New Life, New Zealand!

[The_Stanleys]

My wife and I have been thinking about moving to New Zealand for a while and have finally decided to take the plunge next year. This gives us a whole year to sort things out.
We went to the Expo in London yesterday and got loads of info on jobs and areas. Our only concern is the climate and the best areas to settle. We don't want to be living in a major city like Auckland, even though the weather is better more north, but wanted the best place for our health, skills and life style. I could persue a job in Invercargill, but thought it was too far south to be in a nice climate?

Any feedback would be appriciated.

Thanks.

[kaz101]

Hi The Stanleys,

Welcome to the forum.

We moved from the UK to Australia in July 2007 so we know what you are going through even though it's a different country you are moving to.

Have you checked out the Met's weather site for New Zealand? It's at
NEW ZEALAND WEATHER TODAY:MetService.com - Weather.

Regards,
Karen

[familyof5]

Hi, I've not been to Invercargill but have seen the weather reports and spoken to locals. I believe it is of a similar climate to the UK in the summer and very cold in the winter. Whilst the weather is still reaching good temperatures in the north island, it is snowing in Otago region (north of Invercargill). Central heating is rare and you have to watch when finding property that it is well insolated. Further north on the S Island, Christchurch, the summer is hot and the winter cold. If climate is an important factor to you, you will probably find Invercargill a little too cold for you. Hope this is of help.

[isle of wighter]

Hello,
I live in Gore, about half an hour from Invercargill. We are more likely to get cold weather down here than anywhere else, and the frost's can play a havoc on the road in winter, but honestly it doesnt get that cold. It's still warmer than home most days, and this year we had on average warmer summer days than anyone else in the south island. This year it has gotten colder quicker, wasnt really much of an autum, we have already had two snow's, but they wernt bad.
If i had to pick a place it would be Christchurch, not nearly as big as Auckland, and it has a great hospital, nice people, great shopping and everything you could need. Invercargill is alright, but it's a very small place, especially coming from over there, and there is only so much you can do there, also your schooling options are limited. But thats just my opinion, i hope everything goes well for your family.
Katie

[CdnKiwi]

I live in the North of the North Island and I have never been so cold in my entire life! I think the secret to a comfortable life in New Zealand is to get a relatively modern home (ie insulation and some form of central heating). If you have a comfortable home and dress for the conditions outside, you'll be sweet.