Incomplete list of things to love about NZ

1. the birds, the birds, the birds (especially pukekos!)

2. gorgeous scenery and beaches.

3. clear night skies; the Milky Way and touchable stars.

4. NO BEARS (or cougars)

5. friendly people who are always telling you that the weather can change in an instant and be sure to wear your sunscreen and a hat because our sun is very harsh here.
6. The harsh sun is saving me several hundred dollars in hair coloring fees. (Whoo hoo!)

7. Taking the train to work along the harbour and watching for whales.
8. There are supposedly penguins here, and orcas sometimes come into the harbour.

9. Cute lambs.

10. Sophisticated "we aren't the center of the world/we know a little bit about the world around us and actually physically travel there" attitude.