[kevin&lorna]

We are hoping to move out next year but its proving a nightmare to decide where to settle. Most jobs for me seem to be in and around Auckland(dental hygienist) but I've always worked within 30mins of home here in Nottingham and its meant we've enjoyed rural village life whilst still bringing in the money. Please somebody tell me whats it like commuting into and out of Auckland and can i get away with living quite far out without spending too much time travelling. This is important to me as I'm the only one working as the OH is retiring and the 3 kids will be at school. Thanks for taking the time with this one.

[lockstock]

Welcome to the forum. I can't answer your questions (still here in the UK) but OH's family are from near Nottingham and i just thought I'd say hello- and go for it!

[DMcG]

Auckland is the biggest city - so there's far more opportunities here. The problem is that it's incredibly spread out - and the geography leads to quite a few choke points for traffic. I cross the harbour bridge every day - which is one of the worst places - but I start early and finish early so I avoid the worst of the traffic.

Saying that, it does concentrate almost 1/3 of the population in the one place, so the traffic elsewhere is generally fairly light.

You can get an idea of Auckland traffic from Transit's website (http://traffic.transit.govt.nz) (including webcams of various spots).

Dougie

[Nick88]

Unless your job is right in the heart of the city the traffic will probably be alot better than England's. As said above Akl is very spread out, and so is the business activity, you will most likely be based in a suburban practice near a shopping mall. Commuting will be fairly light work.

Do you have any areas that you have seen jobs advertised?

[Familyofmonkeys]

Agree....Auckland is VERY spread out....mostly detatched houses rather than rows of inner city terraces like UK. If you work in one of the local 'hubs' rather than CBD you could live very close to work. But if you work in CBD and live on outskirts it could take over hour from most directions.

In peak hours it can take about an hour from Albany on North Shore across the bridge to CBD, compared to 15 minutes off peak. From West edge of Auckland (West Harbour) it takes about 45 minutes (and 20 minutes off peak). Done trial runs from East (Dannemora) and travel times were similar. Don't know about the South of Auckland as wouldn't want to live there personally.

[kevin&lorna]

Thanks alot folks for the advice, invaluable! I'm not sure which we'll go for as there are 10 job vacancies in Auckland but getting there could be a real effort. Theres also work going in Whangarei and the house prices seem really good too. Choices, choices!!!!!!

[Gran]

Probably the best way to go would be, get a rental first, then a job, and when you have a job buy a house as near as you can, bearing in mind the type of place you want to live, there are dental practices everywhere in Auckland. All the best.
Gran

[ourquest]

A bit unrelated, but interesting that there is a rush hour on Sunday evenings back in towards Auckland. This is because of everyone returning from having spent the weekend at their bach (holiday home)!