gratto
28th August 2004, 06:02 AM
Whats some of the better areas around Wellington to move to? Looking for something with lowerish rent, and close to shops and such.
coastcat
28th August 2004, 12:34 PM
I've been doing a lot of Wellington research, and might have some ideas if you can narrow down what you're looking for.
Are you going to be solo, with a partner, or with children? Do you want a house with a flat yard, a house with little yard, or an apartment? How close to the CBD do you want to be (or should I say, how long a commute will you tolerate)?
Are you going to be solo, with a partner, or with children? Do you want a house with a flat yard, a house with little yard, or an apartment? How close to the CBD do you want to be (or should I say, how long a commute will you tolerate)?
gratto
29th August 2004, 07:26 AM
Going solo, no children, not picky for a yard and such. Think I would like a house more then an apartment. Looking for something like flatmates type thing so I can save some cash. SOmeplace close to the pubs and entainment and such. Also somewhat close to the city. 10 min drive to work be good. lol
coastcat
29th August 2004, 01:29 PM
Hmm. If I were you I'd stay pretty close to central Wellington (to maximize entertainment options). There seems to be a lot of shared housing near the Victoria and Massey campuses (as one would expect). Neighborhoods like Kelburn, Te Aro, Mt. Cook, and Mt. Victoria are a good bet. You could go a little further out to eastern Wellington and seek out places in Seatoun and Haitaitai.
A few handy sites for you:
Flatfinder (http://www.flatfinder.co.nz/default.asp)
NZ Flatmates (http://www.nzflatmates.co.nz)
Flathunt (http://www.trademe.co.nz/flathunt/default.asp)
A few handy sites for you:
Flatfinder (http://www.flatfinder.co.nz/default.asp)
NZ Flatmates (http://www.nzflatmates.co.nz)
Flathunt (http://www.trademe.co.nz/flathunt/default.asp)
herseymusic
10th September 2004, 02:28 AM
Gotta keep the Welly thread moving! Only four posts for this wonderful city? That's why it's the best kept secret!
I love Wellington's South Coast...it's a bit further out, but worth it. Still plenty of shops and pubs right nearby.
Island Bay - seaside village, great views of the south island, inexpensive. 10 mins drive or 20 mins bus to the city center.
Houghton Bay is even better. Secluded, funky cove with a curving sandy beach and rocky headlands. Same distance as Island Bay to town.
Roseneath is closer to town (just above Mt Vic), with large beautiful houses usually holding 4-5 people. Great views, but a little more expensive.
Aro Valley is the young and funky habitat close to town. Quite inexpensive and social. Lots of spontaneous parties, performances and gatherings.
Mt Vic is right near Courtenay Place (nightlife central), but is more expensive. Again, large houses holding many people. It's less bohemian than Aro Valley, but still fairly young and energetic.
Brooklyn is a great neighborhood, close to town but a bit of a walk (up a large hill). Many flatting options, quiet, great views. Eclectic, plus it has a bottle store.
Honestly, you can't go wrong. I've lived in seven different neighborhoods in Welly and they have all been different and wonderful. Though I probably wouldn't live in Newtown or Berhampore, but that's just me.
Enjoy the decision!
I love Wellington's South Coast...it's a bit further out, but worth it. Still plenty of shops and pubs right nearby.
Island Bay - seaside village, great views of the south island, inexpensive. 10 mins drive or 20 mins bus to the city center.
Houghton Bay is even better. Secluded, funky cove with a curving sandy beach and rocky headlands. Same distance as Island Bay to town.
Roseneath is closer to town (just above Mt Vic), with large beautiful houses usually holding 4-5 people. Great views, but a little more expensive.
Aro Valley is the young and funky habitat close to town. Quite inexpensive and social. Lots of spontaneous parties, performances and gatherings.
Mt Vic is right near Courtenay Place (nightlife central), but is more expensive. Again, large houses holding many people. It's less bohemian than Aro Valley, but still fairly young and energetic.
Brooklyn is a great neighborhood, close to town but a bit of a walk (up a large hill). Many flatting options, quiet, great views. Eclectic, plus it has a bottle store.
Honestly, you can't go wrong. I've lived in seven different neighborhoods in Welly and they have all been different and wonderful. Though I probably wouldn't live in Newtown or Berhampore, but that's just me.
Enjoy the decision!
SoCal Gal
10th September 2004, 04:34 AM
Thank you so much for this behind-the-scenes look at the neighborhoods. We bought a small house on the Kapiti Coast, it was very important for my husband's peace of mind to have a place to 'land' and we have friends there, and the house was solid, blah-blah....but I am hoping to work at Victoria and get us back into town and the other house as a rental ASAP!
