[Going2NZ]

Hi all

I've hit a quandry and need some advice...I "planned" to live in Christchurch or Wellington but got a job offer in Dunedin. I want to make a quick trip to Chch this weekend to see if I'd regret not being there. If you had two days to look around, what would you do and where would you go? Its easy to find tourist type info about the city not as easy to find relocating info that isn't just marketing kind of stuff.

I've been in Welly for a couple of weeks (like it), did a whirlwind tour of Dunedin (mixed feelings) earlier this week but want to have a bit more perspective. If it helps, I'm leaning towards turning the job down because that area doesn't seem as appealing to me. No slight intended to those who live in and love the area - I am just trying to make a "good" decision for me and my family (hubby, MIL, dogs).

Thanks for any advice, opinions, tea leaves or thoughts.

Susan

[GeorgeM]

Take a tram ride with the hop-on hop-off ticket and do just that - takes you past Cathedral Square, the Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens etc. Gives a feel for the amble-around bit of central Chch. Take lunch at an outdoor restaurant on The Strip (Oxford (or is it Cambridge) Terrace). Whilst you wouldn't do this sort of thing everyday if you live in Chch it will give you a feel for how pleasant it can be to roam about. If it's really nice take a punt out on the Avon.

Go out to Sumner, especially if it's nice (Number 3 bus takes you there).

If you're in a car drive up Dyers Pass to the Summit Road and then cut across the Port Hills to Evans Pass - stunning views. Dogleg back through Lyttleton and Governors Bay. When I first arrived I couldn't believe how quickly you got out into Lake District-type countryside - max 15 mins from Cathedral Square.

(Make a pilgrimage to the Jade Stadium and imagine 30,000+ one eyed Cantabs baying for blood during next year's Super 14! :laugh ).

Pick up leaflets from tourist information about what's on - not the tourist attractions but concerts, plays etc - the sort of thing you might be interested in if you lived here.

[veronica]

I'll second that except to add to it, take yourself down to Southshore, new Brighton beach area, and imagine walking there with the dogs.

[Smiler]

and then you can buy Moorf's house........................:D


Good luck with the trip. Have pm'd you about next week.


D x

[Moorf]

:yes


What is your fee Smiler? :uhoh

[Smiler]

about 1/3rd of Harcourts :clap

[Moorf]

Seriously tempted to start up a real estate agency aimed at Brits! All houses would have central heating, double glazing, and come with a years supply of gravy granules or Cadburys :D - I could do that for half of what Harcourts charge and still make a mint !!!

[Smiler]

add walkers cheese and onion and you'll still be in profit. :D


D x

[Going2NZ]

Great ideas George and Veronica. Thats how I'll start.

I particularly liked Smiler's idea about buying Moorf's place. Its lovely and I wish I could. Hmmm, maybe I could turn it into a house for wayward forumites?

[Moorf]

Hurry up! Second open home tomorrow and we've already got a potential cash buyer ;) Special forum discount may apply :D

[Moorf]

Here's a site that has a wealth of info on Chch's environment, public transport, growth areas, surrounding areas and future forecasts for population/traffic/etc

http://www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz/

[Byronc]

A trip to Hagley Park and the botanical gardens is a must. Also check out the Arts Centre next door. My wife and I just returned this week from my first NZ trip. She has never wanted to be a Urban dweller but these two places have opened her up to considering a flat nearby.

[veronica]

Hey, why didn't you contact any of us, we would have enjoyed meeting some more forumites.