Leaving Auckland...
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Purrball, it's just been an accumulation of one bad thing after another. Individually it doesn't seem like a big deal but once it all starts piling up, you suddenly realise you don't want to live like that. Which is why we are hoping a change of scenery helps. We're country folk and the big city just doesn't suit us.
#17
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 2,201
Re: Leaving Auckland...
[QUOTE=MegMac;11775271]We've been in Auckland just over a year and have tried really hard to make it work here. But it's time to throw up out hands in defeat and move on. However before we head back to the UK we are going to give it one more go and move to another part of NZ. That way we can be sure we tried our absolute hardest if we do go back. We are planning a month long trip round NZ and will be trying to pinpoint potential places to move to. Husband is very keen on the South Island but having just endured a "mild" Auckland winter, which has truly been the most unpleasant winter I've ever endured, I'd prefer to stay up North. So any suggestions for places we should be checking out?Can't help with suggestions as in the UK, but I wish you well and think that you are making the right decision. There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere you aren't keen on and given the upheaval involved in moving in the first place, it makes sense to make sure you have exhausted all options. Husband will be working from home so work isn't an issue, although a good internet connection is a must.I'm desperate for an area that has a great community and where people are generally friendly and welcoming.We need to be near a nice school, I'm not concerned about decile or it being the best school around. Just one that is welcoming . One thing I must have, is I must be near the sea. I miss living by the sea so much its driving me crazy, I hate not being walking/hearing distance from the sea. If anyone has any suggestions that would be great. Our move to Auckland has just about been the worst decision we have ever made and we are just desperately trying to salvage something out of this disaster.
I can't help with areas as I'm in the UK, but I think you are wise to explore more before deciding to return to the UK and I wish you luck.
I can't help with areas as I'm in the UK, but I think you are wise to explore more before deciding to return to the UK and I wish you luck.
#18
Re: Leaving Auckland...
It's not clear what you've not liked about Auckland, besides the traffic, which if you're working from home shouldn't be much of an issue.
Having said you found the Auckland winter bad, I think you can pretty much discount whole the South Island, and pretty much most of the North too. As to be honest Auckland winters are pretty mild, and only inside does it become depressing if you've not got a decently heated home.
Notwithstanding that places to consider would be Bay of Islands, say Keri Keri, or the Coromandel, both great areas if you're able to work from home. Also I'd guess Tauranga too and Bay of Plenty. Inland though it can get properly cold in winter.
Having said you found the Auckland winter bad, I think you can pretty much discount whole the South Island, and pretty much most of the North too. As to be honest Auckland winters are pretty mild, and only inside does it become depressing if you've not got a decently heated home.
Notwithstanding that places to consider would be Bay of Islands, say Keri Keri, or the Coromandel, both great areas if you're able to work from home. Also I'd guess Tauranga too and Bay of Plenty. Inland though it can get properly cold in winter.
He doesn't work from home at the moment, but the company he works for have kept on 2 employees this past year that have moved away from Auckland and they now work remotely.
He has been looking into the possiblility of working remotely since then and it seems to be ok with his boss. So he can only work from home once we move away.
Like many people who come to NZ we thought Auckland would be an exciting new adventure. We've lived in a number of different countries and Auckland was just another place to add to the list. I don't want to spend the whole post whinging but traffic, cold houses, the lack of community, my children being unhappy and the cost of housing are the primary reasons we want to leave.
We came over with a not insignificant deposit for a house and hubby earns a very comfortable salary but to try and buy a warm, decent home here we need to take out an astronomical mortgage. We just aren't prepared to over extend ourselves that much for a home that isn't even nice. We viewed roughly 80+ houses since we have arrived and there was only one that we liked and that was overlooked by that joyous Auckland feature, the electric pylon.
Like I said before, many little things, that individually aren't a big deal but together are just frustrating.
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 450
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Check out Papamoa near Tauranga. Great surf beach with houses backing onto the dunes and a large Brit expat community. Getting expensive now too though. Plus sunny climate.
#20
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Having said you found the Auckland winter bad, I think you can pretty much discount whole the South Island, and pretty much most of the North too. As to be honest Auckland winters are pretty mild, and only inside does it become depressing if you've not got a decently heated home.
I second Dunedin.
Husband was offered a job in Auckland and we came over on a work visa. Auckland was our only option.
Like many people who come to NZ we thought Auckland would be an exciting new adventure. We've lived in a number of different countries and Auckland was just another place to add to the list. I don't want to spend the whole post whinging but traffic, cold houses, the lack of community, my children being unhappy and the cost of housing are the primary reasons we want to leave.
We came over with a not insignificant deposit for a house and hubby earns a very comfortable salary but to try and buy a warm, decent home here we need to take out an astronomical mortgage. We just aren't prepared to over extend ourselves that much for a home that isn't even nice. We viewed roughly 80+ houses since we have arrived and there was only one that we liked and that was overlooked by that joyous Auckland feature, the electric pylon.
