[Nashlee]

Hi

I am after any information on locations in the Northlands, We are immigrating to NZ in July/August 07 was just wondering whether anyone has infomation about towns around Whangarei and further north. Have been trying to do my homework but can only find details relating to tourist information.

Looking to find out details as to where the best places to go are.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks and waiting in anticipation

Lee

[Mexican in NZ]

Hi lee!
Just wanted to wish you luck in your move...unfortunately i can not help you with this question but i am sure someone here needs to know something and can provide you with valuable information.
Have a good one,
Adriana

[Lake Isle]

It depends if you want to go for a holiday or live and work? Bay of Islands are fantastic, but areas like Kaitaia are not as good, Cape Reinga is miles away and not much there.... from what I've seen, its mostly farming, Orchards, vineyards and lots of National Park!, and quite touristy, I think most of Auckland visit Paihia and areas over xmas and New Years (apart from Whangamata). We have just returned from there, we are moving into our house tomorrow in Wellington, we drove from Paihia (nice!!) to Taupo then to Wellington, about 9 hours in total. I'd love to have a bach there, but it can be expensive! Hope this helps!

(Apparently Tom and Katie started their Kiwi holiday in Whangarei 2 weeks ago, and went to Wellington!)

[Kim39]

I can't shed alot of light on this area, but i do know someone who has a colleague he use to work with up there. She is a prison officer, and her OH was a FL driver back in the UK. They have been here around 6 months and were ready to jump onto a plane back after 1 month, because the place is so isolated. Our friends had them down for a weekend, and tried to get them to move down here, but without any luck. They returned to Northland and seem to be folk who would grin and bear it. I heard today that they are still struggling.

Sorry i can't add much more, but from what i know make sure that this area is right for you.


Kim

[Caroline and Dave]

Try these
www.wdc.govt.nz
www.fndc.govt.nz
www.kaipara.govt.nz

Hope these help

Dave and Caroline

[sarahw]

Good luck with the move - it is beautiful up North - there's not lots of work further up than Whangarei & there isn't a very big population up there.

If you're interested in working in the tourist industry then there's plenty of hotels & sightseeing companies up there, and agriculture but not a whole heap more... I'd second Kim's advice do check you could live there first & that you could get a job that would interest you & pay the bills.

[Nelsonian]

Yup - Bay of Islands (Russell/Paihia) and Whangarei probaly best for work. Kerikeri also growing fast.
A lot of Northland is very poor with not much going on economically outside of agriculture and tourism.
Avoid Kaitaia - run down, petty vandalism etc. Places like Hokianga and Whangaroa/Doubtless Bay are beautiful but not a lot of work. Not sure what line of work you area in. You may find this helpful
http://www.kiwicareers.govt.nz/default.aspx?id0=4
You can search within industry and region for profiles
And this about Kerikeri
http://kerikeri.co.nz/Index.cfm :)

[mc&j]

Hi,
were moving out in May 07! Were going to live in a place called Rawene, Hokianga Harbour. Apparently a brilliant community vibe and laid back lifestyle. Going to be great for our little lad, I reckon it will take a while for us to settle in though especially coming from a busy city, Anyhow I've found lots of sites by just google'ing.

[Jenny & Mark]

Hey Lee,

We are also planning to move somewhere in the Northland region, perferably Whangarei or Onerahi. If you have a particular question about Whangarei and its suburbs, then don't hesitate to PM us.

Cheers,

Mark.

[southparkers]

Hi Lee,

We moved up to Kerikeri about 6 weeks ago. So far only good experiences,its a very nice place to live with quite an up market town and good schools, but I think you have to be here to find work,there are plenty of jobs in the local paper but it's not online , also the rentals here go so fast that they dont have time to but them on the internet. The down side is that the property prices are quite high for a town in the middle of nowhere, you can get a house in howick or bucklands beach for less money than here.
The beaches here are fab and pristine and if you like fishing you cant go wrong you've got the Bay of Islands to play in,we are on the beach most weekends boogie boarding and now kayaking(just bought 2 so no arguing)

If you want anymore information just let me know .

[Nashlee]

Hi Southparkers

Thanks for your info, when you say jobs are plentiful up in KeriKeri, what sort of employment are we talking about??

How much are the houses going for, and what sort of house ie no bedroom of and size etc

Thanks again

Lee

[southparkers]

Hi lee

If you tell me a bit more about yourselves and what sort of employment your looking for it would be easier.
As for real estate if you look on www.trademe.co.nz or www.realestate.co.nz or www.allrealesate.co.nz put in Northlands, Far north, Kerikeri, everything is listed on those sights. You can get cheaper properies outside Kerikeri but if you have children then you need to be in the school zone. Same with rentals.We are looking for a house at the moment but cant find anything that suits in our price range, but then I have delusions of grandeur so have no chance of getting what I want, not around here anyway.

Hope this helps

[Nashlee]

Hi Southparkers

Our situation in employment is I am a nurse and my other half is a GP, not sure of abundence in that catagory?

Do not seem to be rude but can you give me an idea of your price range, and what you are looking for, so as I can get an idea of what is around. Sorry if I seem forward!!!

Lee

[Nashlee]

Thanks to all who have tried to help

[southparkers]

Hi Lee

You are right about that, our nearest big hospital is in Whangerei and that is 90 mins away, property is cheaper down there though.

We are looking for a 3 or 4 bed 2 bath brick and tile house on about half acre with an inlet view and a pool for up to $600000, I know we wont get it under $800000 but I live in hope:laugh , not a chance. If we go rural then there are plenty at that price, but we dont want a life style block, all the local friends think we are mad but I dont know the first thing about cows and have no intension of finding out:eek:

hope this helps

[Nashlee]

Hi

Made me laugh, Don't blame you I am not that into cows either!!!

Guess just worried about isolation, not being close to civilization.

Thanks for the info

Lee