New Zealand - Wellington or Auckland ????

real_sunfire

5th January 2007, 11:58 AM

Auckland is so big - it is a city with the land area of Greater London but with a tenth of the people. Like London there are good and bad areas. Like London each suburb has its own character, shops, and other facilities.

Where exactly in Auckland is the job based? Things to consider is there a nice area within a reasonable commute, what are the local shops like, what are the local schools like.

We live in Milford on the North Shore. We are renting a very nice house with back and front gardens. I will be able to walk to work, and we can walk to the local shopping center which has all the main shops you need. Oh and did I say there was also a beach within walking distance as well *:)

Rgds.,
Nick.

lollypop

5th January 2007, 12:21 PM

[QUOTE=real_sunfire]Auckland is so big - it is a city with the land area of Greater London but with a tenth of the people. Like London there are good and bad areas. Like London each suburb has its own character, shops, and other facilities.
QUOTE]

real_sunfire you are so right.

Don't be put off Auckland because it's a big city, there are plenty of really nice areas to live. We came to live on the North Shore 11 months ago (we didn't have a choice about Auckland it was where my OH was offered a well paid job) but I've totally fallen for the place. I love the fact we are so close to the beaches and we can also be out in the countryside in few minutes, yet still close to the city.

tigerlily

5th January 2007, 01:23 PM

I'm noticing that none of the Wellingtonians are mentioning the weather of late? Ha!

Congratulations on the offers!!! And it's ok to try one and find that it's not perfect, and move on to other places. Just getting a foot in the country is good!

Brijan

5th January 2007, 08:03 PM

Its got to be Wellington although i too am biased.

Its a very compact area with a terrific harbour that you can walk along at lunchtime ( when its not raining )

There is loads to do, the city council website has loads of links
www.wellington.govt.nz
:)

KerryS

5th January 2007, 09:05 PM

I love Auckland. A fantastic and diverse city with something for everyone. Coming from London I found the compactness of Wellington a bit stifling and preferred the size and space in Auckland.

Questor

5th January 2007, 10:44 PM

Also biased, but I'd also say Welly

That said, it's because I really don't fancy living in the city - I'm a small town kid at heart, and living up here on the Kapiti coast is ace, Welly just 45 mins away on the train, and the community feel here - best of both worlds AFAIC

ellenmelon

6th January 2007, 11:37 AM

ive just moved here for college, so im not too biased yet but i definately prefer wellington over auckland. the latter just never felt like it had much of a heart (yes, some 'burbs are very individual) and i dont think its the most nice looking city.its pretty sprawling too which makes it expensive to get around if you dont drive. add awful traffic and you've got a place that id never visit for a holiday, let alone live there!

jess

6th January 2007, 11:45 AM

Welly!!! :D Like Questor we live up a bit on the Kapiti Coast. Because of how compact Welly is, we can live within an hour of the city while living in the country. Auckland's too sprawling for me.

gil

6th January 2007, 11:53 AM

Landed 6 weeks ago in Auckland, never been to Wellington. Auckland is brilliant, far exceeded any expectations I had, particularly after hearing some of the anti-Auckland sentiments on here!
We live in Eastern Beach in Howick and are approx 100 mtrs from the beach, have a downtown bus service hourly at the end of the road (30 seconds' walk) and are five mins driove or 15 mins walk from Half Moon Bay and the Auckland and Waihiki Isalnd ferries. School are excellent but house prices are on the steep side.
We lived on the edge of a city in UK (Cardiff) and love that sort of location, so here is perfect for us.
Goid luck with your decision,

Gil

sunkist

7th January 2007, 01:54 PM

They say Wellington people are more nicer.

wanderingoregonian

7th January 2007, 05:27 PM

I'm loving Welly.. but if you really need warmth and sun, you might look elsewhere. That said, Welly is sunny and beautiful today, although not exactly balmy.

Diny

7th January 2007, 07:16 PM

Not wanting to offend any Aucklandites but it really is just another massive city surrounded by suburb after of suburb with a far too regular spattering of McDonalds, Blockbuster video, KFC and shopping malls.

