auckland or welli???????

Helsandfamily

15th May 2009, 08:59 AM

We liked Welli and were very sad to leave. What I liked was the ruralness of where we were living (Whitby) and the ruggedness of the coast. I liked the city too because it was small and contained in a very small area (for a Capital) I also thought that it was a beautiful city. It was also easier to get to South Island which we hoped to do during the summer.

We now live in North Shore, and it is lovely, The beaches are gorgeous and the sea very calm and safe (great for swimming and Kayaking) It isn't rural which we originally wanted and it has a feeling of being a lot more built up and bigger and faster (if you know what I mean) It is easier to get to places to visit for the weekend such as Rotorua and Pahia, and I suppose the Corromandel (which we havn't done yet)

I guess it may be worth visiting both places to see what is right for you.
hth
Hels

CJ22

15th May 2009, 10:29 AM

Auckland doesn't shut at 5:30pm.

IanW99

15th May 2009, 10:34 AM

Auckland doesn't shut at 5:30pm.

Yes but it should!!! :exit

Ian

pleccy2000

15th May 2009, 11:29 AM

Yes but it should!!! :exit

Ian

Sounds like something Melissa Lee would say.

YouMeAndThree

15th May 2009, 11:33 AM

Can one place ever be better than another? It all comes down to personal preference ateotd, surely?

Wooly_Cow

15th May 2009, 12:05 PM

Yes but it should!!! :exit

Ian

:clap

Wooly_Cow

15th May 2009, 12:07 PM

Auckland doesn't shut at 5:30pm.

You're right....I'm so fed up that the bars in Courtney Place kick me out at 5.30 pm!....NOT!!!! ...... more like 5:30 am :D

dharder

15th May 2009, 12:21 PM

Auckland doesn't shut at 5:30pm.

It doesn't?

Daniela

CJ22

15th May 2009, 12:36 PM

It all comes down to personal preference ateotd, surely?

Well...no, not really. I invite you to take a vacation to Bagdad and find the good in that :p

Quality of Living global city rankings 2009 – Mercer survey (http://www.mercer.com/referencecontent.htm?idContent=1173105#Top_50_citi es:_Quality_of_living)

It doesn't?
No, it doesn't. There's so much going on this city, we never seem to sit still. I have to admit to being quite surprised by that. However, you do have to spend a bit of time here to find out where it all is, so perhaps the same is true of Wellington, which I found ineffably dull and drab, having admittedly only spent a few days there.

Yes but it should!!!
What does that even mean? :confused:

SarahEDH

15th May 2009, 02:05 PM

Agree with CJ22 on the WGT dull and drab assessment --

Try to spend time in several cities if you can, to see if one place resonates with you more than another.

Wooly_Cow

15th May 2009, 02:11 PM

Agree with CJ22 on the WGT dull and drab assessment --

Try to spend time in several cities if you can, to see if one place resonates with you more than another.

Nothing like unbiased reasonable positive feedback eh!

How about giving some positive reasons for other cities rather than broad sweeping criticisms of a place you probably have not spent enough time in to make a proper judgement.

The original request was 'Auckland or Welli?' so how about some plus's for both.

I'll start....Wellington has loads of culture, music, bars and great cafe's but is walkable from one end of the CBD to the other.

;)

Kea

15th May 2009, 02:54 PM

I didn't expect to like Auckland- and lobbied hard with OH to move to Welly as my job prospects would have been a lot better there.

I thought I'd hate the sprawl, car dependant culture and commercialism. But I have to say, I'm really taken with the place.

The things I like are:

1. Proximity to lots of types of beaches
2. Cultural mix
3. Weather- definitely warmer than Welly from my visit
4. Lot to do so far.
5. Possibility of living by the beach
6. Range of food choices/restaurants
7. The turquoise sea and the volcano
8. Friendliness of the people- I know Auckland has a bad reputation on this but my experince has been really good.

CJ22

15th May 2009, 02:58 PM

Nothing like unbiased reasonable positive feedback eh!

Opinions were asked for. "Unbiased" opinions (also known as "statistics") are in the link I gave.

