[Rob_T]

We've been reading the forums for a while now but have been waiting until we had a date to leave the UK before writing a post.

We started the process in Feb 2007 and got the PR in December last year. Our house was up for sale all this time and still hasn't sold even though we've knocked lots off it:wah

Anyway, this weekend we decided we are going to put it up for rent and were coming in September come what may:raebanana

We went for our recci last year and loved most places but the two that really stood out was Hawkes Bay and Tauranga. We keep changing our minds on which one and now have to decided soon!!

What would be great is if anyone could give us what they think are the goods and bads for each of the places to help us make our minds up :confused: (we have two rugrats of 7 and 5 also).

Bye for now

Rob and Rach

[JayBee]

Hi there - thanks for posting this I'll be interested in everyone's views too. We loved both areas and although work opportunities may dictate the decision for us....we can't choose between the two areas either at the moment and loved both!!

[JandM]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with everything.:)

[slider]

Hello and welcome to the forum :)

[kowhai]

Its a difficult choice. Both areas are fantastic. I grew up in Hawkes Bay but am now living in the Tauranga region.

We have chosen Tauranga over Hawkes Bay for the following reasons: Better money, fewer relations, gnarly surf, more central, not so many relations, milder winters, away from relos.

Either way both locations are beauties and yep the Hawkes Bay clan like to visit us here ALOT !:laugh

Seriously though , I believe both areas have a great deal to offer families. You will find housing more affordable in Hawkes Bay , although house prices are beginnibg to drop in Tauranga.

Good luck with your decision. Either way I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Red Devil]

Hello and welcome to the forum :)

Not heard a bad thing about Tauranga, but we especially liked neaby Mount Mauganui whilst on our recent 'recce' trip... maybe worth a look.

Good luck with your plans :nice1

[Kiwi-In-Texas]

Hello and welcome. Good luck with your plans.

[janrzm]

Hi and welcome.

We got back last week from a 3 week trip and visited both Hawkes Bay and Tauranga.
We've decided on Tauranga - looked around a few primary schools whilst there and liked what we saw.
For us we like the location -being quite central to get to a lot of places and the climate for obvious reasons. Also by NZ standards it's a large place.
Loved The Mount - but lots of the houses are a bit on top of each other.The beach is fantastic there.

[LesleyS]

Hi also from us.

We have lived in Tauranga for nearly 7 months now, and yes it's a beautiful place. Feel free to ask questions and we'll answer as best we can!

[RamblingPaddies]

tauranga, quite simply, is fantastic ! and so is the mount ... its beginning to rain a bit here though ...

not been to napier/HB so i can't comment ...:roll

[shakyle2906]

Hawkes Bay!

We have been here just over a year and love it..........

The scenery, weather and lifestyle is fab.

Although, sorry..........never been to Tauranga.

Happy to help with any questions though!

Sharon
xx

[Nick88]

I have holidayed in both, so my opinion is not a deep one.

Tauranga is pleasant, good climate, expensive property, lots of retirees, close to the main centres (Auckland, basically).

HB is also very pleasant, hotter summers, and colder winters, less rainfall, cheaper property, a hell of a long way from anywhere (relatively).

Where would I live? Assuming I could get a job/business in both areas making the same money (typical male!) I would pick HB. It really depends on your list of priorities.