Thanks again, I loved every second of my visit to Wellington, and it really must be one of the world's best kept secrets. Ssshhh! :cool
Thanks again, I loved every second of my visit to Wellington, and it really must be one of the world's best kept secrets. Ssshhh! :cool
coastcat
10th September 2004, 06:22 AM
Oh good! I wondered about the commute from Island Bay. Could we survive there with two working adults but just one car?
Are there any other neighbourhoods that should be avoided? I'd already gathered that Newtown was perhaps not the best part of Welly, but didn't know about Berhampore...
And what the heck is a bottle store?
Are there any other neighbourhoods that should be avoided? I'd already gathered that Newtown was perhaps not the best part of Welly, but didn't know about Berhampore...
And what the heck is a bottle store?
herseymusic
10th September 2004, 08:22 PM
Sorry. It's a liquor store. Usually cheaper than the corner stores ("dairys").
I know plenty of one-car families around town, and I haven't had a vehicle since early 2003. Welly becomes very small with a car, as most of the distances are walkable to begin with. Okay, a long walk in some cases. From Island Bay, it would take about 30-40 minutes to walk into the very center of the city.
Berhampore is between Newtown and Island Bay. Nothing wrong with it, just not quaint and special like many other spots. No views. That said, there are plenty of nice streets in both Newtown and Berhampore.
If you go out of town the other way (north), Wadestown is a great suburb with mostly houses rather than flats. Very wooded, with ponga ferns and streams. 5 mins drive or 10 mins bus to town. I love the Otari native forest reserve nearby...huge, 800 year old Rimu trees and lush, hidden waterfalls. Really, it's very nice.
Further out is Khandallah, with large, modern houses set amongst low forest. There is a commuter train to town as well. By car, 10 mins on back roads into the city - no motorway time required.
Past this you're looking at Tawa and Johnsonville, which are quite inexpensive. New developments springing up on hillsides. This is an actual commute (it's separated from Wellington by a huge gorge).
Public transportation is a great option! Wellington's bus lines go everywhere, but during peak hours it's admittedly kinda slow.
It's a renter's market out here!
I know plenty of one-car families around town, and I haven't had a vehicle since early 2003. Welly becomes very small with a car, as most of the distances are walkable to begin with. Okay, a long walk in some cases. From Island Bay, it would take about 30-40 minutes to walk into the very center of the city.
Berhampore is between Newtown and Island Bay. Nothing wrong with it, just not quaint and special like many other spots. No views. That said, there are plenty of nice streets in both Newtown and Berhampore.
If you go out of town the other way (north), Wadestown is a great suburb with mostly houses rather than flats. Very wooded, with ponga ferns and streams. 5 mins drive or 10 mins bus to town. I love the Otari native forest reserve nearby...huge, 800 year old Rimu trees and lush, hidden waterfalls. Really, it's very nice.
Further out is Khandallah, with large, modern houses set amongst low forest. There is a commuter train to town as well. By car, 10 mins on back roads into the city - no motorway time required.
Past this you're looking at Tawa and Johnsonville, which are quite inexpensive. New developments springing up on hillsides. This is an actual commute (it's separated from Wellington by a huge gorge).
Public transportation is a great option! Wellington's bus lines go everywhere, but during peak hours it's admittedly kinda slow.
It's a renter's market out here!
Jodie
10th September 2004, 10:43 PM
So Hersey, where abouts in Welly are you now then? How long have you been here?
We moved to Johnsonville a few weeks ago and so far, we're quite impressed. It's got a mini-mall, supermarkets, restaurants and bars within walking distance from our house, and the commute to the City is about 10 mins outside of rush hour, about 20 mins during rush hour (although I've yet to try it in rush hour....!!)
I've been working in Island Bay and agree with you that it is a lovely area. And again, agree with you about Newtown/Berhampore. We NEARLY rented a house there before finding this place, and we're so glad we didn't. :eek I don't know what it is, but there's something about the area that just doesn't appeal to us.....
Kandallah looks quite nice and when we look to buy a house in a few months time (hopefully when our PR app goes through!), we're quite keen to look in the area. Although we would love to have a sea view but that may not be in our price range....
Jod
:cool
We moved to Johnsonville a few weeks ago and so far, we're quite impressed. It's got a mini-mall, supermarkets, restaurants and bars within walking distance from our house, and the commute to the City is about 10 mins outside of rush hour, about 20 mins during rush hour (although I've yet to try it in rush hour....!!)
I've been working in Island Bay and agree with you that it is a lovely area. And again, agree with you about Newtown/Berhampore. We NEARLY rented a house there before finding this place, and we're so glad we didn't. :eek I don't know what it is, but there's something about the area that just doesn't appeal to us.....
Kandallah looks quite nice and when we look to buy a house in a few months time (hopefully when our PR app goes through!), we're quite keen to look in the area. Although we would love to have a sea view but that may not be in our price range....
