[Tomsk]

My hubby has a job offer in NZ, and we've just been informed that he's most likely going to be headed for Rotorua. Any opinions on the area please? We've got 2 teenage children (will be aged 14 & 16 by the time we arrive) so good schools are a huge priority for me. Also out of school activities, they're not ones for hanging around the house too much, preferring to be out and about.
What's the cost and quality of housing like in an OK area? Once I've identified some decent parts of town I can research that to a certain extent on the Real Estate sites, but often their descriptions are all glowing anyway, and prices aren't always given.
We will be happy to live outside Rotorua, will be able to drive so please do suggest areas within reasonable commuting distance.
Thank you. It's hard making big decisions like this from such a distance, and I don't want to get it wrong since the children must get int a decent school asap after arriving, at their ages we can't afford to get school decisions wrong, or have them out of school for too long.

[Lupin]

I've only visited Rotorua (not lived in) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I could see it being great for teens and I'd want an annual pass to The Polynesian Spa :D SIL is a medic and spent a very happy 18 months there.

[Sam B]

We go to Rotorua and the surrounding areas quite a bit. There's loads to do around there, all the lovely lakes, some lovely scenery, a brilliant mountain bike trail place through woods, all the volcanic stuff. The town's not particularly lovely, it has a fair range of shops and restaurants etc, but many streets are quite ugly and there's a huge commercial zone on the outside that is just yuck to look at. The bit by the lakefront is nice. I don't know about the schools. I think there is quite a bit of deprivation in the area, but there are also some posh outside settlements by lake shores and stuff. I don't know how much those houses cost but probably cheaper than Auckland for sure. It's a strongly Maori area which probably gives it a unique feel.

The centre of town and some surrounding places smells strongly of overboiled eggs (hydrogen sulphide) which doesn't bother me, but some people hate it.

[Cardy]

We looked at rotorua but thesulphury smell put us off but lots of stuff to do there seems ok.

[pinkpiggy]

The centre of town and some surrounding places smells strongly of overboiled eggs (hydrogen sulphide) which doesn't bother me, but some people hate it.

I completely agree with this. We were there last weekend and the smell was, at times, quite overpowering. However, at other times not noticeable.

I agree there is quite a bit to do but have no idea about house prices, schools etc. in the area.

Good luck with everything.

[Brad77]

I live in Rotorua, and I am a teacher so I know something bout the high schools round here.

Have you done a search on Rotorua on this site. I think there is some info.

Ask anything you want.

Your kids....boys or girls?

Are you Catholic by any chance? (good catholic semi-private school)


If you want to live out of town thats OK too. Some friends live out at Lake Okareka....really stunning out there and only 15 drive away.

This is a really lovely town. I was offered a job here but didnt think I would be happy but I am. The smell is barely noticeable and in most suburbs there is no smell at all.

[Tomsk]

Thanks all for the responses. Looks like Rotorua could be an attractive place to settle. I'm a little unsure about the smell myself, but perhaps we could live outside Rotorua itself, ideally in a non-smelly area :confused: We currently commute 90mins each way into London for work each day, so would be quite happy with a short commute into town if needed............. just not 90mins any more :)

[Jules]

Hi Kate

We also live in Rotorua, we have been here 2 1/2 yrs and honestly, you do get use to the smell:yes we barely notice it now, just certain areas around town.

Loads of activities to do, mountain biking is good in the forests, kayaking on the lakes etc......

Jules

[Lupin]

The smell is stronger in some areas and unnoticeable in others....do't let that put you off!!

Also, even if you fell for an area witha stronger smell you'd quickly get used to it.