[daygloweyes]

....So tell me everything I need to know...hahaha :D

I'm assuming depending on where I'll be working will determine on where I'll live...like in any city...wouldn't want to spend half the morning on the road so would want to live within close proximity to my employer. I'm not planning on getting a car for awhile so will have to rely on trains/busses. But I'm wondering if I should rethink that and maybe possibily get a good used car??? I've heard mixed information from folks telling me I'll need a car and others saying it won't be necessary if I use trains or busses.

I guess my only fear is not knowing anyone and wondering how hard it would be to meet people....making sure I live in a decent neighborhood...I guess I have the usual apprehensions but am excited nonetheless about making this huge decision to move :nice1

[Gio]

Hi Daygloweyes! I was actually waiting to post my personal "I'm moving to Auckland", but I guess... it's the same. Well, I'm moving to Auckland too, on april 12th I'll land at the airport with a strong commitment and hope for my future! I'm an italian offset printer, nzqa assessed and waiting to have a job offer in order to apply for a work permit.... many contacts with employers and recruiters, but so far only a few interviews planned. I'll live in Auckland CBD and as far as I know, moving thru and from the greater Auckland can be very easy with transports. It is more than two years now that I'm planning my move and i've gathered a lot of very useful informations, on this great site and thru the net in general... I believe meeting people will not be very hard, when I've called someone in NZ or just mailed, people in general seemed very "open" to any kind of discussion, usually very curious about my decision to move over, but in the end this is just my impression.... if u wanna share informations, or just to plan a simple meeting when u'll arrive, do not hesitate to contact me.... by the way, where exactly are u from?

Greetings & Best of Luck
Gio

[BkyMonster]

Have a look at a map of Auckland. Basically there is one bridge connecting the two main parts. Be sure to live and work on the same side and I think you'll save yourself a huge headache and commute times.
I've heard the public transport isn't the best and you can expect buses about once an hour if not more (less?).

[Familyofmonkeys]

Some areas of Auckland have great public transprt while other areas are not so good....it varies enormously. Also, there are many of us here who do live on North Shore but commute to CBD other side of the bridge. Public transport on most of North Shore is very good and it would be far easier (and often cheaper when you add car parking) than driving every day. However, I agree with needing a car. Auckland is very sprawled out and if you wish to get out and about during weekends/evenings it would be far easier to have a small car....then you can make the most of all the beautiful beaches/parks etc etc. Thats not to say you can't do these things without a car, but if you want to get out there and meet new people, it would give you more flexibility.

As for meeting people.....there are plenty of forum meets and people here are ALWAYS willing to meet up for a cuppa/cake....just post something when you arrive. We have met plenty of lovely people this way :)

[dilanium]

I just wanted to say hi, from one Ohioan trying to get to NZ to another. :)

[DMcG]

Auckland is HUGE - around 400 square miles according to Wikipedia. Add to that the various sea channels and volcanic cones and it can be "interesting" getting around. Public transport varies greatly depending on where you live and work - and it's definately a good idea to try and get the two as close together as you can, otherwise you may struggle without a car.

That said, you're never far from a beach or a forrest and I'm amazed how often I find peaceful little spots with no indication that there's another million people just over the hill :)

Have a look at this post (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?p=166913#post166913) I made last year with photos that show Auckland as far as the eye can see.

If you do a search on the forums you'll find there's been loads of posts about Auckland suburbs and places to live, so you should find better info there.

Dougie

[Tattie]

North Shore has just opened a park and ride system to the CBD. Busses get there own lanes totally seperate from other traffic. Not sure on cost but looks like a very good system.

as for actual traffic the motorways get chock a block from 0715!!!!!! Took my OH to her first day in her new job in Avondale. Traffic was bumper to bumper from the traffic lights at end of the SH 16 (westgate). Took 30 mins instead of 5. Wouldn't have wanted to go into the CBD proper if it wa normally like that

[Familyofmonkeys]

North Shore has just opened a park and ride system to the CBD. Busses get there own lanes totally seperate from other traffic. Not sure on cost but looks like a very good system.

as for actual traffic the motorways get chock a block from 0715!!!!!! Took my OH to her first day in her new job in Avondale. Traffic was bumper to bumper from the traffic lights at end of the SH 16 (westgate). Took 30 mins instead of 5. Wouldn't have wanted to go into the CBD proper if it wa normally like that

We had recently been discussing the park & ride in another thread. OH uses it and it is very cheap and efficient. Won't repeat it all here, but here is link to other thread:

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16266

[walshy]

Parnell is great, really nice upmarket place, well it was 5 years ago anyway, walkable to the cbd as well

[daygloweyes]

Hi Daygloweyes! I was actually waiting to post my personal "I'm moving to Auckland", but I guess... it's the same. Well, I'm moving to Auckland too, on april 12th I'll land at the airport with a strong commitment and hope for my future! I'm an italian offset printer, nzqa assessed and waiting to have a job offer in order to apply for a work permit.... many contacts with employers and recruiters, but so far only a few interviews planned. I'll live in Auckland CBD and as far as I know, moving thru and from the greater Auckland can be very easy with transports. It is more than two years now that I'm planning my move and i've gathered a lot of very useful informations, on this great site and thru the net in general... I believe meeting people will not be very hard, when I've called someone in NZ or just mailed, people in general seemed very "open" to any kind of discussion, usually very curious about my decision to move over, but in the end this is just my impression.... if u wanna share informations, or just to plan a simple meeting when u'll arrive, do not hesitate to contact me.... by the way, where exactly are u from?

Greetings & Best of Luck
Gio

Hi Gio :)
I'm from Ohio USA - still in the beginning stages with EOI, etc. Hoping to be in NZ in the next few months or so. I'd love to share info, etc.

Good luck to you as well :nice1

[zoid155]

I'm on the way too, hope to be there around the end of March, considering buying a car as well, something cheap and reliable like a toyota or honda as I want to find work outside of the CBD if possible and have freedom to explore the surrounding area as well.