Jod
:cool
coastcat
11th September 2004, 05:18 AM
Wadestown is definitely on my "check it out" list! A wee bit pricey for purchasing, but it has what we want (small houses with character).
So many neighbourhoods to investigate, so little time on our scouting trip!
So many neighbourhoods to investigate, so little time on our scouting trip!
herseymusic
11th September 2004, 06:02 PM
I'm now living in Highbury, which is directly above Aro Valley, close to Kelburn. Great views of the sparkling harbour, Mt Matthews dominating the Rimutaka range, and the snow capped Tararua mountains rising jagged to the north. Plus the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is just over the hill, so we can see and hear the native weka (duck-pheasant) and kaka (parrot), and hear the occasional call of Kiwi at night. Plus many Tuis clucking and trilling outside my window. They sound like a cross between R2D2 and a talking parrot.
Jodie - Yes, Johnsonville is a great little self-contained suburb. The Countdown grocery store there has the best deals in the region. Plus commuter train service to town! I taught guitar at the Johnsonville School for half of this year, and it seemed like a great school (and I've seen quite a few in the area).
I first came to Welly in 2000 to study music at Victoria University. After returning to the States to finish my degree (Middlebury College in Vermont), I hot-footed it right back over to Wellington in early 2002. I'm not really a city person, but the relaxed vibe and stunning views here have converted me!
My name is Tyler, btw. I guess I should have made my username tylermusic.
So glad to hear from others in the region (and prospective wellingtonians!). This town is amazing!
Jodie - Yes, Johnsonville is a great little self-contained suburb. The Countdown grocery store there has the best deals in the region. Plus commuter train service to town! I taught guitar at the Johnsonville School for half of this year, and it seemed like a great school (and I've seen quite a few in the area).
I first came to Welly in 2000 to study music at Victoria University. After returning to the States to finish my degree (Middlebury College in Vermont), I hot-footed it right back over to Wellington in early 2002. I'm not really a city person, but the relaxed vibe and stunning views here have converted me!
My name is Tyler, btw. I guess I should have made my username tylermusic.
So glad to hear from others in the region (and prospective wellingtonians!). This town is amazing!
Raeven
12th September 2004, 01:11 AM
So many neighbourhoods to investigate, so little time on our scouting trip!
Hi, cat,
As a matter of interest, when are you heading out on your scouting trip? How long are you going over for?
All the best, Rae
Hi, cat,
As a matter of interest, when are you heading out on your scouting trip? How long are you going over for?
All the best, Rae
coastcat
12th September 2004, 05:17 AM
So many neighbourhoods to investigate, so little time on our scouting trip!
Hi, cat,
As a matter of interest, when are you heading out on your scouting trip? How long are you going over for?
We're going over sometime between late April and late May (still working out the details), and will be on the ground for 10-12 days. We're going to check out Wellington in "prospective emigrant" mode, and other bits of the North Island in "gawking Yank tourist" mode. :laugh Dunedin is our second choice (at the moment), and we'll check it out the following year.
Hi, cat,
As a matter of interest, when are you heading out on your scouting trip? How long are you going over for?
We're going over sometime between late April and late May (still working out the details), and will be on the ground for 10-12 days. We're going to check out Wellington in "prospective emigrant" mode, and other bits of the North Island in "gawking Yank tourist" mode. :laugh Dunedin is our second choice (at the moment), and we'll check it out the following year.
Jodie
13th September 2004, 12:12 AM
Hi Tyler,
I think we struck lucky with Johnsonville! We obiously didn;t know much about areas when we first arrived and after looking at a few in different areas (Newtown, Melrose, J'ville), we found this place which was the nicest house-wise and we thought that the area had a noce feel to it.
Are you renting or have you bought? We've just put in our EOI cos I've just landed a job, and hoping to start looking to buy somewhere in the beginning of next year. We've been looking at Kandallah, Wadestown, Brooklyn and Thorndon, but it'll be good to start work and get a bit of local knowledge about the areas near to the city! Your place sounds lovely - I'd LOVE to have a view of the sea, and Darren would love a view of the mountains, so maybe we'll check out Aro Valley then!
Are you working now? I agree with you about the stunning views and relaxed vibe here - we love it!!
Jod
I think we struck lucky with Johnsonville! We obiously didn;t know much about areas when we first arrived and after looking at a few in different areas (Newtown, Melrose, J'ville), we found this place which was the nicest house-wise and we thought that the area had a noce feel to it.
Are you renting or have you bought? We've just put in our EOI cos I've just landed a job, and hoping to start looking to buy somewhere in the beginning of next year. We've been looking at Kandallah, Wadestown, Brooklyn and Thorndon, but it'll be good to start work and get a bit of local knowledge about the areas near to the city! Your place sounds lovely - I'd LOVE to have a view of the sea, and Darren would love a view of the mountains, so maybe we'll check out Aro Valley then!
