[macfod]

Very interesting and informative article giving a great in sight to NZ.

I would like to add my views having been here now for the past three months having travelled through both island and currently in our planned location of Dunedin.

The weather- yes its changeable and with sun index of 10 or 11 you will burn so quick- interesting is that Kiwis tlak more about the weather being bad than us Brits did at home.
I have found it fine though although no warm nights at all with some nights bldy freezing when we have attempted to pitch tent.

Driving- mmm well I find that they drive to the limit most times and do not like to follow cars with hesitancy in over taking and rarely letting cars out.
Women in partiularly ( no axe to grind here! ) drive too fast.

Cities are ok with lots of advertising boards as mentioned but other towns so quiet and deserted but people friendly.

Amazing the choice of food has been great with New World and Count Down all over- but still cannot buy proper Marmite!!

The scenery is stunning and walking trails brilliant with NZ being a must for anyone that like to travel.

Mortgage rates are high and looking to go up, great though if you have a few pennies saved and getting 7-8% interest.

In short we have learnt a lot over the past months and whilst a great place to visit I wonder long term!

We have had our warmer clothing shipped over and are still on our six months visa which we could extend.

BUT, in truth at this stage I am not sure if I could live here long term!
Partly due to me still having a travel everywhere bug installed and dont want to make the wrong move.

And yes, the move was planned almost two years ago, but it has to be right and we should not wear rose coloured specs as it has to be an individual decision for all.

There is much more I could add with most positive and now we are in rented accomadation can reply on the board more frequent to help !