So I honestly thought that when I emerged from my mandatory quarantine period, it would be as dramatic as when Andy Dufresne escaped from Shawshank State Prison. In reality, barely an eyelid was batted as I heaved my suitcase out of the Ibis Hotel and into my uber. Within an hour, I was hurtling along State Highway 30 in my rented Toyota Corolla, belting out some classics by Katy Perry and Elton John, gawping at the scenery outside. 

Everybody was right –  New Zealand is beautiful. Even the relatively short drive from Rotorua to my final destination, Gisborne, was a great introduction to the country. I stopped plenty of times to get some pictures.  Whether it was steam rising from the Rotorua Geysers or the sun shining in the Bay of Plenty, it’s all coming to an Instagram near you!

I was a bit nervous about getting to Gisborne. In various conversations, the words ‘isolated’, ‘quiet’ and ‘it’s a bit out of the way’ had come up a few times.  At the time I had been quite excited to try something new, having spent the better part of the last decade in major UK cities. As I trundled along the road leading into Gisborne and saw lots of fields and barely any buildings or people, I started to worry that maybe I had underestimated how quiet this place was. Where are all the people? Why is the sky so clear? Where is the Nandos? My honest impression was that this place was so far away from the urban hubbub I was used to. Was this really going to be where all my FY3 dreams came true?

A few kilometres later and things became a bit more built up…but oddly the buildings were rarely more than 1 storey. Once I was settled at my flat and popped out for a walk in the evening, I realised that my judgement of Gisborne was coloured by my first impression of the place – “This fish and chip shop is so quiet”..etc – I was being dramatic and narrow minded. 

I got a chance to explore Gisborne the following day and was won over instantly. If sitting in the sun with a cold beer and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin didn’t do it, then it was definitely the Surf and Turf looking over Midway Beach that did. Strolling down the palm tree lined streets in shorts and sunnies, I felt like I was on holiday!

I have now been in Gisborne (affectionately known as Gizzy) for over a week and I’m settling in. My first impression definitely set me off on a spiral, but the more time I spend here, the more it wins me over with its charm.  Yes it can be a bit quiet….but the laid back atmosphere is great! 

After speaking to a few people at work, it feels that this first impression of Gisborne is a rite of passage for everyone who moves here – and goes to show that first impressions aren’t always everything. I am forever grateful that my friends didn’t just follow their first impressions of me – but that’s a set of stories for another time!