[MarkE]

Hi,

I'm sure you get questions like this all the time, so I apologise in advance.

I've more or less been offered a job in Auckland (North Shore City) with a salary to be confirmed, but probably ranging from 60 to 74 NZ dollars with the company paying for, and assisting with, immigration/relocation etc. It kind of happened unexpectedly and we're both really keen for a new life in NZ, but now it seems like it could actually happen - it all seems incredibly daunting.

We both love the outdoors (particularly walking and fell-walking) and I'm a keen rock climber. I guess what I'm trying to find out is:

a) Can we live comfortably on one salary (we're not money-orientated, but don't want to more worse off than we are in the UK - if at all possible. Although we do acknowledge that Auckland is an expensive place to live and that we probably will be skint). We're hoping to rent in the short-term and buy long-term whilst keeping our house in the UK.
b) At the moment, we live near mountains, lakes and the seaside. Living in Auckland (North Shore), how easy is it to get into the countryside for walks, climbing etc?. Alternatively, how easy is it to live in a rural (preferably cheaper location) and commute into North Shore City? I should also point out that after a certain amount of time - I may be able to be 100% home-based so we could move to a different location in NZ after a year or two, but would have to be Auckland-based for a while.

I love the mountains and don't want them to be too far away...

Thanks for any advice,

Mark