We’ve been living here for just over a year. It’s a great place and very safe for kids (unless you live in South Auckland, where there are some very rough spots). Lots of outdoor activities. The traffic is terrible though. Can be pretty bad during peak hours. I’ve got to cross the Harbour Bridge every morning (I live on the North Shore, but work in Mt Eden) and depending on what time I leave, it can take me anything from 35 mins to an hour to drive 13 km. The hardest part is to get on the motorway. The Kiwis are great people. Very friendly and we certainly don’t regret the move. Sportswise, it’s rugby, rugby and rugby (with a bit of league as well). There’s not a big interest for football, although I’m well impressed with their knowledge of football on Radio Sport. Houses are expensive here, just so you’re aware. Obviously, it depends on where you live as well. Weather is mild. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t cold, especially not when compared to the UK (it can be pretty wet though).
All I can say is: DO IT! You won’t regret! (You might not even want to return back home). Your kids will love you for this.
One more thing to be aware of: Auckland feels small! Everyone seems to know everyone. Quite freakish, compared to London.
Where in Auckland would you be working?
Queens Wharf.
Is there a NZ equivalent of rightmove to look at rental properties?
We’ve been living here for just over a year. It’s a great place and very safe for kids (unless you live in South Auckland, where there are some very rough spots). Lots of outdoor activities. The traffic is terrible though. Can be pretty bad during peak hours. I’ve got to cross the Harbour Bridge every morning (I live on the North Shore, but work in Mt Eden) and depending on what time I leave, it can take me anything from 35 mins to an hour to drive 13 km. The hardest part is to get on the motorway. The Kiwis are great people. Very friendly and we certainly don’t regret the move. Sportswise, it’s rugby, rugby and rugby (with a bit of league as well). There’s not a big interest for football, although I’m well impressed with their knowledge of football on Radio Sport. Houses are expensive here, just so you’re aware. Obviously, it depends on where you live as well. Weather is mild. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t cold, especially not when compared to the UK (it can be pretty wet though).
All I can say is: DO IT! You won’t regret! (You might not even want to return back home). Your kids will love you for this.
One more thing to be aware of: Auckland feels small! Everyone seems to know everyone. Quite freakish, compared to London.
Where in Auckland would you be working?
Queens Wharf.
Is there a NZ equivalent of rightmove to look at rental properties?
We’ve been living here for just over a year. It’s a great place and very safe for kids (unless you live in South Auckland, where there are some very rough spots). Lots of outdoor activities. The traffic is terrible though. Can be pretty bad during peak hours. I’ve got to cross the Harbour Bridge every morning (I live on the North Shore, but work in Mt Eden) and depending on what time I leave, it can take me anything from 35 mins to an hour to drive 13 km. The hardest part is to get on the motorway. The Kiwis are great people. Very friendly and we certainly don’t regret the move. Sportswise, it’s rugby, rugby and rugby (with a bit of league as well). There’s not a big interest for football, although I’m well impressed with their knowledge of football on Radio Sport. Houses are expensive here, just so you’re aware. Obviously, it depends on where you live as well. Weather is mild. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t cold, especially not when compared to the UK (it can be pretty wet though).
All I can say is: DO IT! You won’t regret! (You might not even want to return back home). Your kids will love you for this.
One more thing to be aware of: Auckland feels small! Everyone seems to know everyone. Quite freakish, compared to London.
Where in Auckland would you be working?
Queens Wharf.
Is there a NZ equivalent of rightmove to look at rental properties?
Would be good to have another Charlton supporter in Auckland.
Got the job just waiting on visas. Looking to rent in Takapuna based on recommendation from my new boss. Any tips on that area?
Not told friends or family yet which I suspect will be the toughest part. Looks like I'll be over in Sept/Oct so will give you a shout when there.
I live in Milford, which is right next to Takapuna. Takapuna has got good bars, restaurants etc. And a fab beach. You'll love it and won't regret. Yep, just gimme a shout, when you're here.
