[steviec]

Hi again,
Been busy the last week or so deciding where in NZ to settle. We have family in Christchurch but don't really fancy living there as it would be a nice place to go and visit. Ste has had a good look and has come up with Blenheim and Nelson. Is there anyone who has any info on Schools in these areas as our 4 girls will need nursery,junior and high schools. Also any other info at all regarding work(HGV driving) and lifestyle.
A hope the NW meet was a big success. Thanks Tracy.

[backtonz]

Nelson and surrounds are gorgeous - enough schools, great lifestyle. There is a fairly large port.

Blenheim has 40 odd major vineyards in its vicinity - no coastline and is not really mentioned as a significant residential or lifestyle destination. Lots of motels as a base for visiting the vineyards. Not sure about schools etc but most likely will not be comparable to Nelson.

[ruthyroo]

Have only recently visited both Blenheim and Nelson ercently. Impression was defintely more favourable for Nelson - a lot more going on, a lot more interesting town. Blenheim is very much a service centre, though the vineyards are a good attraction. The weather was rubbish when we were there though - this might be colouring my memories - but it seemed to be very flat, very NZ 70's architecture, pretty dull. Nelson was more fun - beside the sea and several NPs within a short drive, some decent pubs in town (this is a big advantage for NZ - there aren't many around!), good cafes and restaurants, and plenty access to vineyards there too. Good Saturday market as well.

Just MHO. I would choose Nelson over Blenheim any day.

[jdbob]

Last time I was in that area I got the impression that some Nelson folks looked down on Blenheim. While I didn't spend much time in Nelson my impression was that it was crammed in between the mountains and the ocean. While that might be scenic it also causes traffic problems resulting in evil things like traffic lights :wah

Blenheim is in a large valley and about half the population of Nelson. Definately not as scenic but I found it easier to get around (and NO traffic lights). I have no idea regarding schools or employment.

If you actually WANT to visit family in CHCH then besides driving and flying (I believe there is service to CHCH from both Blenheim and Nelson airports) Blenheim also has the daily train down there.

[NoelMC]

Have been to both and would recommend Nelson over Blenheim, but thats just my thoughts.
Nelson and its surrounding area has a larger population and supports tourism, fishing, forrestry and vineculture, (still ordering online for our Nuerdorf wines) It has a more cosmopolitan feel, try the market at Motueka and you'll know what I mean.
The beaches are close, plus the sounds are only an hours drive away, and in the winter you can pack up your skis and head for the hills (say 2hours away).

For me (and the family) it will be the Nelson area possibly either Richmond or Mapua. Nelson is then close enough for its amenities, schools etc.

Cheers

Noel

[bevsere]

Hi Noel.

We are currently living in Mapua having been in the Nelson area for two years now

Just thought I'd tell you that. LOL.

[NoelMC]

Hi Noel.

We are currently living in Mapua having been in the Nelson area for two years now

Just thought I'd tell you that. LOL.
Hi Bevsere

We were looking at land in Mapua early last year, its on our list of favourites.
We have Kiwi friends at Kina who we stay at.
Looking to move out in about 12 months time.
Will keep in touch

Cheers

Noel

[veronica]

think Nelson is both a bit more expensive and a bit more yuppiefied (and a lot of uk residents there). Blenheim seems more down to earth. again just my opinion.

[jdbob]

Saw this article today:

People Love it in Marlborough (http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/marlboroughexpress/0,2106,3684828a6008,00.html)

[mark & Heather]

Hi tracey,
We're moving to Nelson in August after our tour out there last year. After touring the whole islands ( except queenstown, the fjord areas and dunedin areas ), Nelson was definitely the place for us. I'm not sure as to why it was so much better than anywhere else really, it just struck a chord with us.
Maybe it was the sunny weather, the beaches, the nice town with all amenities, the friendly folk and the whole ambience of the place really. Coupled with the fact that it is surrounded by National parks and has a decent sized population to ( hopefully ) grow a small business and we had our winner.
I know a guy on here that it currently in Blenheim, so why not drop him a line ? His handle is ' bozandhelen '.
Unfortunately we did'nt stay in Blenheim, but I do have a query - does it suffer from the same winds as the rest of that coast ? Kaikoura winds were absolutely vicious.

[steviec]

Hi all,
Thanks for all your replies. We are def swaying towards Nelson. Still seems a long way off yet but hoping to go before the year is out. Tracy.

[mark & Heather]

Its a shame that its so far away from Christchurch though. It would take about 5 hours I reckon. Blenheim was about 1 - 1.5 hours away due to the road through the sounds having so many bends and that fact that we were stopping every mile or two to marvel at the views.

[Debbie P.]

Its a shame that its so far away from Christchurch though. It would take about 5 hours I reckon. Blenheim was about 1 - 1.5 hours away due to the road through the sounds having so many bends and that fact that we were stopping every mile or two to marvel at the views.


But make sure you fill up for the journey - unlike us, who couldn't appreciate the views due to a nearly empty tank for a good part of it - eek! :uhoh We just about managed to stagger to a filling station in Kaikoura and the woman there said she wished she had a dollar for everyone who'd told her the same story!