zummerzet_lou

Howdy,

Plans are re-forming for our arrivial in New Zealand on 13th August.

We were hoping to secure a job offer prior to arrival, but nothing seems to be happening so we are now going where we've always fancied .. Christchurch.

So, what is the likelyhood of me finding working in Christchurch as a software engineer? Anyone know of any jobs going? (Have been trawling tademe and it.seek like a mad woman!)

Also, how does this sound like an itinery / journey?
Auckland - 7 nights
Rotorua - 3 nights
Palmerston North - 1 night
Picton/Blenheim - 1 night
Arrive and stay at Christchurch ....

paulst30

I had a look on Seek too, i'm in network support, and at the time there was 162 IT jobs on for ChCh so i'm sure if you were there you'd get something, and being a software engineer your skills could go to good use there

Ahhh wish it was me leaving so soon hahaha

ErikR

What's up with skipping Wellington? Geesh you don't know what you're missing! (seriously, Wellington is well worth spending a day or two.)

In NZ it's not what you know, but WHO you know. Definitely contact a good recruiter, who can use his personal connections to find you a good job. Quality developers with good experience are definitely in demand - but going through a recruiter helps alot in getting your CV under the attention of the right person, at the right employer.

zummerzet_lou

Thanks ... on your say so then, will spend a night in Wellington, and then do you think if we caught an early ferry, could do Welly to christchurch in a day?

Am thinking we could explore North of christchurch at our leisure ??

alanmacc

Hi Lou

You could to the trip from Welly to Chch in a day no probs, its about a 5 hour drive to picton, taking it pretty easy, and you will pass through the touristy places anywaly like Kiakoura, well worth a stop for the seal colony.

Hudson in Chch might be a good bet for recruiters, got me a job in purchasing within 2 days of contacting them

Dustybin

I'd move from Auckland quicker and go to waitomo and possible Taupo, but thats just me. Enjoy the ride!

zummerzet_lou

We have a place already booked in auckland for the week .. we have to be there anyway to collect our dog whom arrives a couple days after we do, and I have a couple of face-to-face interviews.

Not that I really want to end up in Auckland, but need a job asap.

CAN2NZ

I read your post. We did much the same. We had decided that Christchurch is where we wanted to be and so went and then got jobs. I can't understand why you have one night planned in PN. I travel there often and am not sure why anyone lives there.

zummerzet_lou

hmmm ..

bearing in mind we have 2 young children and a dog, what would be a good plan then to get to christchurch quick-ish, but without long stretches of driving?

Day 1: Auckland -> Taupo
Day 2: Taupo -> Wellington
Day 3: Wellington-> XCH

CAN2NZ

I like your second Itinerary. You will find that you will have a full day from Wellington to Chch as you will be on the ferry then driving. However, it is doable. You may find if it is getting late that it is reasonable to stop at Kaikora (sorry for the spelling). There are a few motels there to choose from and a grocery store. You could give the kids a break there and see the seals the next day then a nice easy drive into Chch the next day. I have heard from a work mate though that the drive down the west coast through Lewis pass is quicker, but there has been bad weather with snow up there so you may find you prefer the east coast route. I don't know what the time savings is on the other route, but it may only be something less than an hour.

I am sure you will find it nice drive.

zummerzet_lou

Cool - thanks so much guys - todays mission the is for me to find some cheap dog friendly accomodation in Taupo and Wellington then :-)

Ferry, I am thinking of the Bluebridge Ferry as is $100 cheaper!

ErikR

I've only used the Interislander but that was pretty good too and ferry was included in the rental price with Apex. (I booked a special North + South deal for the car and we got the ferry crossing for free).

Bear in mind that dogs are not allowed in the Wellington CBD and finding dog-friendly accomodation (as in a hotel or motel) might be a bit of an issue. Finding a rental house with a dog seems problematic (you'll often see "No pets allowed" on the trademe ads) but with the current economic situation and the stagnating real estate market, I've found it relatively easy to pursuade land lords and/or real estate agencies to allow our elderly well-behaved dog. Agreeing to a higher bond or an additional "pet bond" or raising the rental price a bit (an extra $100 a month) often does wonders.