Bowden (22) was the first choice first five-eighth in the Otago side by the end of last season and impressed with his ability to break the line.
When contacted last night, Bowden confirmed he had signed a two-year contract with the Auckland Rugby Union and would turn out for Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup.
He said the decision to move north was based solely on wanting to get back to Auckland to be with his family and girlfriend, Football Ferns captain Hayley Moorwood.
Bowden, a former New Zealand Colt, grew up in the City of Sails, and went to Auckland Grammar.
But he transferred to the Northland province straight out of school and played for the Cambridge Blues for three seasons.
He then transferred to Otago at the start of last season, and played for both the Highlanders and Otago.
He was troubled by a quad injury in the Super 14 campaign, and played nine games for the side, scoring 20 points.
He also played nine games for Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup, scoring 34 points.
Bowden said the decision to move back north was nothing to do with the re-appointment of Otago coaches Steve Martin and Bruce Carvell.
He would play for the Highlanders next season, saying he wanted to repay some of the faith shown in him by Highlanders coach Glenn Moore.
