[Elainep]

Hello all, what's the shortest length of time in your opinions for a reasonable recce trip? If planned well (i.e a clear itiniary with planned ahead appointments with key people, etc) could I get it done reasonably in 10 days? I am looking at sticking to Auckland and suburbs so no long journeys anticipated. Looking at a LTBV so primarily will be concentrating on possible businesses and business support (business enterprise, local councils, etc)What is everyone's experience of recce trips? Any tips? Thanks.

[Janey]

Hi Elaine
we did 10 days including travel and it was fine I met agencies had interview and visted open homes and schools try to give yourself a weekend and week days purely so you can visit open homes but also seewhat areas are like at different times have fun!

[Nick88]

If you're staying in Akl, you should be able to do quite alot. It's the travelling from one place to another over here that eats away the time. Are you going to hire a car or rely on public transport? I don't recommend the latter, you might miss appointments.

You asked on another forum about the 9 month period. I thought it started once you arrive here, and Ben reckons it began immediately on issue. I think you have a period of time to get here and start looking. It's all a bit confusing...... Iknow some recent LTBV applicants, so I might email them to say hello, and ask the question at the same time.

What sort of business do you have in mind?

[Elainep]

Yes, staying in Auckland and hiring a car. Thanks for your take on the LTBV question as well. Quite open minded about the type of business to be honest, we haven't massive amounts to invest and want a significantly different lifestyle to the one we currently have in the UK. Generally drawn to gallery, arts, therapy-type businesses at the moment but we shall see once the trip is out of the way, booked the tkts tonight :clap

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

With focus and plenty of pre-planning you should be fine in 10 days.

Good luck.

[Nick88]

I stand corrected.

I just exchanged emails with Bobbysox this morning, and the clock starts ticking as soon as the visa is issued. You have nine months to get here, get the business rubber stamped by NZIS and then apply for the rest of the three year visa.

Blimey, you really have to get your skates on with this class of application, don't you?

[Elainep]

Yep, not for the faint of heart:) thanks for the response.