[richo]

Hi all,
My girlfriend and I are moving to Wellington for a 6 month contract opportunty starting Jan 7th, 2006. Were currently working on contract in Oz but are really looking forward to living in Welly for a while. At the moment were trying to figure out where we want to live.

I've browsed the forum but thought I'd ask what you all aswell. We'd like to live by the water, prefereably not right in the city as we like to escape after work. Anything up to a 45min commute is fine. Won't be buying a car so buses and trains are our options for commuting (just renting cars on weekends when we need one). Were early 30's in age and would like to live somewhere that has a few funky cafe's etc.

I guess the last thing would be to try and get somewhere with good sun in the evening. Could anyone let me know what you think of the following suburbs (or any othrs I've not mentioned):
-Island Bay,
-Lyall Bay
-Seatoun

Any other general advice and recommendations on Wellington would be great aswell.

cheers
Rich

[Going2NZ]

Hi Rich

Take a look at these threads and see if they help:

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2082

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5076
(I just posted a bunch of links for rental sites on this one)

I know there are a couple other threads that cover this topic. Try searching on the particular names and I bet something pops up. I'm doing house hunting too in areas near public transport so I'll pass on any areas that stand out.

Good luck!

Susan

[dave k]

Island Bay rocks...nice community spirit...can get blasted by the southerlies though.
Lyall is pretty similar, with great surf. Dunno much about Seatoun except it's quite pricey and , like Miramar, very much "suburbia" if that's your bag.

Personally, I'd look at Roseneath/Hataitai/Mt. Vic - you don't need to go far to escape the city :)