[Moorf]

Hi All,

It's Friday 10pm and we arrived yesterday at 2pm - so what's happened?!

Well... are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.... (if this post stops abruptly then I have probably fallen asleep :laugh - jet lag rampant in this apartment.

Flight from LHR to Singapore (12 hrs) was pretty uneventful - we got to LHR super-early and were FIRST in the check in queue and got great seats (the ones that are just 2 across at the back :D ) - so worth the long wait in departures... Singapore Air was v. impressive - excellent service / food / inflight entertainment (40 on-demand movies!!).

Met Sandra at Singapore! How cool was that! My chat up line was "are you waiting for someone?" :laugh as we obviously hadn't a clue what Sandra looked like!! I went for a shower and a massage (which was FAB and CHEAP) and then we met up and smoked ourselves stupid in the sunflower garden :laugh - had to get the nicotine levels up ready for the next 8 hr marathon....

Singapore to Auckland flight was mainly spent catching up on sleep as we didn't manage to get any on the first leg - taking the "elephant" pills the doc gave us sent us off to the land of nod IMMEDIATELY and we slept for 5 hours :nice1 Not long after Sandra came and found us and we started on the wine (amused the hostess that we wanted wine with our brekkie!!) - chinwagged ALL the rest of the way - a mixture of excitement and worry.

Once arrived we had the final obstacle ... immigration!

For Woz and I it was so easy - we even chatted with the officer for a bit after he stamped our passports etc... Sandra's story was a little different :? but I am sure she will be online soon to explain....

All three of us waited together at Auckland aiport as we had domestic flights to catch.... and then finally the last leg of the journey .. to Chch... I was almost on my knees with exhaustion but when we saw Nicky (and my gorgeous bunch of flowers :nice1 ) we really perked up...

Now Nicky - what a star - if you are heading down to this neck of the woods make SURE you get in touch with Kiwi (aka Nicky) - seriously, the info and advice was invaluable, the pick-up at the airport a life-saver and the stop off at the supermarket an eye-opener! Nicky is such a lovely lovely person too.. and we hit it off immediately - I don't think we stopped talking and laughing from the moment we met to the moment she dropped us at the apartment... and we have been phoning and texting since too!!

(Just had to pause to get some Red Bull down me and nipped outside for a fag (that's a cigarette to all our American friends... better clear that up pronto!!!!))

We arrived at the apartment at about 4pm and dumped our cases and then checked out the coffee shop a few doors down (I checked out the rather juicy surf-dude behind the counter!! Nicky.. come for coffee :laugh ). We are on the seafront in Sumner and it is lovely, really lovely, and that's in the RAIN... haven't seen the sun here yet but it's rumoured to be in the vicinity! We can see the sea from the lounge and bedroom... gorgeous.

After our coffee we went for a quick walk around the local area, we were practically sleep walking but wanted to stay awake until later in the evening to try and get our bodies into the right timezone! Great local shops - restaurants, cafes, a dairy, a bakery, a cinema (tiny one!), hardware store, surf shops, garage, newsagent, 7/11, library... just about everything you could need! Reg bus into town too....

Bought a take away curry ( v. nice too! ) and then back to apartment and, despite all our efforts at staying awake, we had to go to bed at 8pm, we just couldn't stay awake any longer!!

Woke at 6am :roll:

Went for brekkie at a local cafe called "T for Tea" - v. contemporary place with GREAT brekkies and coffees. The first of our NZ experiences happened here.... the first of a few today...!! We arrived at the cafe at 8.40am - the door was open. We asked the girl behind the counter if she was open - she said not until 9am but to come on in..! We chatted and ordered brekkie and then she announced she was leaving the shop to deliver a cuppa to the guy at the garage (down the road!) and to get the papers.... she left us alone in the cafe with the key in the till! :eek Now that wouldn't happen in the UK!! We were gobsmacked....

Finished our rather superb brekkie and decided to catch bus into town to try and buy a car....

Whilst a little way away from the bus stop we saw the bus arrive... damn we thought. However... the bus stopped and the driver got out... he walked down the road to the bakery and went in... we got to the bus and asked passenger what was up... she said he's gone to get brekkie!!! :laugh Sure enough, the driver came back avec coffee and pastries! We chatted with passengers, had a laugh with the driver (said we knew this place was friendly but a free coffee and pastry with our ticket was just tooooo much to take :laugh ) and began our first bus ride into Chch.....