How about giving some positive reasons for other cities rather than broad sweeping criticisms of a place you probably have not spent enough time in to make a proper judgement.

lol. Internet.

I'll start....Wellington has loads of culture, music, bars and great cafe's but is walkable from one end of the CBD to the other.

In comparison....Auckland has loads of culture, music, bars and great cafe's and is walkable from one end of the CBD to the other. As a bonus, it has things in the CBD worth visiting, many of which are open after 5:30. Plus it's not built on the shadey side of a hill and occasionally there's a phenomenon here called "still air", something with which Gummies are unfamiliar.

:cheers

Just kidding. Wellington CBD didn't impress me much (most cities are throbbing between Christmas and New Year, whereas Welly just seemed to shut down), but I wouldn't judge the whole town on that short visit. But even Wellingtonians say "be careful which side of the hill you live on" and occasionally admit that it's "quit windy on occasion".

Auckland is warmer, drier, more out-door friendly, has more beaches, more variety. It has more cultural diversity, including a large Asian community vibe which adds immensely to the life of the place. There's an on-going debate about which place has more and better nightlife (according to the Herald, anyway) but since nobody seems to have done an objective survey about it, I can't offer a qualified opinion.

But having done quite well at seeing quite a lot of NZ in quite a short space of time, I remain confident we happened to get lucky in our choice of location when we came here, and have landed up in the best place.

I will say with authority however that both places are better than Kaitaia, which sucks. :exit

incredible hulse

15th May 2009, 03:32 PM

Spent a lot of time in Auckland but obviously not as much as Welly. I think the benefit of Auckland is that it is easier to get out of than Welly and more to do in a driveable distance. Welly is a 'prettier' city in my opinion as I find Auckland a bit of a sprawling mess. Also think Welly is the more lively option in terms of bars and restaurants, but Auckland tends to get the majority of big events

Temps are higher in Auckland but I'd be amazed if it was drier !! Most time I've been there it's rained and always found it a very cloudy city.

ourquest

15th May 2009, 03:47 PM

Auckland is warmer, drier, more out-door friendly, has more beaches, more variety.

I get that you like Auckland. But are you sure it has more variety? Wellington also has lots of beaches...from the usually waveless and gentle Plimmerton to the wilder beaches south of Wainuiomata, the long beaches of the Kapiti coast etc. Wellington has really steep hills and flat rural areas. It has big rivers and mountains that get a dusting of snow. It has highways and tiny winding passes. It has islands and views and dense forest. Big buildings and small ones. Wind generators and regular earthquakes. Wild wind followed by absolute calm. And every suburb of Wellington has a very distinct character, whereas Auckland's suburbs could seem fairly uniform in superficial appearance and geographic setting.
Auckland and Wellington are just different. Now quit trying to compare them. It's a bad habit. It's why we get immigrants trying to change New Zealand because they are comparing some aspect of where they came from with some aspect of their new life. It just distracts people from appreciating what they have...

IanW99

15th May 2009, 03:54 PM

...
Temps are higher in Auckland but I'd be amazed if it was drier !! Most time I've been there it's rained and always found it a very cloudy city.

I always thought that Auckland was a lot wetter as well...

But from these stats it looks like we are wrong?

Auckland
Average annual rainfall: 1,240mm
Average annual sunshine hours: 2,060
Average summer temperature (°C): 20
Average winter temperature (°C): 11

Wellington
Average annual rainfall (mm): 1,249
Average annual sunshine hours: 2,065
Average summer temperature (°C): 17
Average winter temperature (°C): 9

Welly is still sunnier though :exit

Ian

CJ22

15th May 2009, 03:57 PM

Entirely fair comment. But the OP was " auckland or welli?" - bit difficult to answer that without comparing them innit? I agree it's pointless. The only person who could answer the question fairly is somebody who's spent a lot of time in both and left one or the other without prejudice.

Ash, you'll just have to come and have a look for yourself. As you can see, denizens of both places seem to like it and think it's best. It's not like you can't move :)

Ian, did you have to spoil it with actual facts man??

ourquest

15th May 2009, 04:04 PM

BkyMonster

15th May 2009, 04:08 PM

I'd also recommend you visit if possible to see where you would like.

