[holland]

Hello,

I don't know whether I am asking the impossible here, but desperately trying to decide an area where we would like to live, and keep flitting from one place to the next, probably because we have limited info. I have read read read most of the location threads, and we are still debating. Any suggestions would be realy helpful, we are a young married couple, with no children (yet....this will change if I get my way!!!!!). We like the quiet life, want to be walking distance away from a beach, nice weather, and would would like some land...not vast amounts, but not really overlooked. My Hubby is a sign fitter...but can turn his hand to anything, I work in the Early Years Field and have a Training background. Hope this isn't too vague...or too predictable!!!!

Any help appreciated.

Jade x

[wiki]

That's such a difficult question because many cities and towns meet that description, but it's no indication you'll get a good feeling or "buzz" from living there. A home town can't just be about facilities and location - it has to feel like somewhere you will be happy.

Is there any way you can plan a few weeks of touring around when you arrive - maybe in a campervan - until you get a feel for what you like?

The other option is to choose a base purely on work options and then use the weekends and holidays of the first six months to scout out other locales with an idea of moving when you've found a place...

I'm a Southlander and I think living in Invercargill is a great idea and I could justify that decision until the cows come home, but 90% of NZ would completely disagree with me... ok, maybe 95%! :laugh

[holland]

thanks for reply..think we will end up travelling around when we first get there, to decide where we want to be. My concern would be the container that we plan to send over...we need to have at least a vague idea where we are going to be...as I think they need an address!! Our UK house is going on the market in a couple of weeks, so we've still got lots of time to research, but like you say theres nothing like actually being there and getting a 'feeling' for the area.

thanks

J and G x

[Debbie P.]

It's a good idea to travel a bit before deciding, but I understand your difficulty with the crate.

Is there any chance you could stretch to a reccie before you move out? I guess not, otherwise I'm sure you would have considered it. Also, are you planning on getting work set up before you arrive?

[Timbo]

Hi Jade.Of course Wiki is quite right, there really is no substitute for try before you buy as it were. With the net at your fingertips, and most locations having at least a basic website of some sort, you can get some idea as to what to expect. Here is a link to the Whitianga site for instance;
http://www.whitianga.co.nz/
On the job front, I think most here would agree that being in NZ is a big part of finding suitable employment. I know some have been fortunate enough to get a job offer from afar, but I imagine that they are a minority.
If you can find the time and finances to come and have a reccy trip, you really wont regret it. In the mean time, keep surfing away and you will be surprised what you can find out simply by typing a place name into Google.