Stopped off at the corner of Ferry Road and Moorhouse (see, I sound like a local already!!) - this area is just chocka with used car salesrooms. After a few hours of test driving various models we decided on, and bought, a Rav4 for 10K. So YAY... we have a car :clap :clap :clap plus insurance plus AA cover... mission accomplished and we're chuffed to bits with it! All the car sales places were very helpful (funny that, eh?!!) but we found Donniethorne Simms v. good indeed and that's who we bought it from....

Sorted ourselves out with a new sim card (pre pay Vodafone $25 incl $15 free credit) at the East Gate Mall - found The Warehouse there too.. v. cheap stuff... great for basic toiletries etc.

Drove home, sorted out internet over the phone with a company called Lynx - costs just $35 / month (dial up until we get a permie place) and that's unlimited usage so not bad at all.... plus they didn't require us to take out a contract for 6mths / 12mths - it's done on a monthly basis and can be used anywhere so can take account with us when we move.... result!

That about brings us up to date.... it's now 10.30pm and I'm pleased that we've managed to stay awake so long.

First impressions? Well, we certainly are VERY taken back with the friendly and trusting nature of the Kiwi's - we have spoken with so many people today. The garage loaned us a car for the day whilst they spruced ours up, the surf shop where we bought my fleece gave us LOADS of clothes hangers for free when they overheard us saying we needed some (!), and the guy at the garage where we bought the car gave us his home number so Warren could call his wife about an IT job (wasn't suitable in the end but HEY, it was an opportunity not to be missed!).

Next step is to find somewhere to rent... and Nicky is ALREADY armed with places for us to see... amazing!!!!!!

Now... Lyttleton. Hmmm - not as nice as I had expected and, to be honest, was really disappointed :( Even the locals don't have much good to say about the area ("drunk Russian sailors" !!) so it's going to be knocked off our list of places to live... oh well... I suspect Diamond Harbor will go the same way, and Governors Bay too but we will see what is available. LOVE Mt Pleasant and Redhill .. but I have expensive taste so that's expected!!! Sumner is FAB and we shall see what we can find here but again, it can be pricey.

Well folks, bedtime, just can't drink enough Red Bull to keep us awake but its nearly 11pm so we have done quite well !!

Will post again soon.....

Moorf

[Carol]

Hi Moorf
And welcome....

I feel like I've slipped into the forum while you were busy travelling....no idea who you are - but I've read LOTS about you!! :laugh :mrgreen:

Hope your jetlag doesnt last too long....
Far too much to do in Ch Ch!!
All your kiwi "experiences" so far sound very normal - and actually we take some of them for granted now we have been here a while.. :oops:


cya around.
Give me a shout if I can help you out with anything......

Carol

[Moorf]

Hiya Carol - just been reading all YOUR posts too.. boy have I got competition!! :laugh

You know what? Tough old Moorf "I'll never get homesick" had a little pang of it today !!! I am putting it down to jet lag and tiredness and a little culture shock (even though it does feel a little like we flew all the way round the world and ended up back in the UK (did I mention the rain?!!)).

We are totally happy with what we have seen so far - we tramped round a supermarket or two to see if we would starve but it all looks FINE!! I have even done some clothes shopping already (hehe didn't take long!) Had to find a fleece and a waterproof jacket (did I mention the rain?!!)!!
Probably should have just got a wetsuit ......

Yep, you arrived on the forum as we were taking off from the UK.. we're here on visitor visa altho selected from EOI pool so awaiting documentation to get to us.... then hopefully we can get residence!

What bought you over in the first place Carol?

Moorf

[Carol]

Oh god......when people ask me that I have a tough time remembering!!
8 years is a long time....... for an old lady.... ;)

Really it was the kids...... just wanted more for them.
And as we all know...less is more.......oooh a profound statement for a Friday night....not a DROP of alcohol has passed my lips yet!
(Took my wee lassie out for the night to see a kids' dance school production of Peter Pan)

BUT.....hubby gone to bed...(worse for wear I think after Fri night drinks...) kids all in bed....all pigs fed and ready to fly.
So - the red may yet be opened....

Do you want to join me??? :nice1

C

[Carol]

oh dear......that has to be a record...off topic within the first post!!!

:laugh :nice1 :nice1

[Rimbo]

Well done Helen & Woz, Hope all goes well for you both. :nice1
Same sentiments go out to Michelle & Richard, Dave & Sandra. :nice1
Following your posts this week has meant that the bedroom decorting has not happend and i'm in the bad books! :(
Can't wait until i'm writing similar posts.

