Spring Break: Intro to Auckland

I didn’t really have a solid plan for spring break this year. But I knew I didn’t want to sit around doing nothing. I wanted to go somewhere where there’d be things happening, even if I figured it out as I went, and Auckland felt like the perfect place to start. There’s always something going on there, so it seemed like a safe bet for a last-minute, loosely planned trip.

Polyfest was easily a highlight. The whole place felt alive, music, colour, and just a really strong sense of energy, culture, and community. The performances were incredible to watch, with each group bringing something different to the stage. Similar to Merrie Monarch, it didn’t feel like just a show, it felt way more meaningful than that. Even just walking around was an experience, with food stalls, cultural displays, and so much going on that you could easily spend hours there without getting bored.

Outside of Polyfest, Auckland itself quickly proved why it’s such a good place for a trip like this. One minute you’re in the middle of busy streets and cafes, and the next you’re near the water. It made the whole week feel really open-ended in the best way, like I could just decide what to do each day as I went. Starting the trip with something as energetic as Polyfest set the tone, and it made me even more excited to see what else I’d end up doing while I was there.