chris955

Yeah we have family there, doing very well too. Having said that like Australia it seems to have become a very expensive place to live in recent times. I went years ago and loved it, beautiful countryside and friendly people.

BadgeIsBack

We want to fly to CC and then drive to the ski fields in the south - a good way of seeing the country. Also on my bucket list is the Technical Mountaineering course on Mt Cook? - I believe. The qualification is recognised in Australia and would be of use to me down the track.

Not having lived - or visited, it seems people complain about similar things in Australia vs New Zealand and yet some people seem to think one edges another or is a lot better.

I always used to think they had to be similar countries but that was long before I even headed down south. But back then, I couldn't even distinquish the accents!

RedDragon2008

Bb experiences are different being it was south island west coast from what I recall.

Our recent experience in the north island has been different again.

More income less outgoings than oz.
Quicker commute in time, but further distance and mode.
Schooling appears higher standard based on my observations.
I forgot about local calls being free, the Abundance of free WiFi. Hills and greenery

bourbon-biscuit

I have a lifetime pass, live just over an hour away and go as often as time permits. It is a very special place. It changes so much depending on the weather and time of year! Did you do the entire walk, right to the end?

Disagree. The well known views of the south island are more dramatic, granted, but the north island geothermal landscape is so unique. Then there's the Coromandel, which is ridiculous in its beauty, ditto the bay of islands. I also really like the north island bush, which is very different from the south island. I like them both but I disagree that the south island pisses on the north island. Tho, my husband did the ball pass on the SI in 2001 and says that was one of the best experiences of his life (apart from meeting me, naturally ).

I get that Did you find kerosene creek? Or, if sitting in a hot stream in the bush is a bit freaky, there's the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. If not, you'll just have to go back ...

Relax At Kerosene Creek Rotorua

scrubbedexpat098

ah yes done the walk to the end, wasn't going to miss it, an incredible place, honestly felt we were gonna walk into the gates of Hell, no wonder the devil features such alot in the naming of springs. Next time I'm taking an egg to boil lol. The colours in the water and rock formations were fascinating

Never did the spa or kerosine creek, so it looks like we'll be heading back

How lucky are you to be living is such a beautiful place, I'm really quite envious, even though it pongs a bit lol

bourbon-biscuit

I'm an hour away in pong-free Cambridge But yes, I do consider proximity to the geothermal areas a real draw. On the rare times when he is off in the week, my husband and I can get to the spa for a soak between school drop off and pick up - nothing more relaxing on a winter's day