Welly manages to exist as a city with a small town feel to it.

However, Auckland obviously has alot to offer because LOTS of people live there and are more than happy to do so.

Diny

Tia Maria

7th January 2007, 08:18 PM

I think rather than compare Auckland to Wellington you really do want to compare the particular areas of these cities that you would be living in, especially if budget is an issue.

Welly might be small town with more of a cafe lifestyle, but that's no good if you live in one of its worst suburbs. Same goes for Auckland, there's no point having all that good weather if you don't want to go out in the area you're living in.

I think with a 4 year old, you tend to live more locally, you want a good school nearby, a walk to the park/library/local shops and area where they can play outside. Once again, a great city centre isn't going to mean a thing if your child has to go to a bad school. So first check your budget and see which is the best area for your money.

Also check where most people with young children would live. I live in a suburb of Auckland and I'm sure my experience of living in Auckland is very different from someone who either lived or visited more centrally. I notice a lot of the Welly fans also commute in.

However, in answer to your question. I think the suburb I live in is fantastic, but find 'Auckland central' to be a very ordinary city with many missed opportunities. Nice enough but nothing special. Wellington does have a nice compact feel, but for a Capital city falls very short of London, Amsterdam, New York etc. But I suspect very few people come to NZ in search of the 'city life'.

When you do decide can I suggest that you take in the other one on the way there. For instance if you choose Welly, fly into Auckland and stay for a few days before heading onto Welly and vice versa. It will just mean that if you do have trouble settling-in in your chosen destination, you will have a better feel for whether you should have taken the other job.

Its probably keeping you up at nights deciding what to do, but better to have choices than none at all.

Cheers

Tia

Avalon

7th January 2007, 08:35 PM

Wellington makes better coffee :D

In fact - Wellington is known for its Coffee culture. All culture in fact - but lets be honest - its the coffee Im interested in.

So, in support of this great city - I hear that although this may sound a bit odd - Welly actually has more days of sun a year than Auckland. Though it does have to be said that Welly has more "Wind" than Auckland.

Also, Welly has Higher Wages apparently (though this may not be an issue in your case), and generally lower house prices.

Its easier to get to the Airport from teh city. And IMO - the waterfront in the city is actually nicer.

Finally - never forget that Wellington is home to "The Chocolate Fish Cafe" at Scorching bay :cheers

lollypop

7th January 2007, 08:37 PM

Tia Maria - I have PM'd you.

gil

8th January 2007, 05:17 AM

Geat post Tia. Here's a link to see a bit about Howick, our Auckland suburb: http://www.howickvillage.co.nz/
It really doesn't feel like living in a city at all, and yet, if we want to (and we haven't too much) CBD is close and easily accessible. With teenagers, that's a real plus!!

Gil

Singel

8th January 2007, 05:39 AM

We like the geograhical location of Auckland, narrow and sprawling. Anywhere you live, you are within walking distance to the beach :D

Jodie

9th January 2007, 01:23 PM

Wellington wins hands down as a beautiful city, not too busy but still plenty going on and lots to do, friendly people, plenty of jobs, reasonably affordable houses and well located for access to both islands, and a beautiful harbour and waterfront (with beaches too you know! ;) ).

BUT - the weather here is starting to drive me crazy.... after 2 and a half years here, I was getting used to the gorgeous blue skies and sun with the 'breeze' that is usually blowing, but after spending 2 weeks in Taupo/Rotorua lakes area over Christmas and having early 20 degree heat and sun with 'NO WIND', it was really nice not to have to battle the wind back here in Welly the last few days.

So - long story short - on a good day, you really can't beat Wellington - it's gorgeous. But on a bad day here, it's pretty crap... I guess it depends on how high your tolerance level is of being blown down the street sideways sometimes or having your lippy streaked across your face as your perfectly styled hair gets blown all over your face as you step outside ;)

Carol

9th January 2007, 02:59 PM

Score so far....

Wellington 12 Auckland 5

:cool:
And that is after the coldest winter for years!

willowshouse

9th January 2007, 08:42 PM

We like the geograhical location of Auckland, narrow and sprawling. Anywhere you live, you are within walking distance to the beach :D

Well said ..

