Hi Kara,

First of all, congratulations on being brave enough to start a new life ::): .

We've been in NZ for just over a year now, and were in much the same boat as you - sold up everything in the UK and moved here without job, home or any idea what we were doing! I can assure you it's perfectly normal for you to 'feel the fear'!

If you have the finances available, I would spend at least the first couple of weeks settling in and travelling as far afield as you can to get a feel of some places - perhaps hire a car (or a campervan, as some recently-arrived friends of ours did!) for now....

You should be aware that if you are both only on visitors visas, you are not entitled to work. No employer will touch you if you don't have the right to work in this country but you may be lucky enough to find an employer who will hold the job for you until your work permits come through.

Opening a bank account is imperative - there's plenty to choose from - we're with the National Bank of New Zealand and have always had great service from them. Most banks are accustomed to dealing with migrants and will do what they can to help you.

I wouldn't think about buying a house for now - think about renting for now, in case you decide you want to move on to a different place in the not-too-distant future!

In short, my advice is travel around as much as you can and relax for as long as you can! If you're pretty much decided where you want to settle, you can start looking around for jobs and then apply for your work permits.

I sympathise with your fears and doubts, but you're right, it will all be ok!

Good luck, PM me if you want any more advice or some reassurance!