Alicia151

Hi there I’m new to this expat site and moving to newzealand in January next year... from England
Moving with partner and two young children.
For people that have moved with family’s already how did you find it? Kids too?
Best bits? Worst bits? Best place for family’s?
Thanks Alicia

Justcol

I think the tiny village where I live in Otago is the best place for kids, others will think their suburb of Auckland is better. Its like asking where is the best place for them in the UK ??

Where are you thinking of settling when you get here, that'll help us to answer

Alicia151

Thanks for reply, my parents are in Hamilton atm and more then likely will be getting jobs near Auckland but I don’t know where to start! Not keen on living in a city...
How long have you lived in nz? Did you settle well?

Justcol

This is my 10th year here and after the usually bouts of homesickness I settled in OK. Its home, I love it and don't think I could live in the UK again.
I settled in Cambridge just outside of Hamilton and enjoyed my time there. Unfortunately the town changed and grew so much I decided to leave as it didn't suite anymore. I still have friends there with young families and its a great place to raise kids.
Hamilton is an OK place, its got everything you could need, is an hour and half from Auckland on a weekend, double that for commuting. If you have fans in Hams I'm guessing youll want somewhere between there and aux. Be warned that is a very expensive stretch of road so take a look on trademe and realestatenz to gauge house prices. Personally I wouldn't I go within a million miles of any of the south Auckland suburbs, let alone consider raising kids there but I'm sure others will disagree.
NZ is a fabulous place to raise kids. Its nothing like the UK.

inkedneonurse

Ive only been here 5 months, we live in flagstaff 20 mins outside the tron CBD, everytone takes the mick out of Hamilton ( i mean the place still has a video shop lol) but i like it and our local schools are great. The new expressway to Akl goes past our front door l,which may be interesting,have much in the UK so can honestly say no homesickness. The only things i miss is Hobgolin and trooper ales....sorry Good George but you just dont cut it and a decent curry. my good lady misses decent back bacon.

Justcol

We all miss bacon

I was lucky, I could still get a decent pint of Boddingtons when I was In Cambridge or a dodgy pint of Guinness at Bidddy Mulligans on Victoria St

Clappy

Freedom Farms produce Back Bacon which is available in some (not all) supermarkets. It has the claim 'Fancy English Style' on the label.

I miss a decent curry too - most 'Indian' restaurants here present a terrible attempt to replicate what would be presented in the UK . Having said that there are two restaurants in Auckland that produce 'fancy' Indian food that is spectacular (not the same as a British curry - better).

Back on-topic, I don't have kids so can't help with that.

Alicia151

Have been doing a lot of research as parents are not keen on Hamilton so would possible be moving too...
Also the prices in Auckland...even Suburbs are shocking 😂

Alicia151

Haha brilliant, Yes not overly keen on Hamilton looking around surrounding areas ...
All very confusing so thank god for this site

simonsi

But why would they be trying to emulate a UK curry? The UK is well-known for having a much hotter curry market than India...

Bolliwood in Auckland is pretty good, either restaurant or takeaway but you have to be prepared to lift the ordered spice level a notch or two if that is what you want.

Clappy

I tried to avoid describing a British curry as 'Indian Food'. A British curry is a British version but since this is a forum for British expats I would expect it to be the version most are familiar with.

In a New Zealand regular Indian restaurant the menu has the same dishes* that would be seen in a British Indian restaurant but when they are served they have little heat.

*With the exception that I don't ever recall seeing 'Butter Chicken' as an option on a menu in the UK.

bearskin

Cassia in Britomart?
I do also like Paradise in Sandringham Rd.

But, if you have time to stop when passing through Paeroa for a feed - Kumars is indeed 'something special'. Spectacular.

Damson

[QUOTE=Justcol;12460199]We all miss bacon


You could treat yourself:


https://www.britishcornershop.co.uk/...?action=search


for your birthday maybe?