Have you noticed a theme here? All the Wellingtonians slate Auckland and the Aucklandites are far too refined and polite to slate Wellington!!

It's a good job you lot don't like it here - then we'd have no chance of finding a spot on the beach :laugh

It's too difficult a question - what one likes the other hates. For my twopennorth (oh sorry .. have I have that already?) I would just add that to compare Auckland with London is slightly ridiculous (IMHO) - It is basically a fairly small CBD surrounded by a lot of suburbs, some lovely, some not so ..

If you can afford it - come, see both and decide! No hard feelings if you decide that Wellington is more your thang!!

Dawn

wiki

9th January 2007, 08:48 PM

I agree with Dawn - if you have the chance, or if you can move after a year or so of living in one and visiting the other then do so both.

A lot of how you will find the cities and relate to them will depend on what you come from.

I've never lived in either but have visited both a lot - so from an unbiased point of view in that respect, I'd rather holiday in Auckland, but I think I'd prefer to work in Wellington.

vixxann

10th January 2007, 01:36 AM

I'm a newbie - sorry for dumb question but whats CBD?

wiki

10th January 2007, 01:54 AM

I'm a newbie - sorry for dumb question but whats CBD?

Central Business District - the heart of the city's offices and major shopping.

lollypop

10th January 2007, 08:15 AM

Well said ..

Have you noticed a theme here? All the Wellingtonians slate Auckland and the Aucklandites are far too refined and polite to slate Wellington!!

It's a good job you lot don't like it here - then we'd have no chance of finding a spot on the beach :laugh

It's too difficult a question - what one likes the other hates. For my twopennorth (oh sorry .. have I have that already?) I would just add that to compare Auckland with London is slightly ridiculous (IMHO) - It is basically a fairly small CBD surrounded by a lot of suburbs, some lovely, some not so ..

If you can afford it - come, see both and decide! No hard feelings if you decide that Wellington is more your thang!!

Dawn

:nice1

jess

10th January 2007, 08:26 AM

All the Wellingtonians slate Auckland and the Aucklandites are far too refined and polite to slate Wellington!!
Maybe the Wellingtonians have gone native, just saying what's on our mind like a real kiwi. :laugh:laugh

lollypop

10th January 2007, 08:41 AM

Maybe the Wellingtonians have gone native, just saying what's on our mind like a real kiwi. :laugh:laugh

More like 'they can dish it out but can't take it!':laugh

jess

10th January 2007, 08:45 AM

More like 'they can dish it out but can't take it!':laugh

No, dish away. With the NZ guide saying we are boring and the Aucklanders liking it where they are, we can stay small down here and and maybe not have house prices go further through the roof!

Carol

10th January 2007, 09:02 AM

No, dish away. With the NZ guide saying we are boring and the Aucklanders liking it where they are, we can stay small down here and and maybe not have house prices go further through the roof!

Jess!!!!!!!!
ssssshhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
:D ;) ;) ;)

sarahw

10th January 2007, 09:53 AM

:) I'm afraid Auckland bashing isn't just confined to Wellingtonians - if you live in Auckers its something you might have to get used to... ;) although its always in jest and never really nasty. I think Auckland is very much a love it or hate it place. I'm afraid I'm confined to the latter opinion (no offence intended to anyone living in Auckers - nothing personal just don't like the place) but I can see why people choose to live there & why they like it.

There was a Campbell Live (current affairs) programme devoted to Auckland bashing last year as to whether it was justified or not... it was all very tounge in cheek. I also have to laugh at a quote my friends said was made on a trip on a famous attraction by the commentator - they said 'welcome to those who are visiting from other parts of New Zealand - and for those of you from Auckland, welcome to New Zealand!!'

I think Auckers is such a different city from anywhere else in NZ that it has become a bit of a target.

lollypop

10th January 2007, 03:37 PM

gil

10th January 2007, 03:59 PM

I agree Lollipop!