John

[susanlin]

Hi Moorf and Woz

Welcome to Christchurch!! You have certainly been busy in the short time you have been here! Nic was a brilliant help to me and my family when we first arrived - met us at the airport, took us to our B & B at Mt Pleasant - lovely place - found us a rental house, organised a party (think I told you about that one - 600 people I think - I was so jetlagged I lost count) and made us delicous pumpkin soup (I still haven't tasted one as good) I don't know what I'd have done without her! And can you believe she has 5 kids!! What a woman! And so gorgeous too!! Have you met her lovely hubby? He does a wicked 'haka'.

Anyway, all the best to you as you begin your adventure! Keep posting - if you have time!

Sue

PS when is the second hand bookshop opening?

[susanlin]

Hi - seem to have lost all my previous posts. Have been 'wiped off the face of the forum'!! Took me ages to get logged on - someone trying to tell me somethin'!! :? :?

[Diny]

Hey Moorf

What's the weather like :laugh

Good to hear you sounding so 'chippa'.

Viewings on our house have 'taken off' hopefully we won't be too far behind you. Gotta go and mow the lawns now to make the outside look nice.

Diny

[xanctus]

Hi Moorf, welcome aboard on the soil of New Zealand...
glad that u can arrive safely... :clap :clap

[bbq]

Moorf, Woz, Michelle & Richard, Dave & Sandra

Great posts, thanks for them. Good luck and hopefully be there myself soon

cheers

alex

p.s. Sandra, if the customs officer was like that with me, he WOULD NOT have wanted to do a body search.... ;)

[MelissaLG]

Hey Moorf!

Wow you guys have been busy!! I cannot believe you had the energy to do all that and then write your post! But I am glad you did....we are all dying for news of what its like once you actually get on the ground! Congrats to you on making it safe and sound and surviving your first couple days. Keep us posted!

Melissa

[Moorf]

Woke early again this morning, not sure if it is excitement or the jetlag... but what a sight we awoke to... no clouds in the sky and the beach in the foreground and in the distance an entire range of snow topped mountains - wish I could post a pic of it here..... unreal.

Off to our usual (hehehe) brekkie cafe in Sumner then off in the Rav for a day exploring.... :clap :clap

[markkellaway]

You certainly sound like you are having a great time. You should take a drive round to Akaroa on a nice day too, when you get aroung the "hills" and start to come down towards the town the views are unreal. There's even a pub at the top of the hill, not the most salubrious but a fantastic view from the car park!!

Looking forward to hearing all the news, does it feel like "coming home" to you? It's certainly how we felt.

Hope the excitement continues,

Mark. :nice1

[kiwi]

Sue and Helen, too kind!

It was fun, I am glad I could help. We are going to have an adults party at the apartment in Sumner...so start sorting babysitters out now for those in Chch.....only want adults trashing Helens pad....no littlies!!!

will keep you posted..Helen!!! ha ha

Nic

[susanlin]

Hi Moorf

sure is a beoootiful day today!! enjoy your exploring. The Port Hills are magnificent on a day like this - awesome views and great places to park up, admire the views, share a bottle of wine (well, depends if you are the driver - I usually get the bottle to myself..). I can walk to the Hills from my house - great long walk but fantastic on a day like this. (Good for the thighs too!) Have you been on the summit road yet? Perfect day today for it - go visit Taylors Mistake - wonderful place. We all spent a day there fishing a few weeks ago, sat on the rocks, nobody around, sun shining, water glistening - I felt very content with life! (Just this damn homesickness that is my only downer....but that is another post!)

Sue

[jesselyn]

welcome to Chch, helen! :nice1 umm im getting envious here :oops:

anyways, thank you for taking time out to post even tho you are sleepy and tired :yes

have a great day! ;)

jes :angel

[lindajax]

Hi Moorf,
Great to hear your news and glad you got there ok :clap
Will carry on quizzin you for info and watching your posts
Hope everything is what you wished
love
Linda xx

[jesselyn]

Hi - seem to have lost all my previous posts. Have been 'wiped off the face of the forum'!! Took me ages to get logged on - someone trying to tell me somethin'!! :? :?

hi susan,

welcome back! this is a new one. there was a problem with the old forum. contact douglas and he will update your posts :yes ;)

jes :angel

ps. nice meeting you. :D

[Moorf]

Hi All - 4.30pm and back home after a quick trip into Chch - met up with Veronica ( :nice1 ) at her fab ski/snowboard outlet and had planned to go to the park (Hagley) but I am really suffering with jet lag so did a quick drive out to Governors Bay, had coffee and fries and read the papers and then had to come back home.... I am trying not to sleep as I need a routine but it's really really hard... I am sooooo desperately tired and irritable and ache all over.... :(

Sumner is packed and we did walk out to Taylors Mistake after brekkie this morning - was glorious just watching the guys out on their boards waiting for the waves to come in... will be back there v. soon as it is literally a few yards from this apartment!