I did a similar thing (minus the kids) when I moved to Edmonton, sight unseen if you like, on an initial 2 year agreement. That was 6 years ago and I ain't moving back to the UK anytime soon. NZ would have been my first choice though, a simply amazing country.
Do it. Don't hesitate. The worst that happens is in a year or two you come home, back to where you started, knowing it wasn't for you but in between times you got an extended stay in, and a chance to really explore, one of the most beautiful and varied places on earth.
Best that happens is you improve you and your family's quality of life and your kids' opportunities and never look back.
If you've got a job waiting for you you'll be getting paid straight away so the rest of it you'll just figure out as you go along.
Edit, missed the date of the op and posted without reading the whole thread.. great decision James and good luck. Make sure you get down to the South Island, what a place.
You wrote earlier that you'll be working at Queens Wharf. Just beware that you'll have to cross the Harbour Bridge every day to and from work. You'll need to pick your right time to leave. I work in Mt Eden (and also have to cross the bridge). If I leave at 7.30am, it can take me 55 mins to drive to work. If I leave at 7.15am, it generally takes no more than 35-40 mins. (Still, that's pretty long for an 8 mile drive, but that's Auckland traffic for you).
New Zealand sat navs: get used to phrases like "Grab your jandles" and "‘Turn around and let’s head for a mean steak and cheese pie!" (I'd go easy on the steak & cheese pies unless you want to end up the same size as an All Black!)
good luck James. I've been to New Zealand north island for a weekend (renewing visa for Aus) and was hugely impressed. Tairua i remember being one place i visited. I will see if I can get in touch with an old colleague of mine Mark Hurley who lives and works in Auckland to get some info
We’ve been living here for just over a year. It’s a great place and very safe for kids (unless you live in South Auckland, where there are some very rough spots). Lots of outdoor activities. The traffic is terrible though. Can be pretty bad during peak hours. I’ve got to cross the Harbour Bridge every morning (I live on the North Shore, but work in Mt Eden) and depending on what time I leave, it can take me anything from 35 mins to an hour to drive 13 km. The hardest part is to get on the motorway. The Kiwis are great people. Very friendly and we certainly don’t regret the move. Sportswise, it’s rugby, rugby and rugby (with a bit of league as well). There’s not a big interest for football, although I’m well impressed with their knowledge of football on Radio Sport. Houses are expensive here, just so you’re aware. Obviously, it depends on where you live as well. Weather is mild. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t cold, especially not when compared to the UK (it can be pretty wet though).
All I can say is: DO IT! You won’t regret! (You might not even want to return back home). Your kids will love you for this.
One more thing to be aware of: Auckland feels small! Everyone seems to know everyone. Quite freakish, compared to London.
Where in Auckland would you be working?
Queens Wharf.
Is there a NZ equivalent of rightmove to look at rental properties?
Would be good to have another Charlton supporter in Auckland.
Got the job just waiting on visas. Looking to rent in Takapuna based on recommendation from my new boss. Any tips on that area?
Not told friends or family yet which I suspect will be the toughest part. Looks like I'll be over in Sept/Oct so will give you a shout when there.
I live in Milford, which is right next to Takapuna. Takapuna has got good bars, restaurants etc. And a fab beach. You'll love it and won't regret. Yep, just gimme a shout, when you're here.
We’ve been living here for just over a year. It’s a great place and very safe for kids (unless you live in South Auckland, where there are some very rough spots). Lots of outdoor activities. The traffic is terrible though. Can be pretty bad during peak hours. I’ve got to cross the Harbour Bridge every morning (I live on the North Shore, but work in Mt Eden) and depending on what time I leave, it can take me anything from 35 mins to an hour to drive 13 km. The hardest part is to get on the motorway. The Kiwis are great people. Very friendly and we certainly don’t regret the move. Sportswise, it’s rugby, rugby and rugby (with a bit of league as well). There’s not a big interest for football, although I’m well impressed with their knowledge of football on Radio Sport. Houses are expensive here, just so you’re aware. Obviously, it depends on where you live as well. Weather is mild. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t cold, especially not when compared to the UK (it can be pretty wet though).
All I can say is: DO IT! You won’t regret! (You might not even want to return back home). Your kids will love you for this.
