what is it like living in New Zealand and where would be the best place to move to?

Question

the reason for this question is me and my family are in the process of looking to move to either New Zealand or Australia and the more information we can gather about the countries will allow us to make a fully informed decision. thanks in advance.

hi thank you for all the answers if you have any additional info my email address is

[e-mail]

thank you again for the info

Answer 1

Let's see if we can get you a more "holistic" view of life in New Zealand.

People in the northern hemisphere tend to make the mistake of thinking that NZ is a southern and therefore palm-studded, balmy place. In reality, NZ is very much the Norway of the south, dominion of both brutal UV-radiation and icy winds at the same time. You get snow down to 600m above sea level, at times even during the summer. It's a cool beauty, but clean and full of incredible imagery. Don't put that tweed hat away though, it may just come in handy when you least expect it.

Living here is a lot like living in British Columbia, Canada. Or maybe also a bit like living in the San Francisco area. It is a world of nostalgia, and it has a hippie touch. If you can, listen to the Canned Heat song "Goin' Up The Country" to get the proper vibes. It's lovely, I wouldn't want to ever live anywhere else again - and I have! I've spent my life in France, Canada, the US, Britain, Germany, Austria, Paraguay, you name it. The beauty of NZ is that it can do everything all those other countries can do, and if the world ends, well, the Kiwis might not even notice or care for quite some time. This place can exist by itself, on its own.

As for where to move - I'll spare you the why and if, my recommendation is Christchurch or Nelson. Go there, you'll love it, and find out why while you're there. All things considered, simply tops.

Answer 2

I live in Australia but travelled to the north island of New Zealand for a couple of weeks earlier this year. The views are AMAZING! It is an absolutely gorgeous country. I am currently thinking seriously about moving to New Zealand for at least a year to study - probably Christchurch. A couple of my friends participated in the Great New Zealand Bike Ride and they absolutely fell in love with it. Doesn't matter where you live in New Zealand you'll only be 3hrs from the east coast of Australia.

Answer 3

i was travelling around the world and loved NZ so much i stayed for two years in the n.island.Based in waipu beach,Auckland was 127km south and bay of islands not far north.weather was for me (IRISH) perfect.summer never got over 24%c and winter by 10am it was t shirt and shorts again.the south island can be cold and wet which is maybe why the Scottish have settled in force.the north island is mainly English,Dutch descent.It is very laid back,but with a strong social conscience,i felt very safe and comfortable there.IT is a very lovely place North or South.You have everything.Sun,Snow Mountains,the lot.I got a motorbike and tent and off we went exploring,from the cape to stewart island,which can be a rough ferry ride.People are friendly and helpful everywhere.Scenery wise the south island(west side) would pip the north island a little much as i don't want to admit. it would be the perfect place to bring up kids or retire with a boat.

Answer 4

Kia ora.

I lived in Hamilton, NZ. About an hour south of Auckland on the north island. It was far enough from the big city to not have all the headaches that accompany it like crowds, prices, and traffic...

and yet it was big enough to have a great "city" centre feel (i.e.- great bars, super restaurants, etc...) and I was close enough to almost anywhere on the north island... (well, wellington was about 4 hr. but not bad.) It was a great place and great people! I dream about getting back there someday! good luck!

Answer 5

I lived in S island in the middle of nowhere (Waimate) for 8 months - loved it ! Brought a house for just over £25,000 !! Auckland isn`t `real` NZ and it is London type prices, so dont bother (stay their for a while tho..) I fell in love with the lower S Island - it truely is a beautiful place with people who really do care

Answer 6

Kia ora,
I live in the far south of the South Island, and all the above answers make valid points. I chose this part of the country because I like open spaces, cheap living and cool weather.

Answer 7

ok im a nz girl lived absaloutally everywere pick nz and youll love it my fave places are wellington and auckland for bigger citys but smaller ones are better wid famialys like newplymouth and rotorua! email me and i can give u advice iff u need it [e-mail]