Susan - pm me with your addy if you fancy some company (perhaps once my jet lag has gone!!)... we can do lunch here in Sumner and then go ogle some surfers :laugh

[Michelle and Richard]

Well hello Moorf and Woz.

Jet lag is a killer but we are fine now, don't do anything too important for a few days Richard nearly fell asleep mid sentence when we went to the bank. How tired were we but now sleeping well and wake up ready for whatever the day brings.

Wish you all the best, we will have to compare notes.

Michelle and Richard

[Moorf]

It's a killer isn't it... Woz is definitely coping better than me... I won't drive yet for fear of falling asleep at a traffic light!!

Once I get my head straightened out will defo compare notes!

Just off to Woollies to get some shopping, will post shopping bill if anyone is interested!!!

Moorf & Woz

[Tara Sage]

Hi Moorf You did it then!!

Glad to hear that I wasn't the only one to really suffer from the Jetlag.

Today has been a glorious day and we have just moved into a new longer term rental, Sat here with the wine chilling out and reading your story so far.

Have sent you e-mail with contact details, feel free to call at some stage.

Glad you happy and survived the journey.

WIll continue to follow your story.

Well done Moorf and Woz and welcome to New Zealand :nice1

[Michelle and Richard]

Hey Moorf send some of that weather up here,its awful in Auckland.

Michelle

[Moorf]

Hiya Tara - new rental looks great - thanks for pics :nice1

What?? Chch weather better than Auckland ... well, well, well!! :laugh :laugh

Am I correct in thinking that the only way to post pics on here is if they are already online (i.e. a link)??

[/img]

[Michelle and Richard]

Its freezing brrrrrrrrrrrrrr. One very small heater Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Yes I'm being a drama queen, goodnight.

Michelle

[Moorf]

Hmmm pretty cold here too in the shade and now it's dark - strange, we have just one little heater too.. brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

What is it with kiwi's and heating eh???

I don't think they feel the cold - they're walkiing round in shorts and T-shirts here!!! I had 2 fleeces and a windcheater on and jeans and boots!!!

[Raeven]

Hi, Moorf,

Congratulations on your successful arrival!! I've been following your progress -- and Sandra's and Michelle's -- with great interest. Apologies for not posting sooner... the hard drive in my laptop failed utterly and unexpectedly (freeze screen, dirt nap), so I've been trying to put myself together on DH's desktop for a few days until the new hard drive arrives. I love computers, until I don't!!

Sounds like you have accomplished a lot in your few days there, but that doesn't surprise me in the least!! Everything you've shared is fascinating, as have been Michelle's and Sandra's posts, too!! We hunger for such information. I'm sure you're going to find something perfect in Sumner soon. All your posts are making me yearn for NZ even more than I already was!! Can't wait to get this house sold and join you.

I did appreciate your post on another thread re your grocery list and prices. Some of the prices are shocking. A $10 chicken?? I'd be interested to find out if the price is better from the local butcher, as I've heard it often is. Also had to laugh as Steinlager -- a staple in our house for hubby -- will cost us more there than it does here.. and it ain't cheap here!! I'm scared to find out what Bass Ale costs there. But if you should happen to notice....

Anyway, I'm delighted but not a bit surprised to hear Nicki is taking such good care of you. I'm looking forward to meeting her in ChCh as well, although we aren't settling there. We do have family there and will be visiting often.

Please keep the good information coming!!!

All the best, Rae

[blue]

Thanks for posting such a great informative post. glad you got there ok and had a safe journey. Sounds great. Do keep posting really finding your information usefull

[Michelle and Richard]

Morning all, just had to say the sun is out yeahhhhhh just off for a walk at Mission Bay. Thanks for sending the weather up Moorf.

Rae, wondered where you had gone, welcome back.

How much is everyone paying for Steinlager ????. Its 16 99 at New World for 12 bottles.

[drumminj]

...I've been trying to put myself together on DH's desktop for a few days until the new hard drive arrives.

Allright, I have to ask. I've felt stupid long enough. What does 'DH' represent?

[jesselyn]

am i right that it is Dear Husband?

jes :angel

[Moorf]

Day Three - Sunday (feels like we've been here months already!!)