Actually, wherever I have lived, there has been a competitive edge between 2 "major" cities: Cardiff and Swansea (you may laugh...), Milan and Rome, Paris and everywhere else in France. I'm sure it's just human nature to feel that where you are is the best. After all, you're there!

Anyway, Sharon, you have heard lots of opinions aired, best thing is to have a look for yourself :D

Gil (who picked Auckland without seeing anywhere in NZ at all!)

Avalon

10th January 2007, 04:08 PM

Whilst I can understand you may not like Auckland, I don’t understand all the negative comments, why the need? Surely IF Wellington is so wonderful you would only need to sing its praises rather than run down Auckland? Especially under this ‘no offence’ guise.
Well, I didnt actually "bash" auckland in my post, or run it down;) .

As I quite like auckland - what would be the point. I just happen to live near Welly, so can give more info on what does in fact make it a great place.

Welly or Auckland - its still New Zealand and its still a great place to live.

But at the end of the day - as places they are very different. Wellington has things that Auckland cant offer, and auckland has things that Welly cant offer.

Its not "Bashing" auckland to point that out :nice1 .

And its up to each person to decide for themselves whether they would better off with what Welly has, its particular size, culture (and of course very good coffee), or whether they would be happier in a bigger city with everything that has to offer.

willowshouse

10th January 2007, 04:43 PM

They say Wellington people are more nicer.

Erm, possibly rather than your post Avalon ... this one was what caught Lollipop's eye - I know it caught mine! :eek:

(to be fair .. there is a cumulative effect going on too) ;)

A bemused 'cos I'm not as nice as I could be' Aucklander :uhoh

Carol

10th January 2007, 04:47 PM

Oh come on guys!
It's all in fun.....

Let's change the subject.
Anyone tried those lovely orangey chocolatey sweets yet?
;)

Avalon

10th January 2007, 04:52 PM

Erm, possibly rather than your post Avalon ... this one was what caught Lollipop's eye - I know it caught mine! :eek:

It wouldnt be the first time I've been caught in a "Generalisation" post complaining about other peoples "Generalistions" :laugh

So - just to prove that not ALL wellingtonians constantly bash Aucklanders ;) :

Wellington Doesnt have Victoria Park market - Auckland does (try the Onsite massage stall - you wont be disappointed)

You cant jump off the Skytower in Wellington, you can in Auckland.

You cant drive to the Bay Of Islands in a day from Wellington - you can in Auckland.

Wellington doesnt have a revolving restaurant - Auckland does.

Wellington isnt home to Tonys steak Restaurant - it's in Auckland.

And thats without even trying.
:cheers

lollypop

10th January 2007, 04:58 PM

.
As I quite like auckland - what would be the point. I just happen to live near Welly, so can give more info on what does in fact make it a great place.

Welly or Auckland - its still New Zealand and its still a great place to live.

But at the end of the day - as places they are very different. Wellington has things that Auckland cant offer, and auckland has things that Welly cant offer.

And its up to each person to decide for themselves whether they would better off with what Welly has, its particular size, culture (and of course very good coffee), or whether they would be happier in a bigger city with everything that has to offer.

Avalon - I agree, this is precisely the point I am trying to make.

Smiler

10th January 2007, 05:08 PM

Oh come on guys!
It's all in fun.....

Let's change the subject.
Anyone tried those lovely orangey chocolatey sweets yet?
;)

No, but I'll pick some up next time I'm in Welly. ;)

kiwidebs

10th January 2007, 05:56 PM

Do you know, I like Welly and Auck. I've lived in Auckland a good chunk of my life and never lived in Welly. Auckland is where my family are.....and I'm happy to settle here with my hubby and kids. If I had no family in NZ I'd happily head to Wellington from the visit we had there a few years back. I loved the 'small town' feel of the central city, loved the cafe culture, loved the botanic gardens, Te Papa etc.

I love the South Island as well (I am actually a born and bred, well for the first five years of my life, Cantabrian). I don't have anything bad to say about most parts of NZ - but my Chch rellies refer to Auckland as Dorkland and we are, of course, Dorklanders! Mostly I ignore this or tell them it doesn't matter cos they don't exist due to NZ ending at the Bombay Hills (southern 'boundary' of Auckland). :nice1 :laugh

Sorry about the babble - just had to add my 5 cents worth (so not really worth much then :laugh ).