Are you working now? I agree with you about the stunning views and relaxed vibe here - we love it!!
Jod
coastcat
13th September 2004, 04:55 AM
Jodie - What is Brooklyn like? The location is excellent, but I can't quite figure out its character.
Thorndon is near the top of our list, having everything we want except a sea view (or should I say, an affordable sea view). And now I'm starting to think about Petone...
Thorndon is near the top of our list, having everything we want except a sea view (or should I say, an affordable sea view). And now I'm starting to think about Petone...
Jodie
14th September 2004, 10:23 PM
Brooklyn seems quite nice from what we've seen (only a little so far!) and as it's on the side of a steep hill, good harbour views.
As for Petone, it seemed OK when we were in that area (stayed in a campsite for a week or so near the area when we first got here), but personally I don;t think I'd have it on my short list. One thing against it for me is that the only way to get from Welly to the lower hutt area (and Petone) is on SH1 which gets REALLY busy at the end of the working day. (It's a bit of a bottleneck really...)
Sorry I couldn't be more help with Brooklyn - maybe Tyler can chip in on this one?
Jod
:D
As for Petone, it seemed OK when we were in that area (stayed in a campsite for a week or so near the area when we first got here), but personally I don;t think I'd have it on my short list. One thing against it for me is that the only way to get from Welly to the lower hutt area (and Petone) is on SH1 which gets REALLY busy at the end of the working day. (It's a bit of a bottleneck really...)
Sorry I couldn't be more help with Brooklyn - maybe Tyler can chip in on this one?
Jod
:D
coastcat
17th September 2004, 11:03 AM
Thanks for the info, Jodie! Petone and some other areas of Lower Hutt are tempting because of the (slightly) lower prices and seaviews, but a major traffic bottleneck... no thanks.
But what about the train? There's a stop at Petone, and it's a 14 minute commute from there to downtown. Or is the Tranz Metro service not reliable? (in theory Washington has an excellent public transit system - the reality is not so rosy)
But what about the train? There's a stop at Petone, and it's a 14 minute commute from there to downtown. Or is the Tranz Metro service not reliable? (in theory Washington has an excellent public transit system - the reality is not so rosy)
Jodie
17th September 2004, 11:32 PM
Don't know about the trains ervice from Welly out that way I'm afraid, but kiwi's don't tend to use public transport very much. (Not the ones we've met anyway!)
Theres only 1 stop in the centre of Welly tho, so depending on where you worked in the centre, it could be a long walk or another bus ride to the office..... (That's if you're planning on working in the city that is.)
My advice (and somebody disagree if they have other experiences by all means!) is to stay away from areas off SH1 cos of the traffic. SH2 is much quieter (we live the 2nd exit off SH2 from Welly - about 10 - 15mins drive), or closer into the centre where the better public transport links are if you can. (Obviously the prices go up here but you get what you pay for as they say - in this case the location!)
Hope this helps, Anything else, give ne a shout.
Jodie
Theres only 1 stop in the centre of Welly tho, so depending on where you worked in the centre, it could be a long walk or another bus ride to the office..... (That's if you're planning on working in the city that is.)
My advice (and somebody disagree if they have other experiences by all means!) is to stay away from areas off SH1 cos of the traffic. SH2 is much quieter (we live the 2nd exit off SH2 from Welly - about 10 - 15mins drive), or closer into the centre where the better public transport links are if you can. (Obviously the prices go up here but you get what you pay for as they say - in this case the location!)
Hope this helps, Anything else, give ne a shout.
Jodie
coastcat
18th September 2004, 06:06 AM
Where does SH2 run?
The official Wellington site claims that 28% of the city commuters use public transit. We'll have to see what the reality is. You know how optimistic government estimates can be... :P
The official Wellington site claims that 28% of the city commuters use public transit. We'll have to see what the reality is. You know how optimistic government estimates can be... :P
Jodie
18th September 2004, 11:03 PM
SH2 runs north of wellington - basically there's one motorway out of wellington heading North, and it splits into 2 - SH1 and SH2 and each road goes either side of a big 'hill' I suppose! SH1 towards the Hutt Valley, and SH2 up towards the Kapiti coast. The first few exits off of SH2 are Kandallah, Newlands, Johnsonville, Grenada, Tawa, Porirua (don't live there tho - not too nice!) and by then you'd probably be travelling about 1/2 hour in rush hour so don't go any further!
The good side of living off SH2 instead of the SH1, is that you can get to these areas by going through the town too, so if the motorway is busy for whatever reason, you can still get home by going the 'back way' across town - something you can't do to the Hutt Valley.
