best and worst...

[MrsRose]

Whether you've lived there your whole life, or moved to NZ from another country...

What are the best and worst things about living in New Zealand?

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by MrsRose

Whether you've lived there your whole life, or moved to NZ from another country...

What are the best and worst things about living in New Zealand?

Best thing? The wonderful scenery wherever you go (apart from Huntly) and no crowds (apart from Auckland)

Worse? Leaky houses and large garden sheds with no insulation or heating as 'typical' NZ houses. But these can be side-stepped by doing the correct investigations when you rent/buy...

[chellebubbles]

Well, it depends on your age, your family, where you live. We moved in Feb, gorgeous place. Nice people. We live a ferry ride away from Auckland though in a quiet beachy bit, good for summer not winter so hopefully moving closer to the centre. Cost of living etc's the same as UK i reckon. Where in Uk you moving from?

[MrsRose]

We're from the USA.

Just trying to get a realistic perspective on life in NZ vs. life in the States.

We are a very outdoorsy family, so we're really looking forward to that aspect of NZ. We'll definitely have to downsize on housing, as houses are much less expensive in the States.

[G-Mo]

Originally Posted by MrsRose

We'll definitely have to downsize on housing, as houses are much less expensive in the States.

That's a massive generalization. Depends on where in the States you are referring to. There are condos in NY that cost more than the most expensive houses in Auckland.

[MrsRose]

We come from Las Vegas so it's no stretch to say that housing will be more expensive for us. The market in Las Vegas was one of the worst hit in the US. A brand new 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 story house, with energy star appliances, granite counter tops, backyard, garage, and loft is only about $150,000 US dollars. In Chch I haven't seen anything online comparable for less than $400,000 NZ dollars. (which is about what one would have paid in Las Vegas before the market crashed)
Places like New York and California are some of the most expensive places in the US for buying homes, so someone moving from one of those areas might actually find housing prices to be similar, or less expensive, in NZ.

[chasingfearne]

I'm not entirely sure about the housing market as I've never owned in NZ, however I would say that the best things include:

The scenery, the people (generally very friendly with a reputation for being so), the fact that it is a great place to raise a family (and apparently the 4th best place in the world to be a mother...who know), the relaxed atmosphere, the beaches.

Worst? If you are more of a 'big city' person then perhaps all of the above would hold less appeal for you. It is, of course, an extreme distance from Europe, America etc - therefore travel to these countries tends to be costly. In the winter you don't tend to get central heating - even though the winters can get extremely cold.

It's a beautiful place, great to bring up children.

I am, of course, extremely biased...

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by scottjames84

We are from Reno Nevada; moved here almost 4 years for a go of it.

My recommendation is do not move here.

Houses are way over priced for what you get; food is also way over priced and extremely bland.

Sure there is some really nice scenery but trust me on this; you will see just as good if not better in America; try Yosemite.

If you do move here I hope you are able to get a job that pays really well other wise you will not be able to afford to do all those outdoorsy things that you like to do.
When we moved here we thought hey; no snakes, no bears or mountain lions so we will be safe camping and hiking but unfortunately due to the over price gas in New Zealand and prices for camping ground etc we have only been out of the city we live in 3 or 4 times in the last 4 years.

Some good things about New Zealand.... Single payer health system BUT that has its major draw backs also like huge waiting lists for major operations that you could just well die while you are waiting which has been known to happen.

We are moving at the end of the year back to Reno; this place has done a real number on our finances and our mental well being.

I'm afraid that NZ can be very different to the US - and in fact generally it seems to be US citizens that have the most difficulties with the culture differences too.

I must admit the food one amused me though - we don't have all the convenience food, but I guess that the raw ingredient type foods used to cook from basics are as bland wherever you buy them in the world!

And you can always buy private medical insurance (and it will be cheaper than the equivalent in the US). At least we have the option and I'd dispute the 'die while you are waiting.' If you have a serious life-threatening problem you will be seen quickly; if you have an ingrowing toe-nail you won't!

[jawnbc]

Originally Posted by scottjames84

Yeah we cook our own food just like we did in America.

I will give you an example.

Brought the ingredients to make home made Quesadilla's last week; ingredients for the salsa cost around $12; 6 tortilla's $6, cheese $4
In total $22 for 6 Quesadilla's.

In America I could make the same if not better (because we have better ingredients in America) for way cheaper.

The reason Americans have the hardest time adjusting culturally here in NZ is because we are used to things being better and I cannot understand why with the resources NZ has they don't change to make things better for it's citizens.

If replicating your exact diet from the States--with food common only in north america...yes NZ is a bad fit. Ditto europe Australia Asia. We didn't have any decent mexican food in Vancouver until 5 years ago!!!

Expectation management issue on your part,
I'm afraid...

[jawnbc]

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