[Beachcombers]

Melissa and I have jumped location roughly every two years and we starting to get itchy feet again. Of course this time round we have Sabrina in tow, so have started to think about somewhere we want to really "settle".

As much as we like Marlborough, we can not see ourselves moving up the housing ladder anytime soon. Locally prices are bucking the national trend and still rising. Add to that, our plans for the cafe have had major speed wobbles (finance mainly), we have now started to cast our eyes further afield.

And we like the idea of looking at North Canterbury, about a hour Christchurch, was initially thinking of getting a 4/5hectare block and building a house, with a view of planting some grapes to supply the small but growing wine industry in Waipara. Anywhere from Amberley to Cheviot to Hamner Springs.

Something a bit like this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=156886364

Anyone in the area? Any pros and cons?

One particular question, what is the prevailing winds during Summer, does it get particulary blowy?

[benandclare]

When the North Wester kicks in it's very very windy and pretty hot too :exit

[mylesdw]

We live near Amberley (Leithfield) and like it very much. I know a few people with small vineyards up near Waipara and it is definitely a case of "don't give up your day job". The vineyard might support one person full time but not two. Most of them seem to be perpetually waiting for 'that good year'. Sounds like more trouble that it's worth to me.

The nor'wester can blow strong and hot but in the last few years it has not done it that much, a handful of days per year. You need shelter belts, plant them BEFORE you start building the house. Good shelter belts make a huge difference both to the hot nor'wester and the cool easterly that often blows in off the coast.

[Beachcombers]

Thanks for the replies. No worries about the day job, I work for a viticulture supplies company and would look to be the rep for NC. Melissa has spent two seasons working for Montana and skilled at maintaning a vineyard and we have a good realtionship with a couple of the wineries already, so it would be a labour of love, rather than a get rich quick sheme. Also aware of the dodgy seasons they have had, although this year was a cracker.

Thanks for the info re the Nor'wester, will keep it in mind!