Like many people who come to NZ we thought Auckland would be an exciting new adventure. We've lived in a number of different countries and Auckland was just another place to add to the list. I don't want to spend the whole post whinging but traffic, cold houses, the lack of community, my children being unhappy and the cost of housing are the primary reasons we want to leave.
We came over with a not insignificant deposit for a house and hubby earns a very comfortable salary but to try and buy a warm, decent home here we need to take out an astronomical mortgage. We just aren't prepared to over extend ourselves that much for a home that isn't even nice. We viewed roughly 80+ houses since we have arrived and there was only one that we liked and that was overlooked by that joyous Auckland feature, the electric pylon.
If it's not for you and you head back to the UK, all the best
#21
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Yeah come on down to visit Dunedin, everyone else on here seems to be heading this way so come join the party. If you can get a well built house here winter won't be a problem. You've mentioned internet speeds being important, well we have the fastest internet speeds in the world (almost), our download is normally around 900 Mbps and uploads around 900 Mbps, Dunedin is the Gigatown.
Me and JustCol had a good couple of hours sat outside a boozer in town, he has fallen in love with the city.
Me and JustCol had a good couple of hours sat outside a boozer in town, he has fallen in love with the city.
#22
Re: Leaving Auckland...
We all know that at the outset people need to be where their work is. For most everyone , that will be near a city or a sizeable town.
We did nearly two years in a house that was not ancient and had been built lovingly by the owner. He loved that house. It had no heating. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Just a calor gas heater. Something we didn't notice when we viewed the house to rent. Madness I know but we just didn't see there was no heating of any sort. We did manage but it isn't something I'd want to do again. Even my parents old 1960's council house was warmer and all that had was an open fire and a cooker in the kitchen.
I don't know about Auckland winters but the weather up there never sounds that good TBH.
I would echo the others that it is a quality idea to try another area of NZ. I'd also say that they stand every chance of managing winters in other parts of New Zealand.
Nelson and Bays also has mild winters. No snow on the ground but you can access skiing just two hours away. I'd echo garethwm about the Tauranga area. That also is a quality area IMVHO.
The villages around Nelson area do have good community vibes. Plenty of family orientated clubs and activities.
However, I think Dunedin may well be the city of choice. Not out on a limb , like Nelson. Larger than Nelson and has diversity around it. one could afford a quality home and then simply enjoy the seasons.
We did nearly two years in a house that was not ancient and had been built lovingly by the owner. He loved that house. It had no heating. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Just a calor gas heater. Something we didn't notice when we viewed the house to rent. Madness I know but we just didn't see there was no heating of any sort. We did manage but it isn't something I'd want to do again. Even my parents old 1960's council house was warmer and all that had was an open fire and a cooker in the kitchen.
I don't know about Auckland winters but the weather up there never sounds that good TBH.
I would echo the others that it is a quality idea to try another area of NZ. I'd also say that they stand every chance of managing winters in other parts of New Zealand.
Nelson and Bays also has mild winters. No snow on the ground but you can access skiing just two hours away. I'd echo garethwm about the Tauranga area. That also is a quality area IMVHO.
The villages around Nelson area do have good community vibes. Plenty of family orientated clubs and activities.
However, I think Dunedin may well be the city of choice. Not out on a limb , like Nelson. Larger than Nelson and has diversity around it. one could afford a quality home and then simply enjoy the seasons.
#23
Re: Leaving Auckland...
I haven't shared this is maybe ten years or so.
Our first rental in the village where we now live.
Taken in the summer of 2004
Attachment 122896
and then again in the winter of 2015 with our ambient heating solution
Our first rental in the village where we now live.
Taken in the summer of 2004
Attachment 122896
and then again in the winter of 2015 with our ambient heating solution
Spoiler:
#24
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Hmmm, I'd have to disagree. I suspect the OP has been in a crap house and so the winter will have seemed unbelievably bad, even compared with Britain. You have to do a winter in NZ's crappest houses to know what this is really like: huddling round an unflued gas fire, mopping the water off everything, damp bed, freezing cold - it really proper gets you down. But the problem is compounded in Auckland because of the overheated housing market which means that even middle income families will struggle to get an up-to-standard home. However, if this family moves to Dunedin (wonderful city, has fibre bb too) they will almost certianly be able to afford a beautiful well insulated, well heated home and although the winters will be longer, they won't feel like it.
I second Dunedin.
I'm sorry you've had it rough and it's OK, you shouldn't feel the need to answer comments like "why Auckland" etc. Try another city/ area before you head back tho, if even for just six months. I second Dunedin - excellent schooling, beaches in abundance, wildlife (rare for most of NZ), and just a proper Kiwi feel about it. If you've only lived in Auckland then you probably haven't yet known what it is to be welcomed into a quintessentially Kiwi community. Also, it is a city without the grind-you-down density issues of most cities. Fly down and visit the city
If it's not for you and you head back to the UK, all the best
I second Dunedin.
