Re: A move to NZ
 

yes

Re: A move to NZ
 

Please Google, 'Transmission Gully' in Wellington for the same reason.

Re: A move to NZ
 

Kapiti Expressway is the bit through Kapiti itself. Transmission Gully is MacKays Crossing to Linden. That is, from Kapiti towards Wellington.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/transmission-gully/

Re: A move to NZ
 

That's a serious amount of roading... 6 years of building (ouch).

*opens up possibility of Dunedin and starts hunting* :D

Re: A move to NZ
 

:D

Either that, or bring your own shovel !

Re: A move to NZ
 

Hi jodaid - I moved from Manchester to Wellington just about a year ago.

It is true that it is windy, very windy. But from my experience, the weather is consistently warmer than the UK, but can seem a little rainy in the winter months.

For kids, it is an ideal place to bring up a family and the way of life is very relaxed.

One thing I would say, it can be quite expensive - but I don't know if that is an NZ thing in general but the price of milk and tomatoes horrifies me!

Happy to answer any questions you have...

Re: A move to NZ
 

You just had to do it didn't you ? Mention the price of tomatoes in NZ in August !

Here's hoping this thread can stay on topic despite the, 'firestarters' of the price of things.

Re: A move to NZ
 

I went crazy and bought a tomato the other day. It is winter you know. Sheesh. What else do you expect? You're supposed to buy stuff IN SEASON! lol

At lease they still taste amazing. :)

I love love love it. Prices are what they are. Once you get over that, you're away.

Re: A move to NZ
 

In defence of Wellington and earthquakes.

Whilst there has been some recent activity in the Wellington region, lets be clear that much of new Zealand straddles the Pacific / Australian plate boundary.

This runs right through NZ (both islands) and as a result there are many active faults capable of generating decent earthquakes. Save for the very top of the north island, most places can experience activity.

I had never experienced them until I got here and it was certainly an eye opener :eek:. You can't predict how it affects you until you experience it. But I wouldn't move cause we love it too much. So don't let it put you off Welly, its all part of what makes NZ such an amazing place.

Just do a bit of reading and come with eyes open in this respect. And hey - good luck!

Re: A move to NZ
 

Hi there,

It depends on what you want from life exactly. I live in Southland, and whereas it isn't normally a tourist destination I like it because I am close to beaches, and ski slopes, both of which I could visit on the same day if I wanted to.

I have Queenstown, Dunedin, wanaka, and the Catlins all close by, and the small town feel is something I really like. I can get what I need, or order it online (often from the UK which is cheaper!) plus, I have the only velodrome!

Re: A move to NZ
 

Thanks all, this has really been quite useful to us and has had us looking at areas we never really considered before. Wellington does look good, but then so do a lot of places. We are still researching, but the house is on the market now :D

Let the job hunt begin!

Oh and just out of curiousity... how much are tomatoes? ;)

Re: A move to NZ
 

EXPENSIVE (till they come back in season!)

Re: A move to NZ
 

I bought 4 large tomatoes the other day, they cost just over $4. I think they were $9.99 a kilo.

Much much cheaper in summer/autumn though and I grow lots of them at home too.

Re: A move to NZ
 

And I've no idea why that posted twice and don't know how to delete it!

Re: A move to NZ
 

So, avoid out of season goodies... got it :D