I wasn’t expecting a constant oppressive heat, which many back home believe the weather is like (purely because New Zealand is close to Australia). Although the hot weather has started to ramp up, much of New Zealand's climate feels similar to that of the UK. This isn’t to say New Zealand, and Auckland in particular, doesn’t have great pubs. Experiences of pub culture in the UK have been quite different from those in New Zealand. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt as stressed as I have on Auckland roads.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 01, 2026 17:32 UTC