[aberdian]

Looks like we've changed plan yet again and we'll be landing in Wanaka in early April to live - anyone around the area for advice and sympathy? :)

[Moorf]

We're not close, but just wanted to congratulate you on being able to live and work in Wanaka - love it down that part of the South Island. :nice1

[benandclare]

Well done guys, we''ll be over to Wanaka later in the year, either for the "warbirds over Wanaka" or to play golf at that super golf course.

:D

[Joanne100]

We have had two holidays in Wanaka since being in NZ, beautiful place ...... ur very lucky to be settling there.

[nippa&pippa]

Lucky you as it is the areas that my OH and I would love to live there if we able to find a job there! Been there twice for holiday, lovely place :nice1

[Sam B]

No, but we've just spent a day there. I think we made an impression - my daughter was copiously sick in the hall of holograms in puzzling world. The joys of exploring the South Island in a small van.....

[Moorf]

Ohhh the poor thing - but I can see why, I was nearly very ill in the wonky room! Couldn't get my head round it!

[wales4eva]

Got a friend thats from Ceredigion Wales down there....she loves it. if your into the rural life and you love the mountains ..your gonna love this place...If you are a Classic Aeroplanes enthusiast then Wanaka Warbirds association is based there...plane spotters:laugh

2 hour travel time by car from Christchurch and has a good feeder network with Air NZ.

[benandclare]

2 hour travel time by car from Christchurch and has a good feeder network with Air NZ.



Think it's tad over 2 hours :D reckon it's nearer 5 and a half to six hours with stops.

Tis about 430kms from Chch and max speed limit is 100kph:roll

[CatherineP]

Hi

We have lived and worked in Wanaka since getting PR 3 years ago and absolutely love it here. There are an awful lot of non-kiwis here, not sure if thats a good or bad thing, therefore a significant number of people who have been through the PR process and are fully aware of the pro's/con's and effects of moving to the other side of the world. I doubt its much different in many other NZ areas, - everyone is very supportive and it doesn't take long for people to know you live here (permanently). (v important as it means you don't end up paying full price for a lot of things!!!)

It is a great place for children - our Son is 16 months and has such a busy social diary already!!! Our second is due early April so we may be a bit tied up when you are arriving, but even so more than happy to answer any questions/help out/meet up when you arrive if you would like.

You will love it here as will your children.

Catherine

[mossum]

We are all going to be camping in your garden !!!

now theres a thought ENZ camping weekend ????

vic

[wilson182]

Funny you should say that Vic, we have given our tent a trial run in the garden today:) Should be alset for next weekend, just waiting for the weather report

[mossum]

lots of it - absolutely every where !!!

Hows the new job going ?

[wilson182]

Really good, much better than what I was doing before..... I'm not far from where you work now.

[mossum]

LOL

i know my spies are everywhere :laugh :laugh :laugh

[aberdian]

Hey, who says we'll have a garden? ;) If we do, all are welcome anyway.....

Thanks for the info CatherineP, I'm sure we'll be in touch once babies are out of the way :)

[wales4eva]

The last time I went down there it was on a Yamaha 1200...so your probably right...5 hrs driving miss daisy..lol
the flight is probably under an 1hr maybe..

[pampas0]

Hi Catherine, my name's Pam am new on here, and looking for help and advise regarding moving to NZ, I live in Lancashire, England.
Myself, hubby, daughter, son in law two grandaughters 2yrs & 5months old are all considering selling up and moving to NZ, we want to buy a house big enough for us all to live in. We are all self employed my husband a mortgage broker is the work for him whereyou are, also could you tell me abit more about where you live schools shops neighbours climate etc. Kindest Regards Pamx

[pampas0]

[

Dear Catherine,

Myself, hubby, daughter, son in law & 2 Grandaughter's 2yrs & 5mths old want to sell up and come and live in NZ, we are all self employed my hubby a mortgage broker, insurance advisor, is there any work in your parts for him,

Please could you kindly let me know more about where you live maybe pics would be nice, info on schools, shops , food etc.


Thank you
Pam

[CatherineP]

Hi

Although Wanaka is a great place the one drawback is employment. Some people get lucky in terms of finding comparable jobs to previous ones,but quite often people end up doing something completely different. The main Industries unsurprisingly are hospitality and building related professions although the 4000 resident population still need other professional services, but opportunities can be quite limited. Not sure about Mortgage Advisors - most people seem to go through the banks although there are a handful of independent people here. Quite often people do get jobs here through knowing people which is not partciularly helpful when you are relocating, but can mean that if it is the area for you a decent length stay if a feasable option might be beneficial in the long run. There can be plenty of cleaning (motel/apartments), shop, fruit picking, restaurant work available and you would be surprised the level of skills those doing these jobs have. They often pay better than other types of work as well, but are not for everyone.

