Some people may think I’ve been a little tough on Auckland but our judgements of a place are so often based on our previous experiences. I lived in Christchurch for 6 years so Auckland really doesn’t stand a chance. Christchurch, before the earthquakes, was superior in every way. I miss the cool temperate climate most of all. I also miss the clean, chlorine-free drinking water that we drank and watered our gardens with for free. I miss the views to the snow-covered Southern Alps and the glorious 2-hour drive to their front door. I miss Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton and the views from the Gondola. I miss the Arts Centre with its weekend market and live music and the museum with the discovery centre for children. I miss the Art Gallery and its regular children’s exhibit. I miss the flat terrain of Christchurch and the ease of cycling and pushing a push chair. I miss the three wheelie bins provided by the council and included in our rates which offered world-class recycling and a bin for all compostable food waste. I miss the trams and the excitement of knowing they were being extended. I miss the Weeping Willows of Hagley Park. I miss being able to live my life with minimal car use. I miss the 15-minute drive to the airport. I miss being able to walk to the local shopping village with a supermarket and cafes and interesting Art Deco architecture. Sadly, the Art Deco buildings are gone. I miss being able to drive from one side of town to the other in 20 minutes or less. I miss knowing there’s a ski-field less than 2-hours away. I miss my husband’s short commute to and from his work. I miss the cold, frosty mornings where you can see your breath and the grass makes a crunchy sound when you walk on it. I miss how the dog poo used to freeze overnight on our back lawn, making it easy to pick up. I miss the council-run swimming pools. Sorry, Auckland, but yours are crap. I miss having my mother-in-law within driving distance. I miss the botanic gardens. I miss the city centre with its wide, open pedestrian spaces.
Will we ever go back? No. Definitely not. The Christchurch I loved has gone. Damn you, earthquakes.
rachel.blog 
Oh Rachel, you sound quite depressed, I hope your day to day life is not dominated by missing all those things that Auckland is NOT. You've all been through a lot – hope you are finding some positives to keep you going.Xxx
PS- We have an e-bike, something like that might help with the hills.
I would so love an e-bike. I'm actually lusting after one of these: http://dutchcargobike.com.au/azor-bike-bakfiets-cargo-bike-classic/
Christchurch was lovely and it is a tragedy that much of it has gone. There are probably a lot of people mourning the loss of their old lifestyles just like you. By the way, how's your garden going? B
The garden is looking great. We got rid of all the dead trees and also that cotoneaster and a few other weedy things. I'll post a pic at some stage. I've also oiled our deck.
I'm impressed. You don't mess around!