Info and Picture Request - New Zealand
Discussion
I've been looking into taking a trip to New Zealand for 3-4 weeks with a view of living there for a year or so. I scored 160 out the needed 100 points to be inconsideration for residency with is good. Just like to know what it's like, pictures would be great, any experiences of the place. Thanks 
Go for it! I travelled around for six weeks to see the sights and get a feel for the place! I would post a pic but my stuff, incuding camera, was stolen! If I did have my pics they just dont do the place justice, it is stunning and the people are very freindly, especialy the south island!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthoulb/collections...
Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
Jeez, you're a bit vague and I'm off out but here goes:
It's easy here (outside Auckland), life's slow, rush hour virtually non-existent, everyone's friendly, some things are expensive (isolated country) some things cheap (Honda's, Toyota's, petrol, insurance) it's not very dynamic, especially the South Island and especially boring Christchurch (2nd biggest city in New Zealand). If you want time to think, an opportunity to do the things you've never done and have a head for self employment then it's great. If you like New York, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens and Vegas then a holiday rather than residency might suit you more.
Trackdays, however, are only 40 quid including lunch!
It's easy here (outside Auckland), life's slow, rush hour virtually non-existent, everyone's friendly, some things are expensive (isolated country) some things cheap (Honda's, Toyota's, petrol, insurance) it's not very dynamic, especially the South Island and especially boring Christchurch (2nd biggest city in New Zealand). If you want time to think, an opportunity to do the things you've never done and have a head for self employment then it's great. If you like New York, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens and Vegas then a holiday rather than residency might suit you more.
Trackdays, however, are only 40 quid including lunch!
Been there twice, back again in 6 months or so. Girlfriend is a kiwi, grew up in the Auckland suburbs.
If a slower pace of life and outdoorsy stuff appeals (especially if it's to do with boats), it can be a great place to live. If you love going to concerts, theatres, nipping over to a european city for the weekend, then you might find it a bit isolated and dull. There's a reason a big proportion of kiwis head elsewhere in their 20s - some return to settle down and have kids, some prefer life elsewhere and don't come back. My gf has been here 9 years, has just gone through the process of becoming a british citizen and can now apply for a passport.
That said, I have british friends who moved to Auckland in their mid-20s about 6 years ago, kept making noises about coming back but nowadays have bought a house, had a daughter and seem pretty happy there. Despite being there all that time though, they still haven't really seen much of the country - much like the french/italian Alps, getting to the south island is a flight or a long drive with a ferry in the middle. Work outside of the big cities is either farming or tourism with not a lot else.
Not trying to paint too negative a picture but it depends on what kind of lifestyle you want, what job you can do (and where that would be based) and how that fits together. Don't forget a holiday is nothing like living somewhere, and "fed up with the UK" isn't a great reason to look to leave.
If a slower pace of life and outdoorsy stuff appeals (especially if it's to do with boats), it can be a great place to live. If you love going to concerts, theatres, nipping over to a european city for the weekend, then you might find it a bit isolated and dull. There's a reason a big proportion of kiwis head elsewhere in their 20s - some return to settle down and have kids, some prefer life elsewhere and don't come back. My gf has been here 9 years, has just gone through the process of becoming a british citizen and can now apply for a passport.
That said, I have british friends who moved to Auckland in their mid-20s about 6 years ago, kept making noises about coming back but nowadays have bought a house, had a daughter and seem pretty happy there. Despite being there all that time though, they still haven't really seen much of the country - much like the french/italian Alps, getting to the south island is a flight or a long drive with a ferry in the middle. Work outside of the big cities is either farming or tourism with not a lot else.
Not trying to paint too negative a picture but it depends on what kind of lifestyle you want, what job you can do (and where that would be based) and how that fits together. Don't forget a holiday is nothing like living somewhere, and "fed up with the UK" isn't a great reason to look to leave.
I did the same as you. Loved it, but couldn't live there.