I'm sorry you've had it rough and it's OK, you shouldn't feel the need to answer comments like "why Auckland" etc. Try another city/ area before you head back tho, if even for just six months. I second Dunedin - excellent schooling, beaches in abundance, wildlife (rare for most of NZ), and just a proper Kiwi feel about it. If you've only lived in Auckland then you probably haven't yet known what it is to be welcomed into a quintessentially Kiwi community. Also, it is a city without the grind-you-down density issues of most cities. Fly down and visit the city
If it's not for you and you head back to the UK, all the best
We've had the humidifier and heaters going at all hours through the winter. My belongings have been destroyed by mould and the condensation on the windows has been a nightmare.
The plan was to build our own place to decent heating standards. However when you are looking at $600 000 for a tiny 700m2 section that is next to a motorway and is underneath an electrical pylon it's just ridiculous. I know some people are prepared to spend that kind of money, we just aren't.
#25
Loves Australia
Joined: Apr 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 46
Re: Leaving Auckland...
We've been in Auckland just over a year and have tried really hard to make it work here. But it's time to throw up out hands in defeat and move on.
However before we head back to the UK we are going to give it one more go and move to another part of NZ. That way we can be sure we tried our absolute hardest if we do go back.
We are planning a month long trip round NZ and will be trying to pinpoint potential places to move to. Husband is very keen on the South Island but having just endured a "mild" Auckland winter, which has truly been the most unpleasant winter I've ever endured, I'd prefer to stay up North.
So any suggestions for places we should be checking out?
Husband will be working from home so work isn't an issue, although a good internet connection is a must.
I'm desperate for an area that has a great community and where people are generally friendly and welcoming.
We need to be near a nice school, I'm not concerned about decile or it being the best school around. Just one that is welcoming .
One thing I must have, is I must be near the sea. I miss living by the sea so much its driving me crazy, I hate not being walking/hearing distance from the sea.
If anyone has any suggestions that would be great. Our move to Auckland has just about been the worst decision we have ever made and we are just desperately trying to salvage something out of this disaster.
However before we head back to the UK we are going to give it one more go and move to another part of NZ. That way we can be sure we tried our absolute hardest if we do go back.
We are planning a month long trip round NZ and will be trying to pinpoint potential places to move to. Husband is very keen on the South Island but having just endured a "mild" Auckland winter, which has truly been the most unpleasant winter I've ever endured, I'd prefer to stay up North.
So any suggestions for places we should be checking out?
Husband will be working from home so work isn't an issue, although a good internet connection is a must.
I'm desperate for an area that has a great community and where people are generally friendly and welcoming.
We need to be near a nice school, I'm not concerned about decile or it being the best school around. Just one that is welcoming .
One thing I must have, is I must be near the sea. I miss living by the sea so much its driving me crazy, I hate not being walking/hearing distance from the sea.
If anyone has any suggestions that would be great. Our move to Auckland has just about been the worst decision we have ever made and we are just desperately trying to salvage something out of this disaster.
You've done the hard yards, now have some FUN in life
#26
Loves Australia
Joined: Apr 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 46
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Anyway. I'm off now.
Just passed by to see if anything has changed in NZ since I left (where there's life there's hope). It hasn't.
Great to call in and catch up with you all.
All the best.
p.s. remember rule 1, 2 and 3.
Just passed by to see if anything has changed in NZ since I left (where there's life there's hope). It hasn't.
Great to call in and catch up with you all.
All the best.
p.s. remember rule 1, 2 and 3.
#29
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Hmmm, I'd have to disagree. I suspect the OP has been in a crap house and so the winter will have seemed unbelievably bad, even compared with Britain. You have to do a winter in NZ's crappest houses to know what this is really like: huddling round an unflued gas fire, mopping the water off everything, damp bed, freezing cold - it really proper gets you down. But the problem is compounded in Auckland because of the overheated housing market which means that even middle income families will struggle to get an up-to-standard home. However, if this family moves to Dunedin (wonderful city, has fibre bb too) they will almost certianly be able to afford a beautiful well insulated, well heated home and although the winters will be longer, they won't feel like it. I second Dunedin. I'm sorry you've had it rough and it's OK, you shouldn't feel the need to answer comments like "why Auckland" etc. Try another city/ area before you head back tho, if even for just six months. I second Dunedin - excellent schooling, beaches in abundance, wildlife (rare for most of NZ), and just a proper Kiwi feel about it. If you've only lived in Auckland then you probably haven't yet known what it is to be welcomed into a quintessentially Kiwi community. Also, it is a city without the grind-you-down density issues of most cities. Fly down and visit the city If it's not for you and you head back to the UK, all the best
#30
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 450
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Plenty of good suggestions here. I think a lot depends on what you can afford in terms of housing. A town of say 20000 people might afford you a house for around the 300k mark. That might include say Te Awamutu in the Waikato, though thats not by the sea. But at least it will get you on the property ladder. Whangarei in the so called winterless north is another place to look.