Driven by a desire for a more convenient and sustainable lifestyle, Dan moved into an Auckland apartment six years ago—a decision that transformed his daily routines and enhanced his quality of life.
“One of the reasons I wanted to live in an apartment was because it’s near my office,” he says.
“I can enjoy easy access to transport and stay close to everything I need, without owning a car.”
Watch Dan's story to discover how living close to amenities reduces his need for a car, lowering costs and enhancing his lifestyle with convenient access to everything he needs.
Dan's car-lite lifestyle has brought financial savings and stronger community ties—continue reading to see how he experiences urban living.
Financial Freedom Without a Car
With the convenience of transport options at his doorstep for both work and leisure, Dan no longer relies on a car to navigate Auckland.
“I can get around without needing to buy my own car. I can go almost anywhere by bus, train, or ferry if I want, and that flexibility makes life without a car really easy.”
Ditching car ownership has significantly boosted Dan’s quality of life.
“I no longer deal with the paperwork, parking hassles, or maintenance that comes with owning a vehicle, and that’s a massive burden off my shoulders," Dan explains.
“Cutting out car expenses has allowed me to pay off my student loan and build up a nest egg.”
“Now, I have more freedom to enjoy Auckland’s cultural life, like local gigs, big events, and weekends away around New Zealand.”
Apartment and townhouse living near accessible public transport makes city life convenient, shortening commutes and reducing reliance on cars for residents like Dan.
Occasional Wheels, Everyday Walks
On rare occasions when Dan needs a car, he relies on car-sharing services like Mevo and City Hop.
“If I need a car for a longer trip, I can hire one at a moment’s notice,” he explains.
Having lived car-free in cities like Sydney, Vancouver, and Nottingham, Dan notes how well Auckland compares.
“I find Auckland stacks up well against a lot of other places I’ve lived in around the world,” he says.
Dan’s car-free lifestyle has also transformed his daily routines.
Instead of spending time driving, he enjoys walking.
“Most of what I need is within a 20-minute walk, which is amazing.”
From the supermarket and pharmacy to restaurants and parks, everything is just a short walk away, making urban living not only convenient but also enjoyable.
Dan's housing choice supports his car-lite lifestyle by utilising car-sharing services and enjoying convenient walks to local amenities
Building Community Connections
This has brought him closer to his local community and given him more opportunities to connect with others, whether it’s meeting neighbours in his apartment building or running into friends while out and about.
“Even in a big city, I’ve become a regular at nearby cafes and shops. I often bump into friends or colleagues, and it’s easy to stop and chat,” he shares.
Enjoying Auckland’s Natural Beauty
Dan also enjoys easy access to nature and the outdoors.
He enjoys regular trips to local parks and his apartment’s proximity to green spaces has been an ideal substitute for a private garden.
“I don’t feel the lack of a garden because I’ve got lots of nearby parks to visit and I have a plot in our community garden. It’s great for connecting with people while growing whatever I want.”
When he wants to venture further, Auckland’s local beaches and regional parks like Wenderholm or Long Bay are easily accessible by bus.
“When I want to get out into nature, I can, and it’s surprisingly easy to do that by public transport,” Dan says.
Dan enjoys tending to plants in his community garden. Developments combining residential and recreational spaces fosters connections with neighbours and nature.
Bringing Daily Needs Closer to Home
Dan’s story shows how apartment living in Auckland has made a lifestyle less reliant on a car possible, improving his quality of life while contributing to a more sustainable city.
Auckland Council is focused on delivering more new homes and a mix of housing choices—such as apartments and townhouses—in well-serviced areas with easy access to jobs, transport, parks, and everyday essentials.
Dan’s choice to embrace a car-free lifestyle is an example of how the council's future-focused plans aim to bring daily needs closer to home, giving people more time to do what they love and less time commuting.
It reflects the council’s focus on shaping a cleaner, more vibrant Auckland that meets the diverse needs of Aucklanders while supporting a healthier environment.
As Dan says, “That really works well for me.”
Altogether Auckland: Tāmaki Turuki
Inspired by Dan’s story? Together, we can make Tāmaki Makaurau even better. Discover Auckland Council’s future-focused plan and learn how we’re transforming our city—visit OurAuckland.
