Moving to New Zealand!

I hope I am welcome here! My name is Stacey, I am 29 years old, have a 4 year old son and #2 is on the way (due in August).

I currently live in Boulder, Colorado, but we are moving to NZ in a few months so that my husband can do a phd program.

Our choices for cities are
Auckland
Waikato
Christchruch

I am leaning towards Auckland, just because I think it may be easier to find mom's group and a community there. We love Boulder. It is very liberal and laid back. There is a lot to do outside and it is just beautiful here.

Does anyone have any recommendations on which of these cities might be best? Do you live in any of them? What do you love or not like about them?

I will be running my own business via the internet but it will be making a US income, so that is a plus. I am also a family photographer and yoga teacher so I want to be able to do those two things as well.

I am just trying to soak up all the info now, so if you have any links to other forums, yahoo groups, or any other kind of info I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks so much and I am looking forward to getting to know you all! Here is a pic of us in case you are interested, I couldn't figure out how to make my avatar:)

Well im biased .. so I would say Auckland

Christchurch might be better if you are into the "outdoors" though (but its cold down there).

OMG last week it was 36 here in Christchurch and today its suppose to get to 32!

In saying that though it does get cold her in winter - not as cold as further down south though!

I Christchurch, a good friend came down from Auckland recently and said that she loved Christchurch said how clean it was, friendly and how there wasnt any tagging - which I couldnt believe she said at first because I use to think Christchurch had HEAPS of tagging!

The thing I love about Christchurch is everything is so close and while we think we have traffic - we really dont have a thing to complain about!

Hi! Welcome (in advance!) to the country I'm sure you'll love it here.

I'd venture to say that the most important thing to consider when it comes to your choice of city will be the University your husband is studying at? Or will his PhD not involve regular in-person contact with his supervisors? In any case, all three of these cities have good Universities, all of which have distinct areas they are particularly excellent in. I work in tertiary education, so if there's any questions you have about the NZ system, PM me - if I can't help, I have lots of people I can ask

If your DH's research doesn't influence where you choose my picks would be as follows:
Hamilton - well, I do live here myself! But it's a lovely (small) city, with everything you need, but without many of the negative aspects of cities - traffic etc. We're not really a student town (Fleur!), but I will admit we're in the middle of a fairly substantial rural area. I love that - grew up on a farm, like being able to get outside and explore, am fairly down-to-earth, Hams suits that.
Christchurch - this would be my first pick out of the rest of the country, if I had to live somewhere other than Hamilton. It's a very beautiful city, with lots to do, and a real character.
Auckland - I'm afraid I wouldn't rush to live in Auckland, but that's mostly because of me rather than the city (IYKWIM). It's just a bit too busy for me. At the same time, I love visiting to shop, and I've got friends there who love it.

My DH is going to be a PhD student this year too. I hope you continue to visit these boards once you're settled here - I can have someone to commiserate with!

Oh, and I'm now holding a grudge against you, mrsg1. I am reluctant to speak to you ever again. You have bad-mouthed my city. You will pay. (Don't worry, I'm kidding, I like you too much to hold it against you).

Edited by Hopes

I'm a Christchurch girl born and raised (Sorry I might be a bit biased).
It's a very laid back lifestyle here. Its a big beautiful green city with an awesome nightlife and great if your into a lot of outdoor adventure. Christchurch is great because its big enough that you never get bored but small enough that everything is 20mins drive max and theres always a carpark in town.

My partner is from New Plymouth in the north Island but has been living here for 6 years. Mostly he loves to take road trips around the South Island on weekends in the summer. The south Island is great for vacation spots.

I wouldn't imagine you'd have any problems finding Mothers groups here. My sister lives in Auckland with her twin boys and finds the biggest problem is getting anywhere due to traffic and distance she had problems finding groups near her.

If you do end up coming here theres alot of women on ohbaby that live in CHCH that I'm sure would be willing to help you find your bearings myself included

Best of luck with your move!

The one con about Chch for me is that we like to be based in the North Island, which has a bigger population. It's easier to get to places like Auckland and Wellington - this works out for us with both our jobs/study and our spare time. But that might not make any difference to you at all.

Edited by Hopes

Hahahahahahahah Lisa - I seriously spat my drink out then when I read that!

Tears of laughter in my eyes!!!

Christchurch will!!!

Hi there

Welcome

Im going to say Hamilton. Hamilton, Hamilton!
I dont live there myself, I live in a country town 40mins away but..

Hamilton is the 7th largest city, in the Waikato region of the Nth Island NZ, 80miles south of Auckland. It sits on a main Rd & railway in the Waikato basin (NZs richest & most furtile soil) on the banks of the Waikato River
The Entertainment is quite good due to the large student population. Lonely planet 08 stated "the city's main street has sprouted a sophisticated and vibrant stretch of bars and eateries that on the weekend at least leave Auckland's Viaduct Harbour for dead in the boozy fun stakes." Hamilton also has the second largest selection of cafes- second only to ponsonby RD Auckland.
Outdoors & sports- you are spolit for chioce as you are centrally located to beaches, mountains, caves, lakes, rivers etc.

Hamiltons nickname used to be " Cowtown" LOL due to it being a rural service centre

A more common nickname Hamilton- City of the future

Right thats it I'm starting a petition of sorts lets take a vote put your name next to the city you think is best. Booboo I putting you next to CHCH cause I know your with me on this one

CHRISTCHURCH -
Lisa85
Booboo

DORKLAND -

HAMILTRON -

Oh and I fully get that Wellington isn't an option - just creating some debate