Had the, errrr "debate" re rentals this morning (see Real Estate section thread!!) and then spent all day driving around Chch checking out all the different areas and whizzed up to Rangiora too.

Back home late arvo :D and tomorrow we shall be searching Sumner for a rental...

Some GOOD NEWS... my jetlag has gone!! I feel human again and not so emotional and tired!! (Thank god says Woz!)... I even managed to sleep in until 9am this morning... :nice1

MORE GOOD NEWS - my rental agent in UK emailed to say that my flat has been rented out for 6 months ... woohooooo...

EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS? Yep... it's 20 deg and sunny here today...!!

But... snow expected on Banks Peninsula tonight and cold cold cold for next few days... ah well, can't have it all can u?!!!

Now, time to cook my $10 chicken with some roasted Kumara (that's sweet potato I hope cos I bought some in Woolies...)... and all the trimmings....

OH, BAD NEWS - can't find Bread Sauce mix here... and don't have a recipe to make it myself... can anyone help...!!!! :wah Ah... Google.. :oops:

[Timbo]

Hi Moorf. It sounds like you are fitting in very nicely with all things NZ. Good on ya. If you are going to be hunting for secondhand furniture etc. the following link is worth a look. I think it is the kiwi version of ebay.
Keep the informative posts up when you find the time aye.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/

Cheers. Tim

[Moorf]

Cool! :clap Between the Trademe link and the links that Tanya provided we should be able to furnish the flat for less than my monthly smoking bill!!! :laugh

Doing good with the giving up smoking... have been on at LEAST half what we usually smoke -helps not being able to smoke in this apartment too! Not only that, but when you are atop a hill looking at the fab scenery it seems a crime to light up!!

Well, here's hoping :hopeso

[Raeven]

...I've been trying to put myself together on DH's desktop for a few days until the new hard drive arrives.

Allright, I have to ask. I've felt stupid long enough. What does 'DH' represent?

LOL, J!! I've always personally thought of it in my head as "darling husband," but jesselyn's version would work just as well!! I shouldn't be so lazy, I guess.. how hard is it to type his name??

I see you're stirring again. :mrgreen:

All the best, Rae

[Moorf]

Day 4 - Started hunting for rentals this morning and....

WE'VE GOT A HOUSE!!!!! :yes :yes :yes

We are so pleased - looked at several in Sumner / Mt Pleasant areas and eventually found one at 5pm tonight and have sealed the deal!!

$350 / week unfurnished (altho agreed to leave a couple of bits of furniture and some white goods for us :nice1 ) - 2/3 bed detached house with cute garden and 1st floor sun decking right in the heart of Sumner with sea glimpses, close to beach, sun all day and walkable to supermarket and every type of shop u can think of!! (okay, maybe not ALL you can think of, I'm just a little over-excited!!)

Have to say, the state of some of the rentals was appalling considering the asking prices... mostly just bad decor/repair but some were rather smelly and some just plain awful!!

Anyway, thought I'd share that... so, in just 4 days we have bought a car and found a rental .. it CAN be done everyone... :nice1 Not only that but one of the landlords was in IT and was interested in Woz's skills and gave him a card and told to call him :clap

If in Chch - get the paper on Sat and Wed and just go thru all the To Lets - there are loads...

Moorf

[kiwi]

yay for you!! ha ha!
(thought I would be the first in print to say congrats!!!)

Those in chch who would like to get together with Helen and warren next week...can you email/ pm me and we will get a party started!

Dont want to trash their new house....lets trash the restaurant on the beach or their apartment instead.

Nicky

[Moorf]

:laugh :laugh

Errrr, there's too much beige in this apt... we'll trash the cafe!

:nice1

[kiwi]

scaredy cat!

Dont you want a huge carpet/furniture cleaning bill when you leave....on your credit card..come on, play the game!!! :cool


ok, restaurant it is...T for....!! (cant we just sit in your courtyard and pretend it is yours.....)
Nic

[Michelle and Richard]

Hey Moorf

Read my post, I second your comments, have you got car insurance yet, shop around quotes varied wildly.

Oh and join the AA they have an offer on $89 for one year and the second year is free. Our experience last time is that you will recpoup the cost in discounts at motels etc and cheap or free guides in their shops.

Michelle

[Moorf]

Yep, the car sales place we got the Rav from organised our insurance there and then. The lady who organised it rang a contact who "specialised" in insuring non-Kiwi's and we don't have to pay the $700 excess and it cost us $350 for 6 months so I guess we're paying for that ... for that we also get full AA membership etc....

