[sidcarter]

I should soon be travelling to NZ. I have yet to decide where I should land - Auckland or Wellington. I've got a few Q's.

1. I was wondering how the public transport system is in NZ ? Any comments on this topic ? How reliable the service is ? Frequency of transport ? And how easy it is to travel from one city to another for e.g. Wellington to Auckland (including flights ?)

2. Also, I plan to stay in Wellington/Auckland for a short time and look for jobs. Any good place to stay for such a short time , apart from the hotels i.e. Any good recommendations would be great :)

3. Where are most of the offices (IT?) located in Wellington. I would assume it would be Wellington City. If not, which other place ? And If I am looking for a place to stay, which are places around that I should be looking at (with close proximity to offices) ?

Sid

[sizzlingbadger]

Hi

Wellington has a great train network, trolley buses and buses into and out of the city. It's also really easy to walk around central Wellington as it's not that big. Can't comment on Auckland as I've yet to go. Flights between Auckland and Wellington are fairly frequent but best booked some weeks ahead before you leave, the price goes up the closer to flying you get. You can also get a train from Auckland to Wellington, 1 a day and takes 12 hours, yes I did say 12 hours :D But then it's a great way to see some of NZ though.

If you're looking for cheaper accommodation you could look up the backpackers hostels. My friend has stayed in the one in Auckland and thought it was great value.

Most jobs in Wellington are based in CBD but there's also Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. If you haven't already looked try www.seek.co.nz out this should on most occasions give you the location. You're best off staying in central Wellington as it's easy to get out from there. Wellington was a huge draw for us as it's more compact and less people than Auckland. I would say they're both on a par for IT jobs although Wellington you may have better chances of getting a job as most people are in Auckland.

Good Luck :D

[sidcarter]

Hi

Wellington has a great train network, trolley buses and buses into and out of the city. It's also really easy to walk around central Wellington as it's not that big. Can't comment on Auckland as I've yet to go. Flights between Auckland and Wellington are fairly frequent but best booked some weeks ahead before you leave, the price goes up the closer to flying you get. You can also get a train from Auckland to Wellington, 1 a day and takes 12 hours, yes I did say 12 hours :D But then it's a great way to see some of NZ though.

I want to make the most of my time, while I am in NZ. So, I guess I will stick to the flights for now.

If you're looking for cheaper accommodation you could look up the backpackers hostels. My friend has stayed in the one in Auckland and thought it was great value.

Cool. I think I will do that too then.

Most jobs in Wellington are based in CBD but there's also Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. If you haven't already looked try www.seek.co.nz out this should on most occasions give you the location. You're best off staying in central Wellington as it's easy to get out from there. Wellington was a huge draw for us as it's more compact and less people than Auckland. I would say they're both on a par for IT jobs although Wellington you may have better chances of getting a job as most people are in Auckland.

I didn't quite get the last sentence. I take it, there are better chances in Wellington, since Auckland is already...ummmmm...crowded ? :D

Good Luck :D

Thanks. :cheers

[sizzlingbadger]

Sorry ... just re read the last sentence. Meant to say more people go for the jobs in Auckland than they do Wellington.

[sarahw]

If you just don't want to stay in a hotel because its too faceless, then I'd certainly recommend a B&B - Welly - Frinton by the Sea in Eastbourne is good - you can catch the ferry in & out of Welly from there. When we first came over (we only had a week in Wellington) it was the best thing we did - you get so much more advice from a local than you would from a hotel concierge. Plus they have people coming through job-hunting & doing reccies all the time.

Transport in Welly is excellent - Auckland not so good - you'll either have to stay central or hire a car.

Most people go for the jobs in Auckers because the money is better, however, the housing is more expensive, the traffic is worse, although the climate is usually a couple of degrees warmer than Welly & all of that should be taken into consideration.

Welly - the IT industry is in CBD - there aren't too many large companies outside of Welly but you still might get a good job in the Hutt or up North - J'ville/Porirua.

http://www.wellingtonnz.com/

The above site may help with your plans for Welly.

Good luck, enjoy the trip!

[sidcarter]

Hey sarah,

Thanks for the pointers. I don't want to go to Auckland for just those reasons. I've been in a crowded city, lotsa population and very high rentals. It is quite painful.

I want to go to a relatively peaceful place this time around. Will try that place you suggest for staying.

Thanks
Sid