North Island v South Island

[Ace]

If you're likely to miss the feeling of big cities, or if you're still hooked on a consumer lifestyle, you will likely feel more comfortable on the north island.

If you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle and don't mind giving up some "conveniences", then the SI might be more for you. In my experience, south islanders tend to be a little more independent too.

I've only been in NZ for about 9 months, but my sense is that crime and poverty are more prevalent on the NI. It might just be because there are more people living there, but it feels like more than that.

One thing I noticed is that there's a big difference between how people drive on the two islands. The NI feels more rushed, anxious.

You can find good or bad weather on both islands. We chose Nelson on the SI largely because it has more hours of sun than anywhere else in NZ. The proximity to Marlborough Sound, Abel Tasman, etc is also great. Parts of the NI might be warmer, but there's also more rain.

Chch is an interesting compromise -- the biggest city on the SI. A bit too cold for me personally, but it does have a bigger job market than Nelson.

[kokopeli]

Originally Posted by Ace

We chose Nelson on the SI largely because it has more hours of sun than anywhere else in NZ.

Hi Ace,

The claim about Nelson's sunshine hours is widely made, but....

....I reckon it's the biggest mis-representation in New Zealand (apart from the NZ Rugby Union calling their retail outlets 'Champions of the World' that is).

It rains every time I go to Nelson. Without fail. I'm not denying that you get the sun up there, but my brolly has seen more action in Nelson than it ever does in Christchurch.

[Ace]

Originally Posted by kokopeli

The claim about Nelson's sunshine hours is widely made, but....

....I reckon it's the biggest mis-representation in New Zealand (apart from the NZ Rugby Union calling their retail outlets 'Champions of the World' that is).

It rains every time I go to Nelson. Without fail. I'm not denying that you get the sun up there, but my brolly has seen more action in Nelson than it ever does in Christchurch.

You might be right. I've only been here 9 months, so it's hard to know. The weather has been great since we arrived (we had a reasonably dry winter), with many, many days of bright blue skies. Based on the weather reports on the evening news, it seems to have generally more sun than other parts of the country, but with the overall climate being so wacky, it may very well be different now than it used to be.

In the end, it doesn't really matter that much. We live in a beautiful location, overlooking Tasman Bay. The occassional storm helps keep things interesting.

[welwynrose]

we're definately favouring the South Island at the moment - I think we both want a change of pace from our UK life & if we can find work in the South Island I think that'll be where we end up

[nolasmom]

I'm a residential interior designer from the States, have been in ChCh almost 3 months, and will tell you that it's been very difficult finding a job. A commercial position pops up every once in a while. With the Auckland area's housing boom, I would think your husband would have an easier time finding work there.

[welwynrose]

we are going to do the whole process with me as the primary applicant as hubby has been self-employed for the last 10 years & I've got the more checkable work history - he's thinking about either setting up on his own again or getting a Hire a Hubby franchise as working for someone else doesn't really appeal to him

[kokopeli]

Originally Posted by nolasmom

I'm a residential interior designer from the States, have been in ChCh almost 3 months, and will tell you that it's been very difficult finding a job.

Don't be disheartened. The decor in some of the houses we've looked at lately tells me that the Kiwis need you more than you need them. At times, it's felt as if I've been time shifted back to the 60s, 70s and 80s. I didn't think people still did that heavy pattern on heavy pattern on heavy pattern thing anymore..

I'm sure I read somewhere that you should keep it plain if you want to sell.....