Recommendations for where to live, work?

Recommendations for where to live, work?

Author
Discussion

Jimmy No Hands

Original Poster:

5,019 posts

163 months

Sunday 10th March 2019
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Hello all,

Early June me and my partner will be arriving in NZ on a 12 month working holiday visa, so looking for recommendations on the best places to a) live, b) work and c) sightsee. I realise a lot of suggestions will be down to personal preference but as much information as possible is appreciated.

Primarily, finding work will be fairly paramount. I don't know what the job market is like at all, but coming from Western Australia I am hoping it can't get much worse. (At least rurally) Obviously we can't accept any permanent roles so this will likely be hospitality or horticulture. I've 'just' become accustomed to Perth's ridiculously sky high day to day living costs, what is NZ like in this regard?

We are gravitating towards Christchurch not for any other reason than we have a close friend living there currently. (Also have friends in Auckland, and Wellington)

We both like a bit of night life and things "happening". i.e some local events, festivals, markets. With options to live in a suburb with good transport links and rent that won't make me wince, too much.


Thank you all.


Mort

55 posts

202 months

Thursday 14th March 2019
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I can only speak for Auckland - rent and property are very high. Probably more job opportunities than anywhere in NZ. Transport and traffic depends where you live.

mikiec

326 posts

93 months

Thursday 14th March 2019
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Chch should have lots of hospo available, always new restaurants & bars opening. Cbd is pretty cheap place to live and get around.
The ‘trademe’ website will give you and idea of jobs available and rents.
The city will be a good base to explore the South Island especially if you get a cheap car or have access to one.
Being at the end of the earth cost of living isn’t cheap but I would think similar to Aussie.

Wanchaiwarrior

364 posts

221 months

Thursday 14th March 2019
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Cost of living similar or more than Oz + salaries are lower = less disposable income

Have a great stay.

Craig Brown Photographer

64 posts

112 months

Monday 18th March 2019
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check out Tauranga/Mount Maunganui, plenty of local horticulture, more sun, and a great beach

HellK9

255 posts

197 months

Monday 18th March 2019
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Christchurch is a fantastic base for travelling the South Island. Good local skiing, beaches, mountain biking. Probably a better bet than most to take up work given seasonal work will have finished.

sopaz

22 posts

176 months

Wednesday 3rd April 2019
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Depending on your experience you shouldn't necessarily limit yourself to seasonal work (unless you plan to move around). Especially in June when heading into winter. Unemployment is low here and many companies struggle to find skilled people - some will happily take you on a UK working holiday visa for a fixed 12 month contract (to get over the "no permanent job" clause on the visa).

You should also be able to extend your visa by another year to get some traveling done (but you can only work for 12 months total in the 24).

Cost of rent everywhere is expensive, but Auckland and Wellington are outrageous (you'll
probably be house sharing). Having said that, both are awesome places to live, and should have plenty of job opportunities.