Which places in NZ meet the following criteria?:

Rob K

My family and I are looking into the possibility of coming to New Zealand. I am a Math/Physics teacher, and it appears that there are prospects for work in various parts of the country.

We're doing a fair bit of research right now: reading books, looking online, and asking NZers living here in Nelson (BC, Canada) for their insight.

What we've seen so far about NZ is that there's clean air and water, and space to move around just about all over the country. That doesn't narrow things down much for us.

What we're interested in knowing is where we could find the following:
* Good enough location and transit to live without a vehicle
* Walking and/or transit access to beach and tramping
* Good climate for growing a large food garden
* Welcoming and safe community

Any opinions regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Rob

ENZ · Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2004 7:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Rob, if you don't want a vehicle, Christchurch and Wellington probably have the best public transport. Living in NZ without a vehicle is very hard though and most people don’t try it because public transport outside the major centres is generally very poor.

If you want a large food garden - I assume you're talking half an acre or more? - it may be hard to find big enough a garden in one of the major cities, unless you are wealthy. For the longest growing season, the far north is your best bet, although it can be wet in winter there. You could live in rural land around a city where land is more affordable but very, very few people here would contemplate a rural life without a car.

Have you thought about buying or building a house in an eco-village? I think there are one or two that would meet the criteria you’ve given above.

http://www.converge.org.nz/evcnz/

There are plenty of small towns that would meet most of your criteria - with the possibility of living close to a school and having a very large garden. The east coast is alright, provided you can irrigate your land - much of the east coast is drought prone. You may be better off on the west coast of the North Island where there is more reliable rainfall and a very long growing season.

ruthyroo · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 39

Having been here for a while now, I think that most of your criteria are easy-ish to meet. The opportunities for tramping are widespread, as there is so much undeveloped countryside here. Likewise for other outdoor sporting opportunities. Also, we have found people very welcoming - my husband is a teacher too, and has found the other teachers a really supportive bunch in what has been a difficult time adjusting to the NZ education system. Plots for land are generous, especially compared to the UK. You can generally find big plots in town (though obviously v expecisve in cities), and lifestyle plots in rural areas.

However, I think that it would be very difficult to survive in NZ without a car - unless you live in one of the big cities. Public transport is fairly minimal throughout the country, and non-existant in rural areas, with exception of tour buses. NZ has the second highest level of car ownership in the world, per head of population. The first thing we did on arrival was buy a car - we couldn't view houses, get to work etc without it.

Basically, I think you'll have to compromise on either car ownership or a rural situation. Best of luck, and enjoy NZ.