The insurance company is "State Insurance"... don't have details to hand at the moment but if anyone wants it I can probably dig it out... :nice1

[Moorf]

T for Tea probably isn't the best place, how about the place oppo the apartment on the beach?!?! Or the Ruptured Duck?!! Are we talking adults only or avec kiddies?

[Annierobrigado]

hallo moorf!

wow, a house, a car, already in chch, and nearing NZ guru status! you go girl! now, use the forum as your "dear diary" or journal thing to log on and describe every new discovery you have in chch and soon NZ will ask you to be their official NZ guide! no kidding! won't that be an interesting job? you wont lack for clients because we're still here!

uh, can i ask a favor? next time you wander into a pharmacy or drugstore or what do they call it in NZ, could you check out to see if they have these drugs available and if they are prescription or over-the counter ones:
1) amlodipine 10mg tabs (Norvasc)
2) loratidine tabs (Claritin)
3) paracetamol
4) ambroxol
5) salbutamol syrup or tabs (Ventolin)
6) salbutamol inhaler
7) salbutamol nebules
thanks. these are my family's much needed drugs and if there arent any in NZ, I will have to arrange for them to be sent over there when the time comes. it's hard to have asthma in cold places!

don't feel you have to do this at once! just when you visit there on your own, ok? A big hug and thanks in advance!

is your rav 4 brand new?

cheers
annie

[Moorf]

No probs Annie - as long as all those drugs are legal and I don't get carted away for asking for them!! :laugh

LOL re NZ guide - thanks for the compliments but we're just getting along as best as we can - I am sure we could have done things differently/better but, as usual, we go with the flow and things usually :hopeso turn out okay for us... I am an eternal pessimist and control freak so I am never disappointed and Woz is so laid back he's horizontal - perhaps that is the recipe for success???

I am thinking of writing some articles to see if I can get them published but I don't really feel qualified enough to write about emigration... perhaps once it is official ! I am currently doing the London School of Journalism Feature Writing course - have been in process of doing it for over a year (distance course) but with the move from Scotland to Sussex and then the move here I haven't been able to keep it up.. once in the new house I shall use the decking and views to kick-start the creative juices :nice1

[Moorf]

And no, the Rav is 1995 but in such good condition that it looks new! Only 90,000km on the clock. They are a v. popular car here and we've been told that it will be a doddle to sell, in fact an old lady was giving it the once over this morning and we ended up chatting with her for ages afterwards! You just can't stop the Kiwi's from chatting once they get going it seems!! Or me!!

[Douglas]

$350 / week unfurnished (altho agreed to leave a couple of bits of furniture and some white goods for us :nice1 ) - 2/3 bed detached house with cute garden and 1st floor sun decking right in the heart of Sumner with sea glimpses, close to beach, sun all day and walkable to supermarket and every type of shop u can think of!! (okay, maybe not ALL you can think of, I'm just a little over-excited!!)


That sounds great. :yes


Have to say, the state of some of the rentals was appalling considering the asking prices... mostly just bad decor/repair but some were rather smelly and some just plain awful!!


Just tell the rental agents you're looking for a high quality rental - nothing that's worn looking. There are good houses out there - don't accept the rubbish. It sounds like you've got one of the good ones. :nice1

[Michelle and Richard]

They are honest, one said to me "dont bother with that one its a dog" so really selling it to us !

Real estate is different lot more hard sell

Michelle

[Radders]

Claratin is readily available in NZ. Although I found Zirtec to be more effective

[susanlin]

Hi Moorf
Great about your rental! Sounds lovely - so much better than the rental I had - oh my word that was bad! I had major problems with the landlords and even had the tenancy tribunal on standby to deal with the horrid landlords (they backed down in the end...) I won't go into detail but it was a terrible experience and just the worst way of starting our new life. You sound like you have really landed perfectly on your feet and I am so glad for you. Sumner is a beautiful area- we would have loved to go there but had to find a rental in the school zones for our 2 children.

It would be good to meet up with you for a coffee sometime - have you been to the cafe/restaurant on the beach at Sumner - can't remember the name - decking outside, lovely views of the beach and surfers! Yummy cappacinos and my daughter is addicted to the spicy wedges! Once the kids go back to school and you have time, then perhaps could meet up?
Sue

What has happened to the sunshine :roll: just about to go for a walk in the pouring rain :D - love rain walks much to the dismay of my 11 year old - I drag her along and she moans all the way - until she spots a coffee shop. I have to bribe her with hot choclate and muffins to get her out of the front door!

