Originally Posted by 127luton

Come on guys ...NZ isn't that bad! ... I love driving to work past beautiful scenery... And am at work in a flash! ( due to lack of traffic) it's a lot less stressful here IMO .. And at times we do miss our family... But Skype a lot and that helps! Anyway that's my two penny's worth for the moment!
B. x

Originally Posted by PobnPooky

As I'm new and have only just really started looking at moving to NZ this thread has been very interesting. I know what every one is saying about personal opinion being key to this question but its good to hear what everyone feels as already a couple of things have been mentioned that I perhaps wouldnt have thought of or that concern me... Poison dropping being one, whats all that about? Friendships is a concern as is the cost of tomatoes...what can i say, i love them both.

Please keep the comments coming, i think its great and it helps those of us that are thinking about it be objective. Thank for your honesty though, emigrating isnt an easy decision but admitting the place has faults isnt necessarily any easier.

Originally Posted by Chick-a-dee

I've been a long time lurker on the verge of emigrating to Canada a few years ago, but didn't. For the last year or so I've really been looking at NZ instead. I've been out there a few times and loved it, but holidaying and actually living there on a day to day basis are very different.

For me, the UK has massively gone downhill in the last 5 years or so. The crime is bad, the costs are high and the standards are declining. Don't even get me started on the weather! Looking on here, those that have made the move to NZ seem to be on a bit of a downer about it and TBH I can't see how it can be any worse than the UK is right now. From what I've read, I get the impression that people who had a large circle of friends and an active social life in the UK are the ones that are the unhappiest, as they have been unable to recreate that in NZ - however, that's just my perception.

Please can those who have regretted the move advise why they feel the way they do, as from my few visits to NZ I fail to see how it can be so bad.

Originally Posted by Ray and Debbie

I'm spending as much on cheaper petrol here that I spent on petrol in Britain. This is because I have to fill the petrol tank of my 1500cc Mazda here in NZ every six days not every 3 weeks like I did for the 1800cc Golf in Britain.

Originally Posted by BEVS

I never realised

Top tip indeedy so thanks for that.

Originally Posted by barnsleymat

Here's a tip for you, my cousin who's a mechanic told me about it. Don't ever fill up your car with that 91 petrol, it's low grade lawnmower fuel. They don't sell 91 in the UK as it's garbage, it's cheaper but modern car engines have to use more of it to get the same results. If you fill up with 95 your car engine management system will notice the difference and use loads less as you're driving about. 95 is a bit more expensive but in the long run you'll save money, we certainly noticed a difference.

Originally Posted by Robbie2010

If your mechanic cuz told you this then he aint much of a mechanic and does not know what he's talking about!

If your engine is designed to run on 91 then your wasting money using 95!

If you have a high performance car use 95!

P.S.

Japan's "regular" petrol is 89ron!

Originally Posted by Bo-Jangles

I have been reading this board for years and never really gotten this impression from anyone here. Everyone usually cites those old cliches about coming here for a simpler, slower pace of life and for the sake of their kids. Unfortunately we know not what we wish for, as you can't imagine what that means in any tangible way when it is 24/7 for 52 weeks of the year.

The slow pace, she'll be right, mediocre take it or leave it pace of life will get to you if you are not that way inclined already. If you have a bit of pace about you and are a busy 'doing' person with a busy and active mind, who needs to do stuff and get things done then this place will drive you insane.

The shortness of money generally and financial tightness is a big constraint that wears me down. The lack of spontaneity, having to weigh up all the options of affordability drive me bonkers. If you want to invite some friends to go out for a meal, you feel obliged to pick somewhere cheap, or from the entertainment book, there's always debate about the costs, specials, coupons who is paying for what and splitting of hairs over bills or whether we're bringing things. Please can we just go out and do something without having to take all these things into consideration or pack a friggin bag of supplies.


The feeling of being trapped here is immense for me and not being able to get away on holidays for guaranteed sunshine breaks that don't involve catering for yourself and carting everything but the kitchen sink with you make me want to run away to a five star all inclusive caribbean resort.

Yes we too thought we have Fiji and the pacific islands only four hours away but we can't afford the honeymoon prices for a five day self catered break in a backpacker style fale. We thought we would be flitting back and forth to Aussie for great escapes and shopping.

I crave for a fortnight of 'proper' holiday, some different people, traditions, culture, different food, architecture and sight seeing. The thoughts of never having another European holiday in the likes of Italy, Greece and Turkey, never being able to spend a week at the beach chilling and doing nothing but reading a book and eating out makes me very

We were never all that close to immediate family but knowing they are there when you need them or they need you is immeasurable. This gives rise to the added killer, if we could afford a holiday we would feel obliged to come and spend time with friends and family in the UK. We're on a constant guilt trip of missed anniversaries, special birthdays, weddings and events that we wish we could be part of.

It is a hard-knock life as far as I am concerned and just staying alive from one day to the next requires much more thought, planning, effort and input from me. Nothing is easy and I have far less free time than I ever had in the UK.

Originally Posted by barnsleymat

I'm not sure why people get the impression this forum is bitchy.

Originally Posted by Ray and Debbie

I don't think dog walkers and deer farmers cool with it either.

Originally Posted by Ray and Debbie

Sorry to say this but, you are going to find out about New Zealand life the hard way. Good luck. Why don't you jack your job in now and get one on two thirds pay just to give you a better idea about financial struggle whilst trying to maintain any sort of quality of life.