[taylord]

We are 4 weeks away from arriving in Auckland having just received our work visas which we managed to get thru in 1 week. Been a bit chaotic for the last few weeks getting everything ready, as we were given a start date for a job offer and had only 9 weeks to sort everything out and get over. But we seem to over the worst and can start to look forward to the move!!!
Having visited Auckland last year we really liked Whangaparaoa, especially Manly/Stanmore Bay. I will work in Auckland CBD, but travel by motorbike, so hopefully 30-45 minute commute.
Does this sound right?
Also anyone any info on the area and schools in general?
Any good ideas how my wife, 2 daughters aged 4 and 10 and I can meet people and settle in quickly?
My daughter is a very good swimmer so hoping to get her into the swimming club in Stanmore Bay.

Also anybody help with what weather to expect when we arrive in mid-July. Not sure what to pack to take with us or what to send in the container?

Any help/advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Dave

[JandM]

About the weather - it's going to be winter, so quite cold at night. Have warm nightclothes including socks and dressing-gowns. However, in the daytime when it's sunny, it'll feel quite hot, so on lots of days, you'll need only jeans/shirtsleeves/with maybe body-warmer/fleece. But the weather can change very quickly, so the general advice is be prepared with lots of layers that you can vary easily. Night falls very suddenly (no long twilight), and any heat goes out of the day in moments.

[kanatakiwi]

About the weather - it's going to be winter, so quite cold at night. Have warm nightclothes including socks and dressing-gowns. However, in the daytime when it's sunny, it'll feel quite hot, so on lots of days, you'll need only jeans/shirtsleeves/with maybe body-warmer/fleece. But the weather can change very quickly, so the general advice is be prepared with lots of layers that you can vary easily. Night falls very suddenly (no long twilight), and any heat goes out of the day in moments.

The expression about Auckland and the weather is "Four Seasons in one Day.", so plan accordingly. Swimming will be a good way to connect for your daughter, and if you like sports at all, its a great way to meet friends at the local rugby club etc. Whangaparoa will have some community clubs and community centres I would think so check that out. and dont forget there will be others from this forum in that area! good luck!!

[StevieD]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wo09z38Bt0

[DMcG]

There's a ferry (http://www.whangaparaoanz.com/html/ferries.html) runs from Gulf Harbour down to the ferry terminal at the bottom of Queen Street. If you get fed up biking in, you can always take the ferry a couple of times a week :D

Dougie