[Family Maidment]

Can anyone out their help me?

My OH has a job offer in Tauranga. We spent a many a lovely holiday at the Top 10 in Papamoa, though do not know the area that well.

Can anyone suggest good or bad area's to live. We have a 6 year old so schools are going to be very important to us. Looking at spending apx $350 - $450,000, if / when we buy a house (if that's any help).

We did live in Taradale, Napier for a year which was a very 'nice' area to be in with the children.

I am also wanting info on scout groups / surf clubs? As my 6 year old currently attends Beavers in the UK and wants to take up surf lessons when we arrive.

Thanks in advance
Jo

[Park City Partner]

We just came from a weekend trip to that area to check it out as a next place to live. Looks really nice. Mt. Mauganui is lovely. We tried to get some info about moving there and was told that because the area is growing so fast that as soon as they print something it is out of date! Not sure about the quality of the schools but I am told they are good. We are very seriously considering moving there if things work out for work for OH.

Good luck and let me know what you find out.

[Daffy]

Have a look at this:

http://www.taurangarealestateguide.co.nz/

[b&k]

Hi Family Maidment,

Just came across your post. I stayed in Tauranga for about 4 months earlier this year. My aunt has lived there for 40 years.

It's a really good place for children and has an excellent quality of live. Teenagers love Mt Manganui which has an excellent surf club and regularly holds events for beach volleyball, surf lifesaving, surf championships, music concerts and other special events thoughout the year. You can learn to sail in the calm harbour before taking on the sea. There are some lovely walks round and up the mount - go for a dip in the hot pools then get an ice cream to freshen up . The big cruise ships also come in and dock here.

The schools are good - my cousins went to them and they turned out ok!

Crime is low and you often see kids out playing. Traffic is only bad on the main road across the harbour bridge. Shopping is excellent. Town has a variety of good restaurants. It's really green and the sun shines most of the time. The Chiefs have started to play some of their rugby games at the stadium. There is a yearly jazz festival and a food and wine festival.

My chosen place to live would be in Matua/Cherrywood/Bellevue, where you have easy access to town, good views of the Mount and access to the saltmarsh for walking the dog.

If you want any more specific info let me know.

[Graham Cross]

Tauranga is a great place to be and I loved it when I went to visit 2 years ago. My family live in Katikati which is about 40 minutes away and I love that place as it is a lovely community. I don't think that you could go wrong with Taurnanga myself and would consider it for us but the property seems a little too high for us as we are pensioners. Plus I want to be in Katikati where my grandchildren are......Mt Manganui is very beautiful and the shopping is good there also.janet