icklepickle

What did people do on fact finding visits - is it better to treat it like a holiday and try to get a feel for the place or is it better to check out as much as possible.

These are things in particular that I think might be worth doing but wonder if it is overkill.

1) Look at houses (open day type arrangements)
2) Look at schools/nurseries
3) Arrange interviews with job agencies to see whether they think we are suitable candidates for employment.

Fact finding aside I have seen that you can swim with dolphins at various places around the coutry, is this a suitable actiivity in mid winter and it is suitable for young children.

Are there any other must do's (holiday or fact finding).

Regards

icklepickle

2 more as well.

. does NZ have laundrettes in the major cities
. can anyone recommend an ISP because I will need to run my online shop while I am over there.

Many thanks,

gOD

iHug or iConz were the big ones when I was there...

gOD

Yep, but you might have to travel a bit further.

gOD

Make sure you get a good idea about the prices as well of everything you will need over there. Sounds like a washing machine might be one. Personally, I would buy it over there and just take anything old or sentimental that you want to keep. In terms of TV's WM's etc, I wouldn't really bother.

xpat19

[QUOTE]Originally posted by icklepickle Hi - It's probably more practical to get a general idea on prices and availability of stuff, and maybe check out some different areas as houses and schools can all be looked at on line. we did find that all the schools we looked at once we moved here were very welcoming and the head more than happy to show us round.
If you are hoping to rent initaily a lot of houses have washing machine and other white goods included and if you're staying in a motel they also have their own washing facilities so you may not have to worry about a launderette !
We came on our fact finding mission in May and went swimming with the dolphins in Auckland - it was a very hot calm day, a fantastic experience you have to be able to confidently swim the length of the boat to be allowed in the water. It may be a bit cold in the winter but I beleive they provide you with a wet suit if its cold although I think there are more whales than dolphins around at this time of year

xpat19

[QUOTE]Originally posted by icklepickle
2 more as well.

. does NZ have laundrettes in the major cities
. can anyone recommend an ISP because I will need to run my online shop while I am over there.

Many thanks,
Slingshot are very good - $16.99 a month for unlimited use

icklepickle

Thanks Chaps, most helpful.