. check out Auckland Transport.
 *The harbor is beautiful. Even when it’s grey and drizzly.
 *Don’t expect a lot of sunshine. This isn’t the Mediterranean.
 *Check out the Auckland Museum - TripAdvisor has some good reviews.
 *Food scene is surprisingly good. Yelp has a ton of options - Yelp Auckland

green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime


If you get bored, Hamilton and Wellington* are just a short drive away. i didn’t make it to either, but i’ve heard good things. i also heard that the ferry to Waiheke Island is worth it, but again, i was too tired.

Someone at the conference warned me about the sandflies. apparently, they’re vicious. i didn’t encounter any, thankfully. but i’ll be sure to pack repellent next time.

Overall? auckland is… interesting. it’s not my favorite place in the world, but it’s not terrible either. it’s just… a bit damp. and my socks are still soggy. i’m going to go find a hot shower and maybe another (slightly better) cup of coffee. check out Auckland Tourism for more ideas.

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About the author: Mia Sinclair

Quietly plotting to make the world a slightly better place.

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