Andy's Survival Guide to Auckland

Following up from my successful (!?) guides to Sydney and Launceston, here's my tips for surviving the biggest city of our near neighbour.

1. Never assume anything with traffic. Be on watch always, particularly at five-way intersections where you can't even see two of the entrances because they're on a steep incline, don't jaywalk (it can get you killed), and in particular watch trucks. Three safe rules are:

i. If a truck is turning and looks like it'll end up rolling over you, it probably will.
ii. If a car has a green light or arrow to go (this is often the case even when you have a green man), it probably will, even if it *should* stop for you.
iii. If in doubt, run quickly enough that no car is likely to hit you.

(EDIT) How to manage at traffic lights - If you hear a long buzzing sound with the green man, just go anyway. This buzz means the light has stopped all traffic going in your direction. But be quick!

2. Food and water are safe here, but buy them from places where people speak English. Auckland has many Asian migrants who, due to the wholesale absorption of their culture, have never found a need to learn English. If an Asian shopkeeper asks you "Um wuh, huh?", it's sort of like "May I help you?" If you point at things, they will tell you what they cost, but they could be different to the marked price.

3. Learn to eat sushi and/or kebabs if you don't already. You will be hungry or out of pocket otherwise. :P