[susanlin]

Hi Annie

All the medicines you want Moorf to look for....they are available here but they are all prescription only drugs, apart from paracetomol and clarityn. You will need to see a Dr to write a script - there is no way you will be able to buy the items over the counter. Drs charge approx $50 a visit - $ 20 for repeat script via telephone (but that is only after the Dr has seen you on previous visits)

hope that helps

Sue

[Annierobrigado]

Claratin is readily available in NZ. Although I found Zirtec to be more effective

hi radders

thanks. they both work for us, although zirtec here is more expensive. am glad there are choices.

annie

[Annierobrigado]

Hi Annie

All the medicines you want Moorf to look for....they are available here but they are all prescription only drugs, apart from paracetomol and clarityn. You will need to see a Dr to write a script - there is no way you will be able to buy the items over the counter. Drs charge approx $50 a visit - $ 20 for repeat script via telephone (but that is only after the Dr has seen you on previous visits)

hope that helps

Sue

thanks sue, yes indeed that helps. so until i befriend a doctor there, or i pass the exams to get licensed myself there, i think i'll have to bring my own over. ($50 a visit? phew!)

cheers :nice1
annie

[Annierobrigado]

thanks moorf!

can't wait for the next chapters in your NZ story.

How about the others? Please share yours too!

annie

[jesselyn]

Day 4 - Started hunting for rentals this morning and....

WE'VE GOT A HOUSE!!!!! :yes :yes :yes



wtg :cheers

jes :angel

[jo b]

Woooohhooooo
:clap Well done Moorf.

I feel like I know you already afer reading all that.

Keep usposted on the goings on in Chc.

Cheers

Jo

[shagen]

Hi Moorf,

Your journal on your first few days...weeks has been very insightful. For us who are still waiting to get to NZ, that is very useful indeed.

Please continue to jot down your experiences.

Thanks

[Moorf]

Hi Folks!!

Whew - back online after 2 days (yes TWO DAYS :eek ) of not being able to connect :wah - hubby finally got it sorted :clap

Well, since getting our house we have now paid the bond (2 weeks upfront) and have opened a Bank Account!! We have gone with The National Bank of NZ - very very helpful - main branch for Chch is in the Palms Mall. They have given us a Select account which is free banking providing our average MONTHLY balance doesn't go below NZ$5000 (others do a DAILY balance min) - so we're very happy with that. Only probs we are having is transferring money from UK but I will post on the Banking section about that.... Our cards and cheque books are ready to collect on Friday :nice1 All we needed to open the account was our passports, driving licences and existing debit cards. No IRD no. needed altho they did want a residential address (PO Boxes aren't really accepted). PLUS - PO Boxes aren't acceptable for Rental Bonds... be warned... they need a residential address.... see if you can use someone elses address if need be - it's just a formality but it makes it very clear on the Bond form that PO Boxes aren't acceptable.

So, apart from getting a washer/dryer sorted for our new rental we don't have anything else to sort except jobs!!!!! :? We are going to take a break next week and tour around as we haven't had much time to do so since arriving - figured we'd get our money, transport and accommodation sorted first... as a word of advice get transport ASAP - made our life sooo much easier.

Went for a drive over to Akaroa today - WOW WOW WOW - so lovely. Will be back there before tooo long to spend some dosh in the lovely craft shops ( :uhoh hope hubby doesn't read that :laugh ) and, after seeing shivering people coming off the dolphin watching boats we'll leave the swimming with dolphins until the temperature rises :laugh

Have started to make friends and contacts already too :nice1 mostly through going around rentals and generally "hanging out" in Sumner. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, once you get talking you never know what the outcome will be - one guy has asked for our CV, a lady who owns a restaurant in Sumner gave us a top business tip and our landlords have invited us to their bach in Gore Bay!!

Annie - you still need info on drugstore stuff ? Thought I saw a post which seemed to answer your question...

LUKE - watched the new moon rising today over Sumner beach - fantastic and HUGE like a ball of fire..... took some pics but they don't do it justice. :P

Off to buy our white goods tomorrow so will report back on prices !

Best to all
Moorf

[Tara Sage]

Moorf

You have been busy, we did Akaroa in our first few weeks here too, it was gorgeous, we opted for the boat trip to see the dolphins as we agree far to cold to swim with them just yet.

As far as the bank account goes we were charged a higher rate of tax on interest because we didn't have IRD numbers to begin with!

