Callum Hatton is TravelPod’s third Local Expert from New Zealand. Joining the team with Scottwoz and nztravelguide, he can help you plan your trip to the islands with ease.
Why did you become a TravelPod Local Expert?
I became a Local Expert for Auckland as I have spent so many years living here that I want to give any new travellers to the city that little extra bit of inside knowledge that can’t be found from Tour Guides,such as the best times to do things or even the best little places to eat at.
Callum Hatton: Auckland Local Expert
What are the best and worst things about living in Auckland?
The best thing about living in Auckland would have to be the scenery hands down. With beaches lining either side of the city its just a wonderful city to live in and visit, as you are only about 20minutes drive from the sea which is something you can’t really get in other countries.
As for the worst thing, well like most places around the world, it will be the traffic. The problem is with the may the Highway system is setup and with one bridge crossing Auckland Harbour into the CBD it gets clogged up very quickly and can last for hours.
What are the top five or 10 things for travelers to do in your area?
For any traveller visiting New Zealand, the top 5things they can do in Auckland will have to be :
5. Walk along the Waterfront from Auckland Ferry Building to Kohimarama Bay and Back, the mix of breath taking sea views and stylish cafe’s scattered along the Waterfront makes it a perfect day out.
4. Kelly Tarlton Underwater World, not any ordinary Aquarium as you get to experience it more than just giant fish tanks.
3. The Auckland War Memorial Museum for the history buffs, as it has indepth displays on the history of New Zealand and other south pacific nations. And there are incredible views across the harbour from the steps of the Museum.
2. Piha Beach. One of Auckland’s most famous beaches. For any people who aren’t confident of swimming in swells Please leave this off the list, but beautiful black sand beach, wonderful surf and scenary. Pack those speedos.
1. Take a ferry out to Rangitoto Island for a walk up to the Summit of Auckland’s largest dormant volcano. And nestled in the Haukari Gulf gives some unbelievable views of the Gulf and the City as you look back towards the West from the summit.
What are some of your best travel experiences?
My best travel experience so far would have to be the Moose Network tour which I took in Canada in June / July this year. The trip started in Vancouver and ended in Calgary. Some of the best people I ever met and the guides were the most laid back that you could have. Made lifelong friends on that trip.
What is your worst travel experience?
I would have to say that for my worst Travel Experience, it would have to be anytime that I have flown with Air Canada, especially on a flight from Calgary to Vancouver in July this year. The inflight entertainment was not working so it was a rather boring flight, and then give all of us a card to log onto their website and get compensation the next time we fly with them. That is the last time I will fly with them.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
To have grown up in a loving family enviroment, and been able to start travelling on my own.
Where are you planning on traveling in the future?
I am actually planning a Roadtrip starting in Vancouver, Canada and hopefully finishing in Sydney, Australia.
What do you do with most of your time?
Most of my time is spent either at work, or involved with Surf Life Saving either at a Lifeguard Patrolling level or Event First Aid at the Regional Level.
It starts pretty early around 6am with work and finishes when ever the job is completed so that can be from 4pm till 3 – 4am if need be, but that doesn’t happen as often as it use to.
