Still not sure where to live in North Island

[April]

We're currently staying with the in-laws in the Hutt Valley and are waiting on the exchange before buying a house. I know we could have a long wait!

So far we love Whangarei, and Tauranga areas, but would like some other suggestions of nice places with good towns (good mix of facilities/shops etc), half decent weather, not too rural, jobs around, safe etc etc. North Island only.

Any ideas?

Also we have heard so much about the Kapiti Coast, but so far are really under impressed with it. Most of it looks very shabby and run down - what are we missing? Where should we be looking?

All advice welcome.

[themilkybarkid]

April
thanks for raising these issues re nice areas and estate agent antics - as we will be in the same position in a few months time when we arrive and settle - so I will be keen to see the answers you get

Have you thought about Carterton or Greytown in the Wairarapa valley?

the Kapiti coast was an area we had thought might be nice too.

[tigerlily]

I like the Wairarapa too, Greytown is so cute. We live in Waikanae, it's not particularly cute, but it has all the services within walking distance to our house. I was not impressed with what I saw of it from SH1, but when I parked and walked around the shops I saw that it's vibrant with moms/strollers/retirees all wandering around and hitting the coffee shops with outdoor seating. I also like the beach area, which has my favorite restaurant, The Front Room.
Also biking trails, bush tramps, good schools, train service to Wellington, WARM sunny summers (ok not today actually), and very reasonable house prices compared to Wellington. So there you go, that's my vote!

[Dell]

Have you thought of north of Auckland? In my opinion, it's the best part of NZ. My hometown was Warkworth, about an hour north of AKL. I'm now looking at up around Mangonui - Doubtless Bay area.

[SueDonim]

I certainly don't know it well, but made a brief drive through Raumati Beach (on Kapiti Coast) last year and found it a very pleasant town

[Kea]

I rather like Auckland. Would probably go for the North Shore if job location were no issue.

[Carey]

Cambridge is pretty nice, good schools, town provides nearly everything, in reach of Hamilton, easy to get to other places.

[Georgebulldog]

I certainly don't know it well, but made a brief drive through Raumati Beach (on Kapiti Coast) last year and found it a very pleasant town

I was gouing to say this too, has a nice village feel yet on the coast with shops & cafes, I like going here, good parks too

[lianne newman]

we've been looking at hamilton in waikato seems perfect for us just the righ tmix of urban and rural life

[JeepinBear]

we've been looking at hamilton in waikato seems perfect for us just the righ tmix of urban and rural life

Mickfin and I live in Hamilton and are really enjoying so far. It is a good centrallocation to many activities.