Don't forget if you fancy dinner one night you know where we are!

Have a good day shopping.

[shagen]

Hi Moorf,

I read earlier that you went to NZ on a visitor visa. Is that right? Can you rent a place and open bank accounts even if you aren't a resident?

Do you reckon that is an easier route to get a job? I am looking for a job from outside NZ and am still looking.

How do I access all your posts regardless of which thread it is in? Maybe I am not doing it right...can't seem to jump from one thread to another. I want to read all of your experiences. That kind of gets us to be prepared when it is our turn.

Keep the log going...

Cheers

[Annierobrigado]

Hi Folks!!


Annie - you still need info on drugstore stuff ? Thought I saw a post which seemed to answer your question...

!

Best to all
Moorf

hi Moorf,

if you could ask how much they cost there, per tablet. just ask for the amlodipine and claritin or zirtec. many thanks again!

glad to hear you've settled somehow, does it seem frightening still?

annie

[Annierobrigado]

Hi Moorf,

I read earlier that you went to NZ on a visitor visa. Is that right? Can you rent a place and open bank accounts even if you aren't a resident?

Do you reckon that is an easier route to get a job? I am looking for a job from outside NZ and am still looking.

How do I access all your posts regardless of which thread it is in? Maybe I am not doing it right...can't seem to jump from one thread to another. I want to read all of your experiences. That kind of gets us to be prepared when it is our turn.

Keep the log going...

Cheers

hello shagen

welcome to the forum! if you see the select a forum button at the end of the topic, you can jump from forum to forum. it takes a while to get used to, but as long as you're logged on to the forum, you can read as many threads and topics as you like. it sometimes takes all night or all day as moorf can attest to. and also, there will be a notification in your email inbox whenever someone has replied to the topic you last read.

it's fun, and great learning. we get more prepared by watching these posts. and you get contacts too, especially from those who are already there.

have fun!

annie

[Moorf]

Hi Shagen - I must have missed that post of yours.. if you check out the thread "Moorf and Woz the early days" that should answer most of your questions :nice1

[Moorf]

Well... we have survived our first week... we now have a car, a house, a bank account and today we bought a tv, a washing machine, a dryer, a king size duvet, 2 duck down pillows, 2 sets of double bed bedding and a sofa bed!!

Total price was $NZ 2500 and we got it down to $NZ 1850 with the duvets and bedding thrown in FREE.... just takes a bit of balls to barter and flashing some cash :nice1

We move into our rental house on Saturday... I guess we should buy a BBQ too... Saw some great BBQ's (gas) in Farmers ... they don't cost much at ALL... large one for c. $NZ 400!!! But do we buy the BBQ or the mountains bikes first... hmmmmm :?

I'm afraid I didn't have my notebook with me this time so I didn't note down any prices of appliances - we'll be going back in the next day or so and I'll jot some down... first glances at prices left me pleasantly surprised :yes

[veronica]

BBQ's have a look at the ones in warehouse and bunnings before you decide to buy

[Moorf]

Ohhh, another new name.. Bunnings - we've been to Warehouse but I haven't come across a Bunnings yet....

[veronica]

Opposite the Blenheim rd (south) end of our road.

[karltsmith]

BBQ's?...try the BBQ factory also! Not sure if they are in ChCh though!
:nice1

PS. Loads of half price houshold stuff at Briscoes at the Mo as well!

[Diny]

Moorf

You sound really pleased with life. Good on you and keep the info coming - it's priceless.

Best wishes to you both.

Diny

[Moorf]

I was thinking my posts were getting a bit boring :? , there's only so much you can write about buying stuff LOL

It'll liven up once we start looking for jobs!!! :nice1

We have decided that once we have jobs, we will get our residency, and then do the min amount of time in those jobs as we want to get back to working for ourselves again.....

By the way - anyone seen those NZIS ads in the papers... says "extend your visitors visa online" !! :clap

[shagen]

Moorf, your posts aren't boring at all! Like Diny said, it's priceless!

[jesselyn]

I was thinking my posts were getting a bit boring :? , there's only so much you can write about buying stuff LOL


nah... a NZ Guru is never boring :mrgreen:

Moorf

You sound really pleased with life. Good on you and keep the info coming - it's priceless.


i totally agree :yes

jes :angel

[shagen]

Yipee...... :cheers my first plane!

[jesselyn]

hi shagen,

nice plane! :mrgreen: ;) congratulations! :clap

jes :angel

[Diny]

Shagen

Well done on plane number 1.

Diny