NZ - here I come

[owdybee]

Hi all,

I'm 30y/o and will be moving to New Zealand this coming August. I'm scared and excited at the same time.

I'm flying in Auckland since that's the cheapest flight out of Manila that I can find then just see from there what NZ has in store for me. I was fortunately approved for the Work Holiday Visa and I get to live in NZ for a year but also I would like to see if I can find a job so I can stay longer.

I was hoping to get some insights or ideas what different cities have to offer. I have looked into Auckland and Queenstown as well but don't have any idea about the other cities.

Most importantly, I will be alone and my family far away so I would like to make new friends and learn about the culture.

Hope to meet new friends here.

Thanks all!

[JandM]

[Fern49]

Hi owdybee

[owdybee]

Hi JandM,

Do you know of anyone on a temporary visa who got a job and was able to extend their stay in NZ?

Thanks in advance for your reply

[owdybee]

Hi owdybee

Hello Fern49,

Which part of NZ are you from?

[JandM]

Hi JandM,

Do you know of anyone on a temporary visa who got a job and was able to extend their stay in NZ?

Thanks in advance for your reply

There are many, many old threads on this forum where people have done exactly that.

[Fern49]

Hello Fern49,

Which part of NZ are you from?

Hawke's Bay

[wellywearer]

Hi there,

check out newcomers.co.nz chances are wherever you end up there will be a group that can help you settle
Good luck and enjoy!

[owdybee]

Hi there,

check out newcomers.co.nz chances are wherever you end up there will be a group that can help you settle
Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you!

I was looking into Wellington too.

Also my plan is to come to NZ in August and was told by an Australian friend that it's the middle of winter.

Coming from a summer-all-year long country, I'm a bit scared of the cold.

I read from researching online that the winter ends in August.

Is that true? And how cold does it get?

Thanks again in advance.

[wellywearer]

Yep, it's winter in August. Not sure the seasons always know when they're meant to end to be prepared for it still to be cold
Coming from Europe I haven't found it too cold here. It's rare it snows in Wellington (very rare) were as I'm used to snow every year.
I don't remember a frost last year in Wellington...but that could still be my rose-tinted glasses
Coming from a warmer climate you're going to feel it!
Buy some thermal layers. You'll need a hat and scarf and good rain jacket if you're coming to Wellington.
When the sun is out it can still be warm and it still warms up my house as I'm in a sunny site - but in the shade it's cold. So it's important to find a house on the sunny side of a hill to keep your electricity bills down!

Wellington is a great place - look us up (WNN) when you arrive!