[K&CS]

We really like the look of the area around Diamond Harbour/Governor's Bay. Does anyone have live round there/know much about the area? Just not sure about schools - the primary school looks quite nice, but not sure if it might be a bit rural - also don't think there are any decent high schools round.

Some of the properties in that area look amazing though with the most incredible views. Any info would be most appreciated!

[GeorgeM]

It's very important in this area to take into account local conditions when purchasing a property (or so I'm told by someone at work who owns a property in Charteris Bay).

Apparently the wind can really whistle up the bay to Governer's Bay at times, and parts of Diamond Harbour are also quite exposed. Need to view the place in bad conditions as well as good to make sure that your usage of the property isn't limited too much too often. Also, if hills are involved, you need to check when you lose the sun. A place that seems perfect at noon could be in gloomy shade from early afternoon.

These areas are both very pleasant, and currently are very well priced because Chch'ers consider them to be in the back of beyond. I'm sure that as time goes on and more people want coastal properties this view will change - it's probably no quicker to get into the centre of Chch from Bryndwr at rush hour than from Governor's Bay.

I believe that the drive into Chch is fairly easy and doesn't take that long (esp from Governor's Bay) since there is little traffic and no lights/junctions until you get to the bottom of Dyer's Pass in Cashmere - and from here it's only 10 mins into town.

Don't know where the local high school would be for these places - probably Cashmere would be the nearest? Or even Lincoln (via Grebbies(?) Pass) for Diamond Harbour?

[jonSE]

Have a look at the roads in the winter if you are looking there. They are quite twisty and often icey in the winter - makes driving difficult. Diamond Harbour has a ferry connection to Lyttleton I think, check out time tables. Don't know what the public transport was like, when I was there hitchiking was the rule as there were two buses, one taking the workers to Chch and one back again. It was a few years ago.

Jon's Missus

[Moorf]

We thoroughly investigated the bays area from Govs Bay to Diamond Harbour and offered on a couple of places there. We had to withdraw both offers due to quite common probs with the area - hillside property complications (i.e. easements for sewage/services etc) and potential loss of view (lots of buildings going up).

We even did commutes during "rush hours" to see how long it took - from Diamond Harbour to Central Chch Library took just under an hour (driving all the way, no ferry). From Gov's Bay was 25 mins.

Agree, the roads could also prove dangerous in wintery conditions - some scary parts! The top road could even be closed but that's not a real hassle as you just re-route through the Lyttleton Tunnel. If we had bought in Diamond Harbour we planned to park a car at the Lyttleton side of the ferry and drive in from there after ferry - having said that, the bus does wait for the ferry so it ties in nicely. :nice1 There are plans to increase the size of the ferry too.

Make sure you know if the house falls into shadow early in the day - whilst the views might be great if you're on the dark side of the hill it gets cold quick and damp too.

Were told that a bus goes from Diamond Harbour to Cashmere school. There's a local primary in Diamond Harbour - not sure about Gov's Bay. I can imagine that D/Harbour and Gov's Bay area would be great for younger kids - but even if they drive at age 15 it could imagine it's quite a backwater for a teen.

We lived in a rural area of Scotland before we moved here and so know what comes with living off the beaten track - just a case of being more organised really!

A few months back when we were looking at Diamond Harbour there were rumours of a supermarket being planned ! The only shops in D/Harbour are the cafe-cum-Spar/Newsagents (shuts at 6pm!), a crafty/plant shop, an estate agents and Godley House (which is the pub).

Ooops, I waffled! :?

Moorf