Contemplating a move to NZ

Hello Gittabrown

For general info, i would suggest that you view the "Life in New Zealand guide".

Hope that members give you an update about the cost of living in New zealand soon.

Regards,
Sheetul

Thanks Sheetul - so far you're the only one to respond - but the link is very helpful! I haven't had time to read all of it yet - but can you suggest a source where I might find groups or clubs of NZ/Americans whom I can contact to join the "in-crowd"? We are planning to visit NZ again next year and would love to meet with people who've been there - done that :-)
Cheers
Gitta

Hello Gitta

That's nice to hear that the info was useful to you. To be in touch with the international members, view the New Zealand expat network and choose the nationalities that you would like to correspond with.

Also, go through the various discussions in the New Zealand forum and read the discussion "Moving/New to Christchurch". That particular discussion is quite active.

I'm sure that other members will soon reply back to you as well.

Greetings,
Sheetul

Thanks so much Sheetul - I'll get started on making contacts and gathering information. NZ is far away from family and friends, so it'll take a while to put all our ducks in a row, so to speak :-). I've lived in 4 countries (in Europe) before immigrating to the USA, but it's gonna be a lot harder to pull up roots after being stable for 30+ years. We'll probably get started after we retire by just grabbing some essentials and renting a place in Christchurch before burning all US bridges.

Again - thank you for the helpful information! Cheers, and happy Holidays ahead!
Gitta, in sunny California

Hi

I think you're making a good decision! We took the plung 6 months ago - and we are absolutely loving it!

We live in Auckland and we find it expensive - we're paying $380  per week for a little cottage! And you can get a 3 bedroom house with garage etc for $280 in Hamilton .... salaries vary as well.

Regards
Nadine

Thanks Nadine - Wow - is that US$ or NZ$? We won't be working when we move over there, but it would be good know how much we can expect to shell out for average living expenses a month. We'd not be living within big cities limit either - that's what we're trying to get away from...
Do you know of local expat groups (Americans for example) that one can join and who might be able to help new-comers integrate into the local culture?
Cheers
Gitta