Jod
The good side of living off SH2 instead of the SH1, is that you can get to these areas by going through the town too, so if the motorway is busy for whatever reason, you can still get home by going the 'back way' across town - something you can't do to the Hutt Valley.
Jod
coastcat
19th September 2004, 05:02 AM
The first few exits off of SH2 are Kandallah, Newlands, Johnsonville, Grenada, Tawa, Porirua (don't live there tho - not too nice!) and by then you'd probably be travelling about 1/2 hour in rush hour so don't go any further!
Excuse me, I must chortle ruefully and bitterly for a moment...
Okay, I'm done. :laugh My last job was 14 miles (22km) from home. At rush hour, that was a 65-minute trip (assuming no accidents). I did have three routes to choose from, and had to sort out which was the lesser evil each morning. A mere 30 minutes would seem like a quick stroll home now!
So how long would a rush-hour driving commute be from downtown Welly to Khandallah?
Excuse me, I must chortle ruefully and bitterly for a moment...
Okay, I'm done. :laugh My last job was 14 miles (22km) from home. At rush hour, that was a 65-minute trip (assuming no accidents). I did have three routes to choose from, and had to sort out which was the lesser evil each morning. A mere 30 minutes would seem like a quick stroll home now!
So how long would a rush-hour driving commute be from downtown Welly to Khandallah?
Jodie
19th September 2004, 10:10 PM
I know - kiwis really hate long journey times to work. When I was offered my job they asked if I would mind commuting from Johnsonville to the CBD - about 20 mins in rush hour! No probs!! Don;t quite know how they'd manage with the rush hour traffic and journey times in the UK or with you! :laugh
I think Kandallah in rush hour would take about 15 mins? Luxury, eh!
Jod
I think Kandallah in rush hour would take about 15 mins? Luxury, eh!
Jod
Jodie
20th September 2004, 05:15 PM
Ooops! Seems I've got me 1's and 2's mixed up! SH1 goes up towards us (Johnsonville way) and SH2 goes up the Hutt Valley.
Sorry for any confusion!
Jod
:oops:
Sorry for any confusion!
Jod
:oops:
coastcat
21st September 2004, 05:24 AM
Fifteen minutes? That's not even enough time to settle on which radio station to listen to!
This does bring up another commuting question... how much suburb-to-suburb commuting is there? In other words, is the commute pretty much from neighborhood to CBD, or are there other major employment centers? Here in Washington, major corporations and government departments are now scattered all over the place rather than concentrated in a CBD. It's a traffic nightmare, since the roads and public transit were designed under the assumption that the jobs were all downtown!
Johnsonville, Khandallah, etc strike me as fairly family-oriented neighbourhoods. We're not very offspring-oriented. Would we feel horribly out of place there? (does the social life revolve around children?)
This does bring up another commuting question... how much suburb-to-suburb commuting is there? In other words, is the commute pretty much from neighborhood to CBD, or are there other major employment centers? Here in Washington, major corporations and government departments are now scattered all over the place rather than concentrated in a CBD. It's a traffic nightmare, since the roads and public transit were designed under the assumption that the jobs were all downtown!
Johnsonville, Khandallah, etc strike me as fairly family-oriented neighbourhoods. We're not very offspring-oriented. Would we feel horribly out of place there? (does the social life revolve around children?)
Jodie
21st September 2004, 05:15 PM
As far as I can tell, most jobs are in the CBD, but obviously there are jobs outside of here too.
As for J'ville being family orientated - we're 24 with no kids, and it seems OK for us for now here. There's a few pubs within walking distance (yay!) and there seems to be quite a few couples (without kids) around, so quite bearable!
Jod
As for J'ville being family orientated - we're 24 with no kids, and it seems OK for us for now here. There's a few pubs within walking distance (yay!) and there seems to be quite a few couples (without kids) around, so quite bearable!
Jod
Carol
21st September 2004, 07:28 PM
Hi - we are in Tawa. We moved here for our sons to get into the excellent college here. (High School)
Tawa is OK - my husband likes travelling into Wellington on the train. Very quick - only two stops (I think!).
The platforms are indeed quite busy so I think it will be correct that a lot of commuters use the train.
I travel north to work anyway so am going against the main flow of traffic.
We used to live in WHitby - even further north than Porirua!!!
Lived there for 7 years and my husband car pooled in every day. No probs at all if you left at the right time. 30 mins max.
Whitby is a lovely suburb...... the oldest bits are around 25 years old. The new houses are FAB!
Tawa is OK - my husband likes travelling into Wellington on the train. Very quick - only two stops (I think!).
The platforms are indeed quite busy so I think it will be correct that a lot of commuters use the train.
