Why We Chose Auckland, New Zealand as Our First Stop in Our Nomadic Life

When we decided to embrace a nomadic lifestyle with our family of five, the first big decision we faced was choosing our initial destination. It wasn’t just about picking a spot on the map; it was about finding the perfect place to kick off this new chapter of our lives. After some careful consideration, Auckland, New Zealand, emerged as the clear winner for several reasons.

A Great Deal on Points: The Lure of Auckland

One of the main factors that tipped the scales in Auckland's favor was a fantastic deal we found on points for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland. We were able to fly half way around the world for 23k/points and $43 per person.

We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to maximize our travel budget and using points and miles is one way we can do this. By utilizing points for these long haul (usually expensive) flights, we can stretch our budget.  (Interested in how we did this? We will talk about how we use points and miles in a separate post.)

This deal was exactly what we were looking for and just too good to pass up. It allowed us to start our journey in a dream destination without breaking the bank, setting the tone for the budget-conscious travel that would become a hallmark of our nomadic adventure.

A Dream Realized: Exploring New Zealand and Australia

I was lucky enough to visit both New Zealand and Australia when I was younger and even then I knew I wanted to go back to New Zealand some day.

New Zealand and Australia had always been high on our list of must-visit places with kids. We knew that at some point in our travels, we wanted to experience the natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich culture of these countries.

Starting in Auckland brought us closer to both of these destinations. It was the perfect gateway to explore the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand and eventually hop over to Australia, where a whole new world of adventures awaited us.

Chasing Summer: The Perfect Weather

Another major draw was the weather. When we left the United States in January, it was winter but in New Zealand, it was summer.

For us, the idea of beginning our nomadic journey in a place with warm, sunny weather was incredibly appealing. It meant we could enjoy outdoor activities, explore the city’s parks and beaches, and soak up the sun, all while escaping the winter chill back home.

It also helped with packing. We are minimalist, carry-on only packers and one way we can acheive this is ensuring all our destinations had similar climates.

Strategic Location: Gateway to Southeast Asia

Finally, we chose Auckland because of its strategic location. We knew that Southeast Asia was going to be a significant part of our journey, and being in New Zealand put us in a great position to travel there more easily.

Auckland served as an ideal base from which we could explore that part of the world. With its excellent flight connections, we could easily hop over to places like Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia when the time was right.

Conclusion: A Perfect Beginning

Choosing Auckland as our first stop was one of the best decisions we made. It combined practicality with our travel dreams and set us on the right path for our nomadic journey.

The deal on points, the allure of New Zealand and Australia, the summer weather, and the strategic location all came together to make Auckland the perfect place to begin our adventure.

As we settled into our new nomadic life, Auckland didn’t disappoint. It was a city that welcomed us with open arms and served as the ideal starting point for the many adventures that lay ahead. Stay tuned for all the adventures we had in New Zealand, Australia and South East Asia.