Justcol

If you want nice places, personally I don't think you can beat Cambridge in the Waikato
Its got everything except a beach. Its a lovely , friendly place, nice houses,
great schools, awesome sports facilities, pubs , bars, restaurants, cafes.
Of course I'm biased, I live here, and I don't know how it would suit you for work opportunities
Another place I'd visit is Tauranga, again a lovely place with a fabulous beach.

chriskillick

I have just sent off my initial application as there is an intake for Electronic Technician coming up. Mainly aimed at NikkiJane88 really as in the same situation. 10 year point and no real ties to stay in; new pay scale, no pension commitment etc. Is there any advice you can offer? or is it just a case of see how it goes?

nikkijane88

Hey! It's definitely a step by step process. It can be lengthy but at the same time worth looking ahead to if it does go to plan. It's a big change to make but we wouldn't change any of it

Mark Smith

On your way down from Picton have a stop at the Ohau waterfall walk, see if you can spot some baby seals Ohau Stream Walk: Walking and tramping in Okiwi Bay - Half Moon Bay area Kaikoura for lunch, a friend owns the bakery there and they make a mean pie. Divert to Hanmer Springs for a night? Otherwise plenty to see in the rebuild here in Christchurch.

Bobogib

I'll have to stop in at the bakery. I'll tell your friend you sent me. Thanks for the tip on the Ohau walk, will look into it. My kids will definitely enjoy looking for seals.

Woodlea

Ohau Waterfall walk closed due to aggressive male seals and newborn pups | Stuff.co.nz

Not sure if it has re-opened yet?

I love Kaikoura, stay on the Esplanade and do the walk round the headland, gives great views back over the Seaward Kaikoura range

Bobogib

That looks amazing. What a view. Thanks for the info. We will only be passing through Kaikoura, but are aiming to spend a few hours there walking. We were hoping to go out on a boat, but we are struggling as we will have a 4 month old baby with us.

Quick question about open houses, we have got 5 days in Christchurch and it is an aim of mine to try and get some house viewings, just to gauge what the houses will be like given our budget (yes I know the housing market can be volatile and anything can happen), can you just turn up at open houses or do you have to ring the agent first? I know it's probably a stupid question but it's not something I have ever come across before.

Mark Smith

We've just always turned up. This might be useful: Trade Me Property - Open homes in Christchurch City

MrsFychan

Open Homes are designed that you just turn up at the given day and time. this is usually at weekends as means the owner has less disruption and knows when they need to be out of the house.
Open homes are usually held from anything for 40 minutes to an hour - usually dependent on how many homes the agent has to show that day. be aware that the agent more than likely will ask you to leave if times gets on as they could possibly have only 15 minutes to get to and prepare the next home for showing.

I would suggest you pop into an agency and ask to speak to an agent and get them to show you details of properties in the area and also ask them some back ground information on the area. Then go see another one and do the same. We got friendly with an agent that we got on with and found once we were in a position to buy he would call us immediately after the agents had been through the property if he thought it would suit us so that we had the option to be one of the first through and before it got advertised on the net.

Be aware it is up to you to sort out due diligence on any property. When you do come to view and possibly offer on a property I would suggest if you have the time to pop to the local council and ask to see any information of the property - this may have a slight cost if you want it in DVD. Also ask about any upcoming projects in the area. The estate agent only has to tell you about any information if they personally know about it, some find out about things some don't.
Also be aware that turn around of purchase is a lot quicker over here: contracts become legal after no more than 15 working days. Within that time you would need to get any building reports, LIM report, which the Solicitor will obtain for you - this can take up to 10working days to arrive, so always ask for the maximum 15days if you can. and for you to get finances in place. Once the 15 days is up if no problems have shown up and you have not found anything to allow you to pull out of the offer you are legally bound to carry on with the purchase. Move in date could be anytime from the 15working day date or an agreed date after that time.

Bobogib

Wow. Nothing like the 3 months plus we have to put up with over here. Thanks for the info, lots to consider. If we don't get chance to view anything I'll definitely be after speaking to a few agents. Thanks again.

Stormer999

When buying a house in Chch you start with the ground it sits on TC1,TC2,TC3 etc...this a big factor on the price of the property...
Overview of TC1, TC2 and TC3 technical categories | Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority

Bobogib

Is that something the agent would know, or something that would be the responsibility of the buyer to look into?

Stormer999

The estate agent will know so you can set your parameters when asking to view.......
CERA online maps | Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority

Land adjacent to water tends to be more affected.

To save confusing you the City land is divided into either Green or Red Zones....the big red bits will never be suitable for residential dwellings, the Green Zones are then sub divided int TC1,2,3 etc TC1 being best condition TC2,TC3 requiring extra foundation work incase of another big bang. Generally West and North of the City centre is where the majority of TC1 land will be found.

gaz1277

www.trademe.co.nz has loads of jobs/houses/open homes etc to look at.As a qualified mechanic, there is always a job going at the COF/WOF centre's (UK MOT)around the country, but that depends if you want be a vehicle inspector whilst you look around for other things. I know of a few guys (ex Army REME) coming out and trying there look until their family joins them after a couple of months.I too was in the 'pension trap' when I came out here the 1st time to look around, had the HR chat with the NZDF in Wellington etc, but considered it too much of a salary difference (was $3 to 1 pound back then).Seek, nzherald, local paper websites and dare I say it - recruitment agencies are all good starters for jobs around the area you want to settle. I jumped in to Dunedin, was lucky to get a good job with a good employer, and never looked back.Good luck - if you need any info, give me a shout (I live next door to an ex Rock Ape, so together we should be able to answer most things)

Bobogib

Thanks for all the replies.

Currently in Wellington and my wife and I have really liked what we have seen.

Still not found quite the right area to settle, but have only seen so little.

Got the ferry this afternoon so our south island adventure starts tomorrow. I'll write a proper reply when I get home.