[DogsMcNulty]

We are at the beginning of our journey and are trying to decide on the best place to live for us. We have made a list of requirements and would really appreciate a few pointers from you guys.

In order of preference
Good weather- OH doesnt like the cold and NZ houses dont look warm
Rural area- I would like to buy a farmlet or lifestyle block (looking at around prices around $350,000)
Not too remote- we are both teachers and will need to be within commuting distance of a good sized town with schools
Beaches/trails- to walk the dogs and ourselves
Fishing- shore fishing and/or trout (I know, hardly a deal breaker but i like fishing)

We are doing a recce in august (school hols for us) and would like to plan a tour of potential locations. Thanks in advance, the info on the site has been a real help so far.

[Mexican in NZ]

I think u r describing the Wairarapa...there the weather is hot in summers and cold in winters...here are some websites for more info
www.wairarapanz.com
wairarapa.co.nz

[Tia Maria]

I'm not sure if its helpful to say this, but North Shore, Auckland, is no good for rural or even large plot size, as most of it is heavily subdivided. However further north might suit - what's a 'good commuting' distance for you?

Be warned if consistently warm, sunny weather is very important, then there are very few places in NZ that fulfil that criteria for more than 4 months a year.

Cheers

Tia

[Nelsonian]

Well I would say this since I chose to live here - but take a look at Nelson - consistently NZ's sunniest place. Beautiful rural land out past Richmond suburb towards Appleby and Motueka - or the other way to Rai Valley.
Nelson/Richmond area pop around 53,000 - good schools + colleges.
Loads of local tramps and trails - 3 national parks on doorstep including Abel Tasman. Very local walks up Maitai river valley or Grampians.
Great beach at Tahuna - good fishing etc etc.
Being in the South Island, it's slightly colder but it's the top of the south and has a great little microclimate all it's own! :nice1