One more thing to be aware of: Auckland feels small! Everyone seems to know everyone. Quite freakish, compared to London.
Where in Auckland would you be working?
Queens Wharf.
Is there a NZ equivalent of rightmove to look at rental properties?
Would be good to have another Charlton supporter in Auckland.
Got the job just waiting on visas. Looking to rent in Takapuna based on recommendation from my new boss. Any tips on that area?
Not told friends or family yet which I suspect will be the toughest part. Looks like I'll be over in Sept/Oct so will give you a shout when there.
I live in Milford, which is right next to Takapuna. Takapuna has got good bars, restaurants etc. And a fab beach. You'll love it and won't regret. Yep, just gimme a shout, when you're here.
We’ve been living here for just over a year. It’s a great place and very safe for kids (unless you live in South Auckland, where there are some very rough spots). Lots of outdoor activities. The traffic is terrible though. Can be pretty bad during peak hours. I’ve got to cross the Harbour Bridge every morning (I live on the North Shore, but work in Mt Eden) and depending on what time I leave, it can take me anything from 35 mins to an hour to drive 13 km. The hardest part is to get on the motorway. The Kiwis are great people. Very friendly and we certainly don’t regret the move. Sportswise, it’s rugby, rugby and rugby (with a bit of league as well). There’s not a big interest for football, although I’m well impressed with their knowledge of football on Radio Sport. Houses are expensive here, just so you’re aware. Obviously, it depends on where you live as well. Weather is mild. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t cold, especially not when compared to the UK (it can be pretty wet though).
All I can say is: DO IT! You won’t regret! (You might not even want to return back home). Your kids will love you for this.
One more thing to be aware of: Auckland feels small! Everyone seems to know everyone. Quite freakish, compared to London.
Where in Auckland would you be working?
Queens Wharf.
Is there a NZ equivalent of rightmove to look at rental properties?
Would be good to have another Charlton supporter in Auckland.
Got the job just waiting on visas. Looking to rent in Takapuna based on recommendation from my new boss. Any tips on that area?
Not told friends or family yet which I suspect will be the toughest part. Looks like I'll be over in Sept/Oct so will give you a shout when there.
I live in Milford, which is right next to Takapuna. Takapuna has got good bars, restaurants etc. And a fab beach. You'll love it and won't regret. Yep, just gimme a shout, when you're here.
Land next Wednesday
Good luck for the future.
The Kiwis will ensure you have a wonderful time over there.
Comments
Not told friends or family yet which I suspect will be the toughest part. Looks like I'll be over in Sept/Oct so will give you a shout when there.
Enjoy the experience.
Yep, just gimme a shout, when you're here.
Do it. Don't hesitate. The worst that happens is in a year or two you come home, back to where you started, knowing it wasn't for you but in between times you got an extended stay in, and a chance to really explore, one of the most beautiful and varied places on earth.
Best that happens is you improve you and your family's quality of life and your kids' opportunities and never look back.
If you've got a job waiting for you you'll be getting paid straight away so the rest of it you'll just figure out as you go along.
Edit, missed the date of the op and posted without reading the whole thread.. great decision James and good luck. Make sure you get down to the South Island, what a place.
That pub still gives me nightmares
All the best
Just beware that you'll have to cross the Harbour Bridge every day to and from work.
You'll need to pick your right time to leave. I work in Mt Eden (and also have to cross the bridge).
If I leave at 7.30am, it can take me 55 mins to drive to work. If I leave at 7.15am, it generally takes no more than 35-40 mins.
(Still, that's pretty long for an 8 mile drive, but that's Auckland traffic for you).
$1 million playground in Takapuna: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/83253641/Million-dollar-Takapuna-Beach-Playground-on-Aucklands-North-Shore-opens-at-last
I've been to New Zealand north island for a weekend (renewing visa for Aus) and was hugely impressed. Tairua i remember being one place i visited.
I will see if I can get in touch with an old colleague of mine Mark Hurley who lives and works in Auckland to get some info
The Kiwis will ensure you have a wonderful time over there.