I travel north to work anyway so am going against the main flow of traffic.
We used to live in WHitby - even further north than Porirua!!!
Lived there for 7 years and my husband car pooled in every day. No probs at all if you left at the right time. 30 mins max.
Whitby is a lovely suburb...... the oldest bits are around 25 years old. The new houses are FAB!
bbq
21st September 2004, 07:51 PM
Hi Carol
Welcome to the forum - great bunch here.
Your offer of help and information already posted about Tawa is greatly appreciated, and I am sure you will have loads of ex Brits, Ex USa, ex Philipine etc. folk calling you
cheers
alex :nice1
Welcome to the forum - great bunch here.
Your offer of help and information already posted about Tawa is greatly appreciated, and I am sure you will have loads of ex Brits, Ex USa, ex Philipine etc. folk calling you
cheers
alex :nice1
gratto
22nd September 2004, 04:10 AM
woo look at what I started. Glad to see you all here.
Radders
22nd September 2004, 06:35 AM
I was told that the road from paraparam to Wellington was the most dangerous road in NZ.
I cycled down from Raglan, but got the train the rest of the way in as it gets really busy. I stayed with friends in Whitby, and used to get the train in. I always found it reliable, fast and convenient.
I cycled down from Raglan, but got the train the rest of the way in as it gets really busy. I stayed with friends in Whitby, and used to get the train in. I always found it reliable, fast and convenient.
Carol
22nd September 2004, 06:52 AM
I was told that the road from paraparam to Wellington was the most dangerous road in NZ.
I cycled down from Raglan, but got the train the rest of the way in as it gets really busy. I stayed with friends in Whitby, and used to get the train in. I always found it reliable, fast and convenient.
Yes - it is an awful stretch of road with an appalling rate.
You could always go over the hills though.......over Paekakariki.
Lovely scenic route!
Carol
I cycled down from Raglan, but got the train the rest of the way in as it gets really busy. I stayed with friends in Whitby, and used to get the train in. I always found it reliable, fast and convenient.
Yes - it is an awful stretch of road with an appalling rate.
You could always go over the hills though.......over Paekakariki.
Lovely scenic route!
Carol
miep
24th September 2004, 07:09 PM
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Eastbourne yet!
I think it's the nicest place to live in welly by far! OK so its officially part of lower hutt but is doesn't feel that way because we look at Wellington all day. The commute to the cdb is easy, no traffic jams, just a 20 min ferry ride and you're there. The ferry serves (real!) espresso in the morning and a beer in the evening which makes it unlike any other public transport I've ever come across. Eastbourne has all day sun, magnificent sunsets, beach at the front door and bush at the back door.
What more could you want?
Ok all these plusses have pushed up real-estate prices but depending on where you come from they're still quite reasonable for what you get.
We were looking at Kelburn because we didn't want to be too far from town but we were sold after one visit here.
In other words, don't forget to check out the bays; PT Howard, Sorrento bay, Lowry bay, York Bay, Mahina Bay, Sunshine bay (don't you just love that name!) and the eastbourne village at Rona bay.
Cheers, Miep
PS No I don't work in real estate, just like where I live!
I think it's the nicest place to live in welly by far! OK so its officially part of lower hutt but is doesn't feel that way because we look at Wellington all day. The commute to the cdb is easy, no traffic jams, just a 20 min ferry ride and you're there. The ferry serves (real!) espresso in the morning and a beer in the evening which makes it unlike any other public transport I've ever come across. Eastbourne has all day sun, magnificent sunsets, beach at the front door and bush at the back door.
What more could you want?
Ok all these plusses have pushed up real-estate prices but depending on where you come from they're still quite reasonable for what you get.
We were looking at Kelburn because we didn't want to be too far from town but we were sold after one visit here.
In other words, don't forget to check out the bays; PT Howard, Sorrento bay, Lowry bay, York Bay, Mahina Bay, Sunshine bay (don't you just love that name!) and the eastbourne village at Rona bay.
Cheers, Miep
PS No I don't work in real estate, just like where I live!
herseymusic
25th September 2004, 03:18 PM
Here's a view of Welly's South Coast, with Island Bay and Owhiro Bay visible on the middle left. The harbour coast near Eastbourne is visible in the distant background.
Photo taken in July this year....the middle of winter???
http://www.emigratenz.org/islandbay0001small.jpg
Photo taken in July this year....the middle of winter???
http://www.emigratenz.org/islandbay0001small.jpg
herseymusic
25th September 2004, 03:22 PM
And another pic looking toward the South Island from the same spot. Across Cook Strait is Mt Tapuae-O-Uenuku (9,500 feet)...this is the view from most of Island, Houghton, and Owhiro Bays.
http://www.emigratenz.org/tappysmall.jpg
http://www.emigratenz.org/tappysmall.jpg
jesselyn
26th September 2004, 05:29 AM
<looking at the pics :D > oh wow! :clap thanks for sharing :nice1
jes :angel
jes :angel
pleccy2000
13th October 2004, 06:13 AM
I'll be in J'ville in December.