I am a Secondary School teacher and got PR as a result of this, but did not have a job when PR was granted. We came here hoping to find work but were under no illusions that this would be easy. I work PT at a Fitness Centre (work I did as an 18 year old!!!) for relatively very little pay and work with the NZ Ski and Snowboard teams- great fun and pays better!!!!. My husband works in Hospitality here in Wanaka having previously been a Royal Mail Senior Manager - a major change. We also have a flat/apartment we rent out that helps pay the bills. We, like most people here, live very frugally as the choice we have made is to be in Wanaka for all it has to offer, but accept that some aspects of a lifestyle you may desire may not be possible in one of the most expensive areas of the country. You make your choices.

Housing is expensive - best to look at real estate web sites to get an idea as it depends so much what your expectation/needs are. www.realestate.co.nz may help. (this area is Central Otago or Lakes District)

Schools are good especially if your children are sporty. There is 1 secondary School and 2 primary schools Plenty of sports activities/competitive teams and very strong arts/dance/music.

Climate is good - dry. warm 25 degrees average in Summer, cool in winter. Doesn't tend to snow in the town just on the mountains. Houses are not built well so can be cold compared with the UK central heating/insulation.

www.lakewanaka.co.nz can have some good information/photos and links to the local newspaper Wanaka Sun and The Messenger www.printit.co.nz/messenger.html a free weekly publication containing lots of local stuff. Definately worth a look at the on-line version. Gives you a feel of things.

The only way to really know if its the place for you is to visit and check it out. Hopefully some of the above will be helpful.

Catherine

We have a garden soon to be taken up with a wooden tower and swing I believe - just waiting for the 'expert' to find the tools still packed in the shipping boxes after 3 years!!! There'll still be some space left after (I Hope!!!)

[aberdian]

Catherine
Any thoughts on the preschools there? I notice there's a Montessori one in Wanaka and we're thinking of putting Iz in there a couple of days a week as she's in a Montessori one here in the UK (part of the primary school her brother's at) and seems to enjoy it.

Cheers

Ian

[CatherineP]

Hi Ian

There has been a bit of a problem with childcare here recently. Too many children and not enough places available.

We actively chose Montissori for Ben, not that the other Centres aren't very good ,far from it, putting his name down for the Under 2's class over a year ago and he is yet to start. He may have a place in the next 3 or 4 months, but they are not sure. By then he'll be nearly 2 so we will have to wait again I suspect!!!

Children have to attend at least 3 sessions per week (1 session = 1/2 day) and if you are not choosy about which days they go you tend to move up the waiting list quicker. Its in a good location out of the town quite close to the secondary school - Mount Aspiring College and the new relocated Wanaka Primary School being built next year.

Their web-site has some basic info. www.montessori.org.nz then you can link specifically to the Wanaka centre. The Administrator is very helpful so its probably worth contacting her and putting Iz's name down. (details are on the web site, but I can e-mail them directly to you if needs be)

The other centres include:

Aspiring Beginnings - similar to Montessori in teaching/learning styles and waiting list length!
Wanaka Pre-School - more play orientated for Over 2's shorter waiting list but still considerable.
Oanaka - a new centre opening Feb 08 with places available from what we understand
A new centre is opening in Lake Hawea Feb 08 as well (15 min drive from Wanaka)

Both of the new centres should relieve some of the pressure so waiting lists might suddenly reduce considerably and there appear to be immediate spaces.


Good Luck

Catherine

[aberdian]

ooer, just emailed them this morning, try and get her enrolled or at least get an indication of waiting time! We'll see what they come back and say. We'll have to get her in somewhere, she's used to being in fulltime and needs the stimulus! Can't compliment the Montessori approach enough from our experience here in Aberdeen, they've turned out 2 happy, enthusiastic, emotionally aware children for us. So far anyway.....

Again, thanks for the info :)

[CatherineP]

Hi

Best of luck. Hopefully with the new centres opening you'll be able to get Iz in to Montessori within a reasonable time frame.

There are loads of other things for pre-schoolers - not quite so educationally based as Montessori, but fun and interactive.

Including:
Monday and Thursday is Play Group. No waiting lists, turn up when you want to and pay your $2. They have good equipment and everyone joins in.

