Hi saraian,

My brother moved to Nelson 18 months ago, having been on a 6 week prospecting "holiday" previous. They were open to going anywhere North of Chch or anywhere on the North island. They chose Nelson for its climate & the character of the area. I think Mac's Brewery also had a bearing too!

As far as jobs fo Nelson seems quite healthy for the size of it, check out www.nelsonmail.co.nz for stuff. There is a low unemployment rate. As a place to live, we couldnt fault it (we went for Christmas). Abel Tasman NP is an hour away, skiing is the same, Nelson itself is a decent size, then you have stoke, richmond, wakefield etc heading inland. Our impression was that Nelson was laid back rather than sleepy. Plenty of good restaurants & bars. www.Harlequin.co.nz is a good guide with a fantastic mapping system for the whole area.

Property prices vary alot from areas to area. Elevated section properties in Richmond being the most expensive, $500k is common, while Motueka (midway between Nelson & Abel Tasman NP) under $100K for something that wont fall down when you sneeze is possible.

If your looking at Chch, I am told that the Oxford area (north west of Chch) is a good area.

It looks as though we will be heading out there too! in Sept 06 when my wife finishes her nursing course.

Good Luck


Nick & jacky