hi there our kids are 10 and 7 and we preferred to move down to the kapiti coast which is one hour on the train from wellington. nice beaches, nice parks, nice people, nice mountains to walk up, shops are not what they are like in uk but we find we are spending less and living more of an outdoor life. i am even losing weight!!!! on a downer, the t.v. is crap but hey i never really watched t.v. anyway and the internet can sometimes run a bit slow but people are so laid back here they are positively horizontal .... ! anybody want any advice about the kapiti coast, (that's paraparaumu/raumati/waikanae/otaki) just ask! be aware you will get the horrible nobby no mates feeling walking into the playground on the first day but once the kids are settled you are halfway there!