The problem with NZ is that you really need to live in one of the cities as there are very little work in the countryside. For us, we'd have had to have swapped 5 minutes from moorland and scenery to living in the city with an hours drive to access the (albeit prettier) outdoors.
Auckland also has traffic problems to make you cry.
If you can get a job in one of the smaller towns, you may be laughing, but you may miss the nice selection of restaurants pubs etc that the UK is spoiled for. The smaller towns aren't exactly overflowing with good eateries.
Don't underestimate the distance either if you need to get back to family for any reason.
The problem with NZ is that you really need to live in one of the cities as there are very little work in the countryside. For us, we'd have had to have swapped 5 minutes from moorland and scenery to living in the city with an hours drive to access the (albeit prettier) outdoors.
Auckland also has traffic problems to make you cry.
If you can get a job in one of the smaller towns, you may be laughing, but you may miss the nice selection of restaurants pubs etc that the UK is spoiled for. The smaller towns aren't exactly overflowing with good eateries.
Don't underestimate the distance either if you need to get back to family for any reason.
All of the above sounds reasonable. We were there for 2.5 weeks a couple of years ago.
Auckland is a big Western city - traffic, skyscrapers, etc. etc.
Everywhere else (except maybe Wellington, which we didn't see) is quiet and at least semi-rural, but by all accounts there's not a lot of variety to jobs outside of Auckland (which has all the Commerce and Finance) and Wellington (Government and related) - as above, it'll be tourism and primary industry (mainly farming/fishing).
Incomes are also a fair bit lower than W.Europe, while cost-of-living in the touristy (i.e pretty) areas isn't - real-estate prices on Coromandel or in Wanaka/Queenstown are shocking, and restaurants are pretty-much European prices.
We really liked it as a holiday, but neither of us could live there. Not now, anyway.
Auckland is a big Western city - traffic, skyscrapers, etc. etc.
Everywhere else (except maybe Wellington, which we didn't see) is quiet and at least semi-rural, but by all accounts there's not a lot of variety to jobs outside of Auckland (which has all the Commerce and Finance) and Wellington (Government and related) - as above, it'll be tourism and primary industry (mainly farming/fishing).
Incomes are also a fair bit lower than W.Europe, while cost-of-living in the touristy (i.e pretty) areas isn't - real-estate prices on Coromandel or in Wanaka/Queenstown are shocking, and restaurants are pretty-much European prices.
We really liked it as a holiday, but neither of us could live there. Not now, anyway.
Matt.. said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthoulb/collections...
Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
Well OP, if these pics don't make you want to go (and stay) my 650 photos certainly wont, except perhaps for those of Akaroa (south of Christchurch). NZ is a wonderful place but if you love city dwelling you'd better plan to live in Auckland. Anywhere in the South island will be slow in comparison. If you are the outdoorsy type then NZ is for you. For me it would htehsouth island every time. Whales in Kaikoura, swimming with dolphins pretty much anywhere (but Akaroa is excellent) the mountains, the fjords, empty roads, glorious scenery, people actually talk to you without grunting and the food is world class. Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
My sister just bought a 12 acre 'lifestyle section' within the country (still only 5 minutes drive from the centre of christchurch!) with views of the southern alps, vineyards, olive groves and paddocks for the paltry sum of £350k. In my view its a no-brainer and my kids being here are the only things stopping me. Since you are posting on PH you will love to know that traffic jams don't exist in Christchurch and are likely to be pretty paltry even in Auckland (others will confirm). DO IT!!!
Sorry, didn't read the above postage, apparently the traffic in Auckland is bad! Oh well, don't go there. On reflection I suspect that whether or not you'd like to live there depends on where you intend to reside and what your likes and dislikes are. Anything we can get here, you can get there.
Edited by Johnniem on Wednesday 25th August 14:39
I went on holiday four years ago and I am now working my notice period before I fly there on September 13th to start my new job in Auckland.