That said, people get awfully defensive about Wellington to the point that when I have said in the past that it was not for us, no disparaging remarks at all really--just personal experiences about why we did not like it, I got some angry personal messages (and a positive one as well FWIW).
Really? Is my internet opinion so important to you? I really don't think I'm somehow influencing people on this forum and for the most part don't really think people care for what I have to say. :) No worries. I don't begrudge you a dislike of me. I don't often express my opinion, but I must admit this annoys me for some dumb reason.

People say unfavorable things about other places all the time without such fanaticism. Really, I'm glad you all like it. It wasn't for us and won't be without some major personality changes on our part. Does that mean other people won't like it and it's a bad place? Not at all. I just don't want to live there. You may love it.

I think anyone inquiring about a location is better off asking specific questions about what you want to see in home town.

ourquest

15th May 2009, 04:19 PM

People say unfavorable things about other places all the time without such fanaticism. Really, I'm glad you all like it. It wasn't for us and won't be without some major personality changes on our part. Does that mean other people won't like it and it's a bad place? Not at all. I just don't want to live there. You may love it.

You do know that you're sounding a bit defensive, don't you;).

CJ22

15th May 2009, 04:19 PM

BkyMonster: you should go see the Kaitaia thread if you want to see defensiveness :)

The thing is, the cold facts and figures can all be found elsewhere. Nationmaster has all the stats you could hope for. Wikipedia has excellent articles on both Wellington and Auckland. The ONLY unique things people on this site can offer is personal experience. If any subjective opinion is met with hostility then the site becomes pointless. How many times are people's opinions here met with "You're biased", or "You're not entitled to an opinion" or words to that effect? That's kinda missing the point of the place :)

Pax.

incredible hulse

15th May 2009, 04:58 PM

I always thought that Auckland was a lot wetter as well...

But from these stats it looks like we are wrong?

Auckland
Average annual rainfall: 1,240mm
Average annual sunshine hours: 2,060
Average summer temperature (°C): 20
Average winter temperature (°C): 11

Wellington
Average annual rainfall (mm): 1,249
Average annual sunshine hours: 2,065
Average summer temperature (°C): 17
Average winter temperature (°C): 9

Welly is still sunnier though :exit

Ian

The govt must be lying then ;)

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/aboutwgtn/glance/index.html

I find most of the rain in Welly seems to fall between midnight and 8am to be honest so maybe just don't notice it so much.

I do find that Wellingtonians do get very defensive about the city. As said I personally prefer it to Auckland but I still don't consider it a great city. After several years here I find the fact that it takes a long time to get anywhere of interest a bit of a bind. I've always thought somewhere like Hamilton would be a good place to live as although there was nothing spectacular about the city there was a lot of interesting stuff in all directions.

SarahEDH

15th May 2009, 05:20 PM

Nothing like unbiased reasonable positive feedback eh!

How about giving some positive reasons for other cities rather than broad sweeping criticisms of a place you probably have not spent enough time in to make a proper judgement.

The original request was 'Auckland or Welli?' so how about some plus's for both.

I'll start....Wellington has loads of culture, music, bars and great cafe's but is walkable from one end of the CBD to the other.

;)

Cow,

meow!

I lived in WGT for months . . . and months . . . when first arrived in NZ, and I must say it felt like years :laugh I have the experience to justify an opinion, and no, I'm not obligated to be positive or unbiased. CJ22 and BkyMonster have pretty much nailed anything else I might have added . . .

Sarah

dharder

15th May 2009, 06:26 PM

Normally, when I tell people I really don't like Auckland, they say 'oh, you will like Wellington then'.

Totally unbiased one way or the other and being my usual cheerful self, I'm happy to report I'm not take with either.

