I landed in Auckland (the largest city in New Zealand) with pre-arrangements to couchsurf with Hickey. I don't know why, but every time I commence my journey to my couchsurfing host house, I hesitate, and review all my other options. Typically the only other option is a hostel, so when I say I review all my other options I am juggling the idea of either staying at a total stranger's house, or staying in a room with 5 other strangers.
Thus far, couchsurfing has treated me real well. I, like others, was also very sceptical of the whole idea before I became a "couchsurfer" myself. I mean, solo female traveller with no family or significant relations in the continent to look for me if I were to go missing, sleeping on a couch at a total strangers' house? I don't think I would let my 21 year old do it either.
Though, as I mentioned, I am an authentic couchsurfer, and after juggling the idea the whole bus ride to Hickey's house, the bus did eventually make it to Orakei Road in Remuera, a nice little suburb approximately 20 minutes outside of the CBD. This couchsurfing house was unlike any other I have stayed at before; deemed "Chateau Le Orakei", or more commonly known as "The Animal House".
Upon arrival at The Animal House I was greeted my an Englishmen and an American girl, neither of whom were the host. See, The Animal House is more of a hostel. One night (of the 5 I stayed), there was 7 couchsurfers doing what they do best, couchsurfing! It was a great place to stay as you meet so many people. Later that afternoon I did eventually meet the host, Lord Hickey (more commonly known as Panda) who is a real cool character. One of his first tasks to welcome you to his house (other than giving you the grand tour) is to reign an animal name upon you. I was christened with "Snow Leopard". During my stay I met the other hosts: Giraffe and Squirrel among other couchsurfers Lady Giraffe, Ptiaradactyl, Sea Horse, Doe and Octopus. Now do you understand why we call it the Animal House?
As much as I enjoyed my stay at the Animal House, I started getting very anxious being in Auckland after 2 days, and I needed to devise a plan to get out! For the biggest city in New Zealand, Auckland was pretty lame. I mean, if you need some retail therapy, or some over-priced touristy affairs, get your arse to Auckland. You can visit the Sky Tower (at 328 metres, it's easily the tallest building in New Zealand) for $28/adult. And if you really have some cash burning a hole in your pocket you can eat at the 360 degree revolving restaurant, or even base jump from the tower for an 11 second fall for $225.
None of this was selling to me because I ultimately wanted to experience New Zealand for what it really is, and get off the beaten tourist track. So how could I do this? I had already purchased a hop-on, hop-off Magic bus pass which covered both islands. Though I already travelled the south island in September with mom, I thought my 31 days would be better spent just exploring the north. And with the bus pass I had there was only 5 stops in the north island (Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, National Park and Wellington). Talk about travelling the beaten tourist track!
Needless to say I have requested a refund on my lame bus pass which I used to purchase a sleeping bag. Why, you may be asking yourself, would I buy a sleeping bag instead? How in the world will you get around? "Have no fear: Andrew is here!" (A phrase you may see pop-up on here quite frequently).
Andrew. Andrew, Andrew, Andrew. So I met Andrew on the "Ride Share New Zealand" group on the Couchsurfing website. Andrew is an engineer from Colorado. We met in Auckland later that week and over some wine and beer so devised the perfect plan! Andrew is staying in New Zealand for a while, so he bought a car and equipped it with all the camping gear you need, I bought a sleeping bag, and our adventure began.
The Great White, 1988 5-speed Toyota Corolla. No power steering, no radio or CD player, but who needs those right?
Upon arrival at The Animal House I was greeted my an Englishmen and an American girl, neither of whom were the host. See, The Animal House is more of a hostel. One night (of the 5 I stayed), there was 7 couchsurfers doing what they do best, couchsurfing! It was a great place to stay as you meet so many people. Later that afternoon I did eventually meet the host, Lord Hickey (more commonly known as Panda) who is a real cool character. One of his first tasks to welcome you to his house (other than giving you the grand tour) is to reign an animal name upon you. I was christened with "Snow Leopard". During my stay I met the other hosts: Giraffe and Squirrel among other couchsurfers Lady Giraffe, Ptiaradactyl, Sea Horse, Doe and Octopus. Now do you understand why we call it the Animal House?
As much as I enjoyed my stay at the Animal House, I started getting very anxious being in Auckland after 2 days, and I needed to devise a plan to get out! For the biggest city in New Zealand, Auckland was pretty lame. I mean, if you need some retail therapy, or some over-priced touristy affairs, get your arse to Auckland. You can visit the Sky Tower (at 328 metres, it's easily the tallest building in New Zealand) for $28/adult. And if you really have some cash burning a hole in your pocket you can eat at the 360 degree revolving restaurant, or even base jump from the tower for an 11 second fall for $225.
None of this was selling to me because I ultimately wanted to experience New Zealand for what it really is, and get off the beaten tourist track. So how could I do this? I had already purchased a hop-on, hop-off Magic bus pass which covered both islands. Though I already travelled the south island in September with mom, I thought my 31 days would be better spent just exploring the north. And with the bus pass I had there was only 5 stops in the north island (Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, National Park and Wellington). Talk about travelling the beaten tourist track!
Needless to say I have requested a refund on my lame bus pass which I used to purchase a sleeping bag. Why, you may be asking yourself, would I buy a sleeping bag instead? How in the world will you get around? "Have no fear: Andrew is here!" (A phrase you may see pop-up on here quite frequently).
Andrew. Andrew, Andrew, Andrew. So I met Andrew on the "Ride Share New Zealand" group on the Couchsurfing website. Andrew is an engineer from Colorado. We met in Auckland later that week and over some wine and beer so devised the perfect plan! Andrew is staying in New Zealand for a while, so he bought a car and equipped it with all the camping gear you need, I bought a sleeping bag, and our adventure began.
The Great White, 1988 5-speed Toyota Corolla. No power steering, no radio or CD player, but who needs those right?
Here she is!
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