Debs

willowshouse

10th January 2007, 06:29 PM

It wouldnt be the first time I've been caught in a "Generalisation" post complaining about other peoples "Generalistions" :laugh

So - just to prove that not ALL wellingtonians constantly bash Aucklanders ;) :

Wellington Doesnt have Victoria Park market - Auckland does (try the Onsite massage stall - you wont be disappointed)

You cant jump off the Skytower in Wellington, you can in Auckland.

You cant drive to the Bay Of Islands in a day from Wellington - you can in Auckland.

Wellington doesnt have a revolving restaurant - Auckland does.

Wellington isnt home to Tonys steak Restaurant - it's in Auckland.

And thats without even trying.
:cheers

:D

sarahw

10th January 2007, 06:36 PM

I'm sorry my post was taken the wrong way - I thought the smilies might indicate that I was jesting as were the previous posts - as Carol says all a bit of fun. I thought my post clearly said I didn't mean to offend anyone & hopefully none has been taken.

gil

10th January 2007, 06:42 PM

Aw, everyone's getting conciliatory now, perhaps we should settle this once and for all with a match between the Jaffas and the Wellington Boots? :D
Only joking, really no offence intended :exit

Sharon Thomas, has this discussion helped your husband in his decision at all? (Somehow I doubt it!!)

Love to all,

Gil
xx

willowshouse

10th January 2007, 06:46 PM

Dammit .. where is the "no I didn't mean it like that" button when you need it!!!!

IMHO, no-one need apologise for any comments made - it's just a little exchange of views, no offence taken :D

suzer

30th May 2007, 02:17 PM

So, Auckland has better weather and is a decent sized city, whereas Wellington is cold and windy and small?

Carol

30th May 2007, 04:29 PM

So, Auckland has better weather and is a decent sized city, whereas Wellington is cold and windy and small?

lol - better weather in Auckland eh?
Yeah - maybe warmer rain.

Wellington small?
Auckland - hmmmmmmm....... what word comes to mind........

:laugh

suzer

30th May 2007, 04:43 PM

please correct me if i'm wrong. we've decided on starting in wellington and my other half is starting to maybe change his mind:/ based on the weather...and that some folks told him auckland has more to do.

Carol

30th May 2007, 04:53 PM

Only my experience I can go off....... but every single time I go to Auckland it is raining!
But if good weather is truly an important factor for you - I don't think there is much to pick off between the two to be honest. Pros and Cons - just like everywhere.

But I LOVE the size of Wellington. I love that it's the capital - and hosts parliament etc - and is still so small.
I'm really not a fan of Auckland - too big for me.
It's simply all down to what you want - and where you can find work......:nice1

suzer

30th May 2007, 05:34 PM

well we can both find work in each city. i don't mind a small city if it still has a decent amount to offer;)

hmmm perhaps i should be asking...if anyone knows...how it is size-wise compared to Adelaide, South Australia?

swissmissdesigner

30th May 2007, 05:58 PM

Both cities has lot of to offer.
I can't handle the Welli weather.
I am for Auckland!

xanctus

30th May 2007, 10:27 PM

I'd pick Welli over Auckland, even tho I am living in Auckland cause of job situation. Reason...hmmm the city set up and chemistry, Welli is so much better. Auckland is nice n big, food is cheaper IMO, but again...I like Welli better at the end.

Happyfeet

30th May 2007, 11:16 PM

Another biased opinion here but I'm for Auckland. I think it has more to offer and your never too far away from a beach.