For me the decision was easy, I would rather go and see what it is like to work and live first hand than spend the rest of my life wondering if I should have taken that job in NZ.
Also depending on your line of work pay is not less than Europe and you only pay 33% income tax, petrol is a third cheaper than the UK but traffic in Auckland can be pretty bad especially at the bridge.
For me the decision was easy, I would rather go and see what it is like to work and live first hand than spend the rest of my life wondering if I should have taken that job in NZ.
Also depending on your line of work pay is not less than Europe and you only pay 33% income tax, petrol is a third cheaper than the UK but traffic in Auckland can be pretty bad especially at the bridge.
Just checked the thread: 
That's what I wanted, honest general information. Auckland dosnt really interest me greatly I must admit. I am a plumber by trade, I've seen a shortage of gas fitters/engineers on the website. At the moment I work as a maintenance engineer (no degree) in a large production factory.
Sounds good I think I need to have a look for myself. What is the job market like at the moment - I understand there could easily be less work opportunities than other places. But I'm also under the impression that living costs are less than the UK.
Once again, thanks for the effort in giving me a general idea of what it's like to visit and live there (and the pics are great). Anymore advice will be taken on board.
That's what I wanted, honest general information. Auckland dosnt really interest me greatly I must admit. I am a plumber by trade, I've seen a shortage of gas fitters/engineers on the website. At the moment I work as a maintenance engineer (no degree) in a large production factory.
Sounds good
I think I need to have a look for myself. What is the job market like at the moment - I understand there could easily be less work opportunities than other places. But I'm also under the impression that living costs are less than the UK. Once again, thanks for the effort in giving me a general idea of what it's like to visit and live there (and the pics are great). Anymore advice will be taken on board.
Matt.. said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthoulb/collections...
Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
Brilliant photos Matt. A great reminder of home thank you!Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
My New Zealand day today:
Drove to the skifield, epic mountain driving roads, very light traffic and stunning scenery.
Skied all morning, lovely conditions 2 metres of snow, uncrowded slopes, wall to wall sunshine.
Stopped on the way home for a round of golf at a lovely country course. It was deserted - zero people, I was the only one, this is normal - and annual midweek membership is only $160, I play twice a week so it's only 65p per round.
Just got home, lovely outside (18 degrees today and it's just past mid Winter) off for a walk round the lake with my Mrs before din dins and drinks.
Not every day's like today but you get the idea.
Drove to the skifield, epic mountain driving roads, very light traffic and stunning scenery.
Skied all morning, lovely conditions 2 metres of snow, uncrowded slopes, wall to wall sunshine.
Stopped on the way home for a round of golf at a lovely country course. It was deserted - zero people, I was the only one, this is normal - and annual midweek membership is only $160, I play twice a week so it's only 65p per round.
Just got home, lovely outside (18 degrees today and it's just past mid Winter) off for a walk round the lake with my Mrs before din dins and drinks.
Not every day's like today but you get the idea.
Johnniem said:
Matt.. said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthoulb/collections...
Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
Well OP, if these pics don't make you want to go (and stay) my 650 photos certainly wont, except perhaps for those of Akaroa (south of Christchurch). NZ is a wonderful place but if you love city dwelling you'd better plan to live in Auckland. Anywhere in the South island will be slow in comparison. If you are the outdoorsy type then NZ is for you. For me it would htehsouth island every time. Whales in Kaikoura, swimming with dolphins pretty much anywhere (but Akaroa is excellent) the mountains, the fjords, empty roads, glorious scenery, people actually talk to you without grunting and the food is world class. Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
My sister just bought a 12 acre 'lifestyle section' within the country (still only 5 minutes drive from the centre of christchurch!) with views of the southern alps, vineyards, olive groves and paddocks for the paltry sum of £350k. In my view its a no-brainer and my kids being here are the only things stopping me. Since you are posting on PH you will love to know that traffic jams don't exist in Christchurch and are likely to be pretty paltry even in Auckland (others will confirm). DO IT!!!