:)

Daniela

Wooly_Cow

15th May 2009, 06:47 PM

I lived in WGT for months . . . and months . . . when first arrived in NZ, and I must say it felt like years
Sarah

'Dull and Drab'........hmmm the brevity of summary worthy of the 'Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy' (sic 'Harmless' , and 'Mostly Harmless') - Ford Prefect would be proud! :D

James 1077

15th May 2009, 09:16 PM

I do find that Wellingtonians do get very defensive about the city.

I didn't even realise Wellington was a city; small rural town perhaps ...

:eek:

Georgebulldog

15th May 2009, 09:57 PM

Agree with CJ22 on the WGT dull and drab assessment --

Try to spend time in several cities if you can, to see if one place resonates with you more than another.

How can you call the scenery of Wellington dull & drab? surely that's one thing it isn't, OK I'm biased but driving to Taupo it got flat & I found that quite dull but could never call Wellington that.
Wellington has so much going on, this from a kids point of view, & all very close so you never have to travel too far.
Never been to Auckand apar from landing there but all the crime on the news does put me off, but I don't know the areas so maybe it's just in one part of the place, you don't tend to hear Wellington on the news that much, not saying it doesn't happen but it doesn't make he news as much s Auckland.

Georgebulldog

15th May 2009, 09:58 PM

I didn't even realise Wellington was a city; small rural town perhaps ...

:eek:

That's what I love about it. Walking through cbd at Xmas & hardly anyone around is just something I think is great about it, makes me laugh anyway

incredible hulse

15th May 2009, 10:08 PM

I didn't even realise Wellington was a city; small rural town perhaps ...

:eek:

LOL. I always thought the CBD was bigger than Auckland to be honest. Admittedly it doesn't have the sprawling suburbia. I'd heard they were joining the 4 components together though to make it a super town.

miep

16th May 2009, 12:41 AM

I actually quite like both, is that allowed?:exit

Liked Welly instantly but am now warming to Akl, it's got some really nice neighbourhoods and some really good shopping. Even though it seems to always rain/drizzle when I'm there it's mostly warmer which has got to be better than this morning's gale here! And it doesn't cool right down in summer after the sun sets so you get to sit outside in the evening, that probably the biggest bonus in my book.:cool:

Everybody has a right to their opinion, but Welly dull and drab???? :uhoh

RJLink

16th May 2009, 01:01 AM

Wellington offers urban sophistication on an intimate scale in a beautiful setting, which is a rare combo. Auckland is a completely different animal. For a big city I thought it had a fantastic feel to it, much like San Diego in the States.

victoria24

16th May 2009, 01:31 AM

theres also a big difference between places you'd like to live and places you like to visit. i think wgt has a more european vibe and auckland a bit more US vibe.
Both are cool for different reasons and both have horrendous traffic!

M-Squared

16th May 2009, 01:47 AM

ITA w V24 :nice1

CJ22

16th May 2009, 02:40 AM

I should point out that when I said 'dull and drab' I meant specifically the CBD, not the city as a whole, which is spectacular, if bracing.

That's what I love about it. Walking through cbd at Xmas & hardly anyone around is just something I think is great about it, makes me laugh anyway

Whereas those of us who'd paid good money to visit the place weren't laughing so hard. I'll stick to a city where the residents are actually alive ta :)

Dusk and I came to Auckland from a very rural part of the UK, and we've lived rurally for many years. Both cities would have been a step-up, urban-wise, compared to what we're used to. So we can look at both cities in a reasonably objective fashion. And even though Auckland ought to be the bigger culture-shock for us (Wellington is only about the size of Cardiff after all), it nevertheless felt more roomy to me than Wellington, which felt rather oppressive and looming.

Georgebulldog: Most of the crime does seem to be in limited areas. We live on the North Shore, and it's one of the lowest crime areas in the country, I understand.

victoria24

16th May 2009, 12:14 PM

we're from rural areas to and I would agree with CJ that Auckland feels more spacious and welly is more compact

RJLink

16th May 2009, 02:31 PM

Agree that Wellington's CBD is dull and drab. And no, the garish colours on a lot of the buildings DO NOT help.

