Drive Times - Christchurch

Moorf · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 3:50 am Post subject: Drive Times - Christchurch

Can anyone provide approx drive times for commuters from the following areas around Chch / alternatively pls advise if would be better/easier/quicker by public transport where available.... THANKS! Nice One

Sumner
Riccarton
Fendalton
Lyttelton
Rangiora
Akaroa
Amberley
Kaiapoi

markkellaway · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:18 am Post subject:

Hi Moorf,

We were in C'ch a few weeks ago, when it comes to driving it really is a small city. All area's within the city are literally 10 - 15 minutes from the centre. Kaipoi is probably nearer 20 depending on traffic (in the middle of the city you can cross the road in rush hour!! Clapping

). We didn't do Lyttleton but Akaroa is 1 - 1.5 hours, I would suggest Akaroa as way too far for a commute, I wouldn't want to do some of the roads on a dark winters evening!!

We are hoping (if the job offer comes through!!) to settle in Rolleston. City centre to Rolleston is about 20 minutes.

Good luck,

Mark.

Moorf · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:36 am Post subject:

Thanks Mark! Great info - can begin to look a little further afield now Nice One

Cheers
Moorf

PS - Are u in NZ at the mo or back in UK?

markkellaway · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:46 am Post subject:

Hi Moorf,

In the UK at the moment. Went over for 2 weeks for a scout around, by chance had one interview while I was there. They have done reference checks etc. so I assume they are interested, I've got my fingers crossed!!! If the job comes off we'll be off, if not it's back to the drawing board.

Cheers,

Mark.

Moorf · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:00 am Post subject:

Sounds hopeful Mark - good luck fingers crossed

What sort of job are you looking for?

markkellaway · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:04 am Post subject:

IT, networking software (I'm a product manager) in particular but I'm very flexible. :-)

Mark.

Moorf · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:25 am Post subject:

Interesting - we too shall be seeking IT jobs - hubby is a software designer/engineer currently doing consultancy work - how did you find the IT scene in Christchurch when you were there?

Did you get the job interview whilst in Chch? Through an agency? Or newspaper etc?

Questions, questions!

Moorf

markkellaway · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:32 am Post subject:

I just mailed a few IT people before I went out. There are some jobs listed on the Canterbury Software Cluster, Have you looked? http://jobs.realcontacts.com
You need to register for free but I believe there are a few SE jobs there, it was my starting point anyway. Agenciew I tried were Hudson IT and Brannigans, I think I did a search for Christchurch Recruitment Agencies and mailed the ones that looked interesting (all seems so long ago now!!). How long will you be out there for. or are you on a long holiday hoping to get a job then stay?

Mark.

Moorf · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:41 am Post subject:

Have sent u Private Message ....

sesame · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 12:32 pm Post subject:

Hi, Moorf!

i sent you a pm too ....

Yes

sesame~

Lauren · Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 4:58 pm Post subject: ChCh driving times

I too though Chch city was about 15 mins from home (Upper Riccarton approx 8kms) but the day I started work in the city centre I left home at 0800 to get there for 0830 and arrived at 0845!! Traffic was almost stationary along North Hagley Park (top of the city and main route). Coming home at 1700 was no better. Riccarton Road and Blenheim Road both crawling. Now I leave at 0745 and arrive at 0815, not much I can do about the return journey.

Dont be fooled by daytime driving times. If you start work at 0800-0900 you will sit in traffic, during the daytime the journey can be easily done in 15 mins but not at peak times.

Not trying to put anyone off but way worse than I expected.

Parking in main city council multi storeys $6-7 a day if in before 1030 and out by 1815. They do reserved monthly parking but current waiting list is approx 10 months!

Moorf · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 12:32 am Post subject:

Thanks Lauren - I too have heard that the traffic in Chch is getting worse - is the public transport system no good? From outlying areas?

Having said that - a half hour commute at a standstill is still way better than travelling around Sussex during rush hour!! Yes

Moorf

sesame · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:14 am Post subject:

... i personally find it slightly depressing to hear about 'traffic problems' on the south island of new zealand - Rolling Eyes

...still, invaluable info ! Yes

sesame~

Robert · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:59 am Post subject:

Commuting here is nothing like the UK.

Certain routes in to the city do get relatively congested though at peak times.

The main ones I am aware of are Ferry Road (from Sumner/redcliffs) Riccarton Road (terrible due to masses of traffic lights) and both the bridges across the Waimakariri river.

It takes me 20 min to drive from Sumner (far end, and up a hill) when there is no traffic but ip to 35 minutes at peak time simply due to weight of traffic.

I would advise against renting before you come out and view - it is easy to find somewhere to live (especially in winter!) and you will not be able to check if the property has problems. Once in, moving again is tedious and moving your stuff is expensive. If I did things again, I would rent a motel for longer and look first...