KerryS

31st May 2007, 09:53 AM

I would compare Wellington more closely to Adelaide than I would Auckland. I found Adelaide small and compact, which is the same as Welly. Auckland is larger (geographically it's one of the biggest cities in the world).
Personally I like Wellington, and didn't find the weather vastly different, but it just doesn't offer enough for me. I like the diversity of the areas in Auckland better.

suzer

31st May 2007, 01:13 PM

hmmm I may be changing my mind as well then if wellington is as small as adelaide. i prefer either a big city or middle of nowhere---the in between i can do without;)

whiskythedog

31st May 2007, 01:38 PM

not been to wellington but have lived in auckland for last 6 weeks and it has only rained 3 times so weather is amazing (compared to uk so not too difficult)
i even look forward to my 40 min commute in the morning - super views along tamaki drive (eastern suburbs) put the mp3 on and relax on the bus !
much larger city 1.4 million v 400,000 inhabitants (correct?)
from what a local (kiwi work colleague) told me wellington has as much sun but has high(ish) winds 90/100 days per year compared to aucklands 10/20 days
(auckland presumably though has more pollution/congestion and so its depends on what you want and not others)

wanderingoregonian

31st May 2007, 08:19 PM

Having lived in chicago and welly (and only visited adalaide and auckland), auckland is much more of a chicago - the spread outness and the neighborhoods and such. Welly reminds me more of a portland (either one actually)

rosco

1st June 2007, 11:05 PM

well thanks you lot - I had been fairly sure that we were going to head for Auckland - I liked the sound of Waitakere/Titirangi. Having read this Wellington is now very much back into our thoughts. I am much more of a small-town person I think.

Its so hard deciding where to live without having been to either place. I guess we'll just have to pick one and see how it goes.

batgirl1001

21st June 2008, 09:54 PM

Georgebulldog

22nd June 2008, 08:42 AM

IanW99

22nd June 2008, 10:59 AM

Isn't Wellington windy all the time? And when it is a nice time to go to the beach in Wellington?

Saying that becos we are thinking of moving to Auckland first because there are more job opportunities there and more housing options. It seems to me, Auckland has a better diversity of people and is more exciting.

Btw, we may have a teaching job offer in Wellington since the school we have in our country is somewhat affiliated to the one in Wellington. But we know nobody in Auckland so, so far that's the only advantage Welly has for me.

So can someone convince me what is great about Wellington?

Here's an interesting thread on Where would you have to live if you had to choose? (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18441) for the North Island.

As Lindsey says, it's not always windy in Wellington and the weather is less humid than Auckland.

Ian

Big Puku

22nd June 2008, 07:52 PM

Hi Batgirl
I can't give you any comparisons between the 2 I'm afraid. I arrived in Wellington in January & we still had days at the beach right up to ANZAC day, we still go even now but not for the same reasons as in the summer. When I first arrived I was worried about the wind but either it's not as bad as I thought or I've got used to it :laugh In January in central Wellington it was fierce but still warm but even now it's windy but not that cold & we've had plenty of time without wind so it's not all the time
Good luck with your choice

Wellington doesn't seem to have had decent winds for ages, and the weather overall has been just fantastic over the past 12 months or so - It certainly hasn't been properly windy for some time - I remember seeing people getting blown off their feet in the CBD in '06!

Auckland for me just feels rather souless and bland...

batgirl1001

24th June 2008, 03:09 PM

I guess weather has changed a lot in Welly. The last time I was there (June 2003) it was incredibly windy all over the city, even more so at the harbour. Nearly blew me off and couldn't keep my camera still for a shot at all.

Global warming???:confused:

incredible hulse

24th June 2008, 03:53 PM

Isn't Wellington windy all the time? And when it is a nice time to go to the beach in Wellington?

Saying that becos we are thinking of moving to Auckland first because there are more job opportunities there and more housing options. It seems to me, Auckland has a better diversity of people and is more exciting.

Welly can be windy but summers are quite long and very sunny; the wind is almost non-existent for most of the summer/autumn. Spring can be very windy mind. I think Welly has more sun and less rain than Auckland - to be honest when ever I've been to Auckland (about 10 times in total now across each season) it's either been cloudy or raining; I know this isn't always the case but I guess those are generalistic observations like the person who told you Welly was windy all the time.
I like Auckland and Welly for different reasons - I'm not convinced Auckland is more exciting though; think I read somewhere than Welly has more restaurants per head than any other city (not sure how true that is)