SarahEDH

16th May 2009, 03:13 PM

:laugh:laugh

Someone should start a photo thread on this topic, to lighten the mood a bit -- I'm off to dig in the '07 digital archives from early days :exit

BkyMonster

16th May 2009, 03:34 PM

You know what is great IMO about Wellington? The signs at the zoo
:D

SarahEDH

16th May 2009, 06:00 PM

Rather applies outside the zoo as well :exit

ellenmelon

16th May 2009, 09:28 PM

Topics like this are so subjective..but here's my 2cents.

I love Wellington. It's nice to feel at home somewhere after moving around a bit. I can't imagine leaving for the next five years or so. I'm in my final year of studying, which brought me here as it's the only place in NZ I can receive the qualification I want. I love the views, the southern coastline, living so close to the sea again after being 1.5hrs from the nearest beach in Ireland, the San Francisco Bath House (an ace wee venue here), Mojo Coffee on Taranaki St, the ability to walk most places if you need, the Embassy Theatre, the small population,the view of the CBD from the Te Papa side and from the Dom Post ferry, and most importantly the wonderful people I've met here that I wouldn't have otherwise.

I wouldn't live in Auckland because it doesn't have those things, pretty much.

Familyofmonkeys

17th May 2009, 12:00 AM

When OH got a job offer from his company we got the choice between Auckland and Wellington. Both have got their own appeal....but I wouldn't have slept at night in Wellington knowing that it was slap bang on a couple of faultines :uhoh Ultimately neither city does it for us.....we much prefer Christchurch, which although doesn't have the spectacular harbour views of either Auckland or Wellington, it does IMO have a really lovely atmosphere to the place.

ellenmelon

17th May 2009, 12:29 AM

nifta

24th June 2009, 10:39 PM

you really need to spend a bit of time in both places to work it out for yourself. they're very different - both have their good sides and bad sides, but how significant those are depends on what you're looking for. i tend to describe it as being similar to san francisco vs LA (if that means anything to anyone :) )

Angelonthemove

25th June 2009, 12:23 PM

I live in Welly out of preference to it being small and compact but quaint with culture.

But having gone to Auckland for work on occasions I finally found places there I did not know existed when I was there on our reccy. Real shops, restaurants and lovely winding back streets of quaint shops and outside seated cafes. (Just around the corner from drab Queens St)

The same goes for those visiting Welly until you have spent time in either you never really get to know a city and what is hidden behind it.

Personally I just find Auckland too fast paced for my old age now :laugh

I was told the CBD in Wellington has more workers than Auckland.

Plus did you know that the sun hours is a piece of paper on a spike with a magnifying glass that burns a ring around it during the day and they count how much was burnt! So if its cloudy and then a few bits of sun it still counts. Told by a guy who did the actually adding up of hours at the Welly met service.

James 1077

25th June 2009, 01:21 PM

I was told the CBD in Wellington has more workers than Auckland.

May have more people but, as most of the Welly lot "work" for the government I would hardly say more "workers"! :laugh

92Immigrant

25th June 2009, 10:11 PM

tell me why is auckland better than wellington...
let me start b saying......

My in-laws all live in Wellington:nice1 The place has nice infrastructure cos it's the nominal capital.

To me, it's always windy and cold in Wellington, even in high summer. I now refuse to go there except in summer (:laugh) and it's still chilly at night. On the weather maps, it might be recorded as only 2 deg C cooler than Auckland, but the reality is a little different. I would not emigrate from to live in Wellington. I've been going there since '94 and it can be pretty dismal.

I'm a north of the north island man. I'd be keen on the Far North.

Dave.

zizzyzee

2nd July 2009, 09:12 AM

Gosh! We'd initially dismissed Auckland as it sounded a bit too much like London. And I've heard that half NZ's crime rate takes place in the South of Auckland? On our reccie we didn't even visit Auckland as it just didn't figure in the megspecs for us.

But reading this thread has given me food for thought! Perhaps it ain't so bad after all!! Thank you! I don't think I'd automatically dismiss Auckland outright now if a job for OH came up, so the thread has done good for me!

Where do you think is best for a family with 2 young kids under 10 who like adventure and the outdoors?