Hello - I'd really appreciate some opinions regarding location choice when we head to NZ in October - our residency has been granted and the countdown has begun, although it still feels like there's a lifetimes worth of sorting, planning and panicing ahead of us.
I realise that Wellington & Nelson offer very different lifestyles and experiences but they're still the two that we've shortlisted. Foolishly perhaps, my choice of location comes before work considerations; one of the big reasons we're making the move is to have easy access to coast, bush and outdoor adventures to enjoy with our son so I don't want to sacrifice this to a 'great' job location somewhere less appealing to live. And yes, I know that just about everywhere in NZ has easy access to the great outdoors but I really want it on my doorstep!
However, that doesn't mean we want to live in a stunning wilderness with naff-all else to do other than go 'oooh' at the view and 'aaah' at the wonderful (at first) isolation. This especially goes for my OH who is far more social than I am and wants a community to get involved with along with our 1year old.
So that's where Welly comes in; an interesting, stylish, place offering a bit of 'culture' (whatever that is..), near the South Island but with a lot more to do when the initial desire to live the isolated dream wears off.
However, my OH suffers from terrible earache in howling winds?! 'So why choose Wellington?!' you cry with disbelief! Because we've both been there three times (in the summer admittedly) and while aware of the winds, we didn't find them too overwhelming. Did they just happen to be the only 3 wind-free days in W's history? Ironically, I'm a keen windsurfer so I say 'bring it on!' At least I would if I was mean, selfish, inconsiderate fool...
On the other side of the ridiculous coin is the fact we've never been to Nelson but NZ friends say it would suit us perfectly (is that an insult?). The proximity to the Tasman parks is appealing as well as the implied lifestyle that comes with the 'counter-culture' But would we after a while, be hopping onto a plane to Wellington every other weekend?
So my questions are...
1: Is Wellington really that windy and if so, which are the best location choices to minimise the gales, as well as being appealing communities to live in?
2: Does Wellington offer easy access to areas that feel a bit wild and untamed, including coast and bush?
3: Does Nelson offer the feel of a decent sized town, as well as the other stuff? And are places like Motueka, Richmond and Havelock worth considering?
4: Which would you choose to bring up a young family in?
5: Should we be seriously considering other areas that offer all the things I've mentioned but for some reason haven't thought of?!
Whatever happens, I'm heading out a month early to try and finalise house rental etc so can at least visit Nelson..or any other places you think are worth a look.
Thanks so much for any tips, thoughts or opinions you care to share!
BK