Jodie
13th October 2004, 01:01 PM
I'll have that beer waiting for you Adam!
:cheers
Jodie
:cheers
Jodie
pleccy2000
22nd October 2004, 05:55 AM
:raebanana can't wait! I'll drink to that :cheers
pleccy2000
26th November 2004, 09:20 PM
I'm suprised no one has mentioned karori? I will be scouting it tomorrow (and thorndon).
Jo and Andy
2nd December 2004, 12:28 AM
From what I have read this all sounds good as well, I will add Wellington to my list as well as Christchurch.
What are the job prospects for Sales Managers like? :?
Thanks
jo
What are the job prospects for Sales Managers like? :?
Thanks
jo
mechidna
2nd December 2004, 03:54 AM
Is Wellington really as windy as the rumors say? I thought about moving there too (Hamilton/Waikato is first choice), but didn't want to be blown about daily. Otherwise, it sounds absolutely wonderful. Not to mention that I know there are IT jobs available there.
Carol
2nd December 2004, 05:13 AM
Is Wellington really as windy as the rumors say? I thought about moving there too (Hamilton/Waikato is first choice), but didn't want to be blown about daily. Otherwise, it sounds absolutely wonderful. Not to mention that I know there are IT jobs available there.
nowhere near as windy...it is a complete myth.
well most of the time........was RED hot yesterday - overcast today. No wind though.
nowhere near as windy...it is a complete myth.
well most of the time........was RED hot yesterday - overcast today. No wind though.
Jodie
2nd December 2004, 07:49 AM
nowhere near as windy...it is a complete myth.
well most of the time........was RED hot yesterday - overcast today. No wind though.
I think I need to move to Tawa then! ;) It's a bit blustery here in J'ville this morning, and it was a bit blustery in the city too when I dropped Daz into work, but I think I agree that it's not quite as bad as it's made out to be.
And when you get a good day in Welly, it's absoultely fantastic! The wind every now and then is just the payoff for living in a great city - I don't think I'd want to be anywhere else on a good day than Welly - I love it. Still getting used to the wind tho.... :laugh
Jod
well most of the time........was RED hot yesterday - overcast today. No wind though.
I think I need to move to Tawa then! ;) It's a bit blustery here in J'ville this morning, and it was a bit blustery in the city too when I dropped Daz into work, but I think I agree that it's not quite as bad as it's made out to be.
And when you get a good day in Welly, it's absoultely fantastic! The wind every now and then is just the payoff for living in a great city - I don't think I'd want to be anywhere else on a good day than Welly - I love it. Still getting used to the wind tho.... :laugh
Jod
Karen and Rich Matthews
2nd December 2004, 07:47 PM
Hi Gang,
We're just so excited, recently been accepted into the pool and have started the process of collating all out documentation :P
We're thinking about renting first in Wellington, then finding somewhere in the locality for a more permanent basis, we were thinking of Lower Hutt, but maybe somewhere a little closer to start off maybe better? :?
This is such a great forum, looking forward to getting to know you all
Rich (Half of the Matthews Emmigrating Duo) :mrgreen:
We're just so excited, recently been accepted into the pool and have started the process of collating all out documentation :P
We're thinking about renting first in Wellington, then finding somewhere in the locality for a more permanent basis, we were thinking of Lower Hutt, but maybe somewhere a little closer to start off maybe better? :?
This is such a great forum, looking forward to getting to know you all
Rich (Half of the Matthews Emmigrating Duo) :mrgreen:
sarahw
3rd December 2004, 08:35 PM
Hi,
Firstly welcome Karen & Rich! Lower Hutt isn't too far away from the city at all - plenty of amenities too.
We're arriving in Welly in January :cool - we're planning on renting for 6 months (whilst we sell our house in UK) in either Paramata, Plimerton or Whitby before (if we like it there) buying - although there are other places that we quite like too.
Know its a bit of a drive from the city - further up than Tawa or J'ville, but compared with my and my partner's current commutes in stand-still traffic round M25 - its really nothing!
Can't wait to get out and start house hunting for a rental property :P
Firstly welcome Karen & Rich! Lower Hutt isn't too far away from the city at all - plenty of amenities too.
We're arriving in Welly in January :cool - we're planning on renting for 6 months (whilst we sell our house in UK) in either Paramata, Plimerton or Whitby before (if we like it there) buying - although there are other places that we quite like too.
Know its a bit of a drive from the city - further up than Tawa or J'ville, but compared with my and my partner's current commutes in stand-still traffic round M25 - its really nothing!