Sorry, didn't read the above postage, apparently the traffic in Auckland is bad! Oh well, don't go there. On reflection I suspect that whether or not you'd like to live there depends on where you intend to reside and what your likes and dislikes are. Anything we can get here, you can get there.
Edited by Johnniem on Wednesday 25th August 14:39
noodleman said:
Johnniem said:
Matt.. said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthoulb/collections...
Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
Well OP, if these pics don't make you want to go (and stay) my 650 photos certainly wont, except perhaps for those of Akaroa (south of Christchurch). NZ is a wonderful place but if you love city dwelling you'd better plan to live in Auckland. Anywhere in the South island will be slow in comparison. If you are the outdoorsy type then NZ is for you. For me it would htehsouth island every time. Whales in Kaikoura, swimming with dolphins pretty much anywhere (but Akaroa is excellent) the mountains, the fjords, empty roads, glorious scenery, people actually talk to you without grunting and the food is world class. Those are some of my pictures from south island last year!
My sister just bought a 12 acre 'lifestyle section' within the country (still only 5 minutes drive from the centre of christchurch!) with views of the southern alps, vineyards, olive groves and paddocks for the paltry sum of £350k. In my view its a no-brainer and my kids being here are the only things stopping me. Since you are posting on PH you will love to know that traffic jams don't exist in Christchurch and are likely to be pretty paltry even in Auckland (others will confirm). DO IT!!!
Sorry, didn't read the above postage, apparently the traffic in Auckland is bad! Oh well, don't go there. On reflection I suspect that whether or not you'd like to live there depends on where you intend to reside and what your likes and dislikes are. Anything we can get here, you can get there.
Edited by Johnniem on Wednesday 25th August 14:39
Johnniem said:
The thing is that a UK resident with a reasonable amount of capital in their home could relocate to NZ and get something much better (unless its in Nelson, S. Island of course!)
Really?Coromandel
Queenstown
Wanaka
...we looked at property prices in all 3 areas and were shocked at the cost, esp. given the suggested disparity in average income.
havoc said:
Johnniem said:
The thing is that a UK resident with a reasonable amount of capital in their home could relocate to NZ and get something much better (unless its in Nelson, S. Island of course!)
Really?Coromandel
Queenstown
Wanaka
...we looked at property prices in all 3 areas and were shocked at the cost, esp. given the suggested disparity in average income.
I was comparing like-for-like, i.e. a typical family home.
I'm sure you CAN get cheap properties in NZ, but are they anywhere you'd actually want to be*?!? Don't get me wrong - we really liked NZ. But if you're going to go the whole hog and move there, you'd really want live in one of the nice(pretty/civilised) parts, otherwise where's the benefit? You can live in the middle of nowhere in either the UK or France, and it wouldn't be THAT different to NZ...
I'm sure you CAN get cheap properties in NZ, but are they anywhere you'd actually want to be*?!? Don't get me wrong - we really liked NZ. But if you're going to go the whole hog and move there, you'd really want live in one of the nice(pretty/civilised) parts, otherwise where's the benefit? You can live in the middle of nowhere in either the UK or France, and it wouldn't be THAT different to NZ...
- Hell, you can still pick up a family home for <£100k in some of the UK's less-salubrious cities, but would you really want to?!?
What you CAN still get in NZ is a detached spacious 3 bedroom house with double garage set on half an acre in a pretty village near golf and skiing and 25 minutes from a major city for under a 100k GBP. Or for something bigger - a 2000sqft 4 bed mansion in 3 landscaped acres for around 200k GBP. This is despite the recent disparity between the NZ dollar and British pound that has seen the pound go from a 20 year average of buying $3 to now buying only just over $2.
Around 200k GBP could buy something like this:
http://www.realestate.co.nz/1211825
Around 200k GBP could buy something like this:
http://www.realestate.co.nz/1211825
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