Tuesday - Mainly Music again just turn up when you want to- 30 mins of music/singing then 1 hr of play. $3 (includes coffee and yummy cakes for parents!!!! and snacks for children)

Wednesday - Aquaplay at the local pool.

Friday and Saturday - Mini Muscles - playgym for Under 2's and Over 2's

Various Coffee mornings take place for mums/dads and children either at local cafe's or rotating at peoples houses.

Loads of activities/ story telling regularly at the Library.

Lots of events at weekends. Teddy Bears picnic, Party in the Park, and other get togethers.

Quite a few things in a little place to keep kiddies amused and occupied.

Catherine

[aberdian]

Looks like we'll be busy then :) We got a reply from the school today saying that althoughthe list was very long, they'll see what they can do as she's already in a Montessori school, but they need to talk about it once the head etc are back after the summer break.

Top information, looks like we owe you a coffee or more when we arrive :)

[CatherineP]

Hi

I am glad it sounded positive from Montessori.

When do you arrive and have you already got accomodation,jobs etc. sorted out?
I am having to have a C-Section with this baby probably on 3rd April so we will be in Dunedin for a week or so starting a few days before the 3rd. Would be great to meet up and if we can be of any help with anything before or when you arrive please shout!!

Catherine

[aberdian]

No accomadation, no jobs sorted out just yet! And no flights booked either. Fiona and I are quitting work here a week on monday, and booking flights after that, probably for 1st week in April, landing in CCH, staying there for a weekish , buying a car etc then heading down to Wanaka mid April to settle in before Johnny starts school in May (he wants to leave NOW!).

We're in touch with estate agents about rental places but there's not a huge amount out there and we'll be camping while our stuff is in transit. Hello camping mats and travelcot :)

Love to meet up - if it's a girl, we have a pile of never worn stuff than Izzy has grown out of which wouldnt take up much space in our container too......

[CatherineP]

I might take you up on the girls clothes if thats Ok. Our family seem to only produce boys so we are thinking it will be another boy for which we are very prepared!!!- we don't know, but will be shocked (very pleased still )and a little stumped if its a girl!!! My parents would be happy if there 6th Grandchild was a girl!!!

You are most welcome to take respite/use our facilities/computer/toys etc. if needs be whilst awaiting your container. My parents are staying with us until early May so I am sorry we can't help you with accommodation.

Good luck with all the packing/preparation.

Catherine

[aberdian]

Our family seem to only produce boys so we are thinking it will be another boy for which we are very prepared!!!- we don't know, but will be shocked (very pleased still )and a little stumped if its a girl!!! My parents would be happy if there 6th Grandchild was a girl!!!

Was the same with Fiona's family, 6 grandchildren and still no girl - everyone was expecting Isobel to be a boy..... Two more in the family since then and still no other girls too.

thanks for the offer of everything, we'll (no doubt rather sheepishly) take you up on things :)

[red]

We are planning to move to the Wanaka area too. Our house sale will be finalised beginning of February and then my OH is coming over to the area to try to secure a job. He's an engineering manager at the moment (ex Royal Navy). Finding a job in the area is our main concern too, although he is willing to commute from queenstown or even a little further. He works 10 miles away now and regularly sits in traffic for over an hour, so he says he doesn't mind! We visited the area last year and loved it, it would suit our family well. We have two girls aged 12 and 7 so the information you gave on schools was great, thanks. If all goes well with the job hunt me and the girls will be arriving asap!
Thanks again for the helpful info,:clap

Helen.

[aberdian]

Another quickie - which banks are in town (we need to get an account set up).

[CatherineP]

The banks with branches here include:

Westpac
National
BNZ
Kiwi Bank

Having a branch locally does not always matter if you can use Online banking facilities. Sometimes it can be better looking at the best account/bank to suit you across all banks and seeing whether they have an arrangement with one of the local branches to enable deposits/withdrawals etc. at no additional charge.

Catherine

[aberdian]

Well, we quit on Monday. Looks like we're commited now :)

[aberdian]

Just an update for anyone who is interested.... Arranging childcare is proving to be a bit of a 'mare so far :( The Montessori pre school tried their best for us, but couldn't fit us in and we're now on their waiting list which they tell us 6 months to 2 years! Isobel will be at school by then..... The new Oanaka childcare, just one week after opening their doors could only offer us one and a half days a week until they recruit another teacher - sounds like an opportunity for an early years person there ;)

oh well, it's a start.

Next up, find a rental :)