Can't wait to get out and start house hunting for a rental property :P
Karen and Rich Matthews
3rd December 2004, 08:58 PM
Hi,
Firstly welcome Karen & Rich! Lower Hutt isn't too far away from the city at all - plenty of amenities too.
We're arriving in Welly in January :cool - we're planning on renting for 6 months (whilst we sell our house in UK) in either Paramata, Plimerton or Whitby before (if we like it there) buying - although there are other places that we quite like too.
Know its a bit of a drive from the city - further up than Tawa or J'ville, but compared with my and my partner's current commutes in stand-still traffic round M25 - its really nothing!
Can't wait to get out and start house hunting for a rental property :P
Hi Sarah, thanks :cool
It sounds like we have similar plans, we'll be renting for the first 6 months and were looking at the coast in Lower Hutt, quite fancy a beach to go out onto and the views over to Wellie, but it all depends on the school that Karen can get into, since she'd like to be fairly close to it :yes
As for me, I've found out that once residency has been approved, I'll be able to apply to join the NZ Police and go through the recruitment process, but it shouldn't be too long as I have two years in as a Police Constable in Kent :booby which will make the process a little quicker.
It'll be cool to hear what you think of the Wellington area, an insider looking back so to speak :mrgreen:
Cheers
Rich
Firstly welcome Karen & Rich! Lower Hutt isn't too far away from the city at all - plenty of amenities too.
We're arriving in Welly in January :cool - we're planning on renting for 6 months (whilst we sell our house in UK) in either Paramata, Plimerton or Whitby before (if we like it there) buying - although there are other places that we quite like too.
Know its a bit of a drive from the city - further up than Tawa or J'ville, but compared with my and my partner's current commutes in stand-still traffic round M25 - its really nothing!
Can't wait to get out and start house hunting for a rental property :P
Hi Sarah, thanks :cool
It sounds like we have similar plans, we'll be renting for the first 6 months and were looking at the coast in Lower Hutt, quite fancy a beach to go out onto and the views over to Wellie, but it all depends on the school that Karen can get into, since she'd like to be fairly close to it :yes
As for me, I've found out that once residency has been approved, I'll be able to apply to join the NZ Police and go through the recruitment process, but it shouldn't be too long as I have two years in as a Police Constable in Kent :booby which will make the process a little quicker.
It'll be cool to hear what you think of the Wellington area, an insider looking back so to speak :mrgreen:
Cheers
Rich
sarahw
3rd December 2004, 10:31 PM
No probs - we'll be arriving in Welly on 6th Jan so there'll be regular updates on here.
There are quite a few people already in Welly on the forum who can offer you plenty of advice about the Lower Hutt area as well.
There are quite a few people already in Welly on the forum who can offer you plenty of advice about the Lower Hutt area as well.
RoadRunner
4th January 2005, 12:17 PM
Thanks to everyone for all the great tips on different neighbourhoods in Wellington. My husband and I hope to relocate there (as soon as the PR comes in!) later this year.
What neighbourhoods would you recommend for foodies? We love to cook gourmet meals and go to high-quality local restaurants.
Is Highbury the best part of town if you want great mountain views? What is the sun/wind/rain situation like there compared to other parts of Wellington? (Someone made a comment about the micro climates given all the hills....)
What neighbourhoods would you recommend for foodies? We love to cook gourmet meals and go to high-quality local restaurants.
Is Highbury the best part of town if you want great mountain views? What is the sun/wind/rain situation like there compared to other parts of Wellington? (Someone made a comment about the micro climates given all the hills....)
Timbo
16th January 2005, 02:28 AM
For those looking at Welli. as a new home, maybe you fancy something a little out of the ordinary. Take a peek at this one.
http://www.homesell.co.nz/new_zealand_real_estate/2282.php
http://www.homesell.co.nz/new_zealand_real_estate/2282.php
Yogi
22nd March 2006, 08:08 AM
Just wondering what the costs / availability of parking in the CBD are or do most people take train/bus/ferry to work?
Cheers,
Yogi.
Cheers,
Yogi.
sizzlingbadger
22nd March 2006, 08:28 AM
Car parking around the CBD is usually $8-over $10 a day depending where you want to park. If you park out at the Westpac stadium it's $8 but is about a 20 minute walk to Lambton Quay the main area.
As Wellington area has a good transport system most people use the bus or train. Usually works out a bit cheaper as well. If you live in Eastbourne, Days Bay area you can get the ferry to work everyday, a lot quicker and easier than driving.
As Wellington area has a good transport system most people use the bus or train. Usually works out a bit cheaper as well. If you live in Eastbourne, Days Bay area you can get the ferry to work everyday, a lot quicker and easier than driving.
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