I do hope this thread does not annoy admins, I have searched and searched and haven't found quite the answers I'm looking for.
I will be moving to NZ from Vancouver, Canada (originally from Toronto) in less than a year on a Working Holiday Visa. My skills vary, but plan to find work in a kitchen (sweet side of things) or in outdoor rec (avid paddler). Auckland sounds like a Kiwi's version of Vancouver - and not interested in moving there. I love the outdoors (with easy access where I don't have to plan ahead to enjoy), and normally an introvert who loves to read, craft, and cook. I'm quite frugal and live within my means. I've heard Vancouver is expensive, difficult to find a job, with high rents.. blah blah. True for most, but not for me. Not because I make much money, but because my expectations of what is living well is less than what most people around me expect. I rent a cozy bachelor in a quiet neighbourhood for $750/month and really happy with it. I know rent is by the week there, would I be able to find similar rent rates in Nelson or Wellington (so about $200 a week for a bachelor)?
Also, I make frequent trips by bus (and ferry) to access the outdoors. A reasonable commute for me to access mountains or fun coast to paddle in is anywhere from 1-2.5 hour commute one way. I can get to some pretty awesome hiking with a couple buses in about 2 hours, or take a ferry to the Sunshine Coast in about the same time with some beautiful sites to paddle. Of course, I'm not opposed to renting a car once in a while to access some places further out, but prefer to have some scenic, fun trekking/paddling close by that I could do on a whim on the weekend or even a quickie after work.
With that in mind... how is it living in Nelson?
- Do you need a car to get around in the city? Seems quite walkable to me. Sometimes I walk to work (a 1.5-2 hour walk) which to me is reasonable and enjoyable. But on days I need to get there quickly, could I rely on a bus?
- Do I need a car to get to those National parks Nelsonites (sp?) brag about? Are there buses that will take you to these areas? If after work I wanted to go for a two hour paddle, could I easily do so living in Nelson (and without a car)?
living in Wellington:
- It seems a bit more crowded and concrete than Nelson - how easy is it to access some beautiful trekking or paddling spots (not a fan of paddling in the harbour surrounded by buildings - but wouldn't mind it once in a while if I was craving a paddle after work).
- I consider Vancouver (and even Toronto) VERY walkable - would Wellington also be very walkable? Is it really as cold and damp as people say? Vancouver is pretty cold and damp in the winter as well - which is why I'm leaning towards Nelson.
- How easy is it to access some great hikes from Wellington? Do you need a car or will buses take you to the foot of some trails?
I apologize for being so wordy. Basically, with what I wrote about myself, would any of you consider either place doable for a car-free, outdoors type person?
Am I missing anywhere else? I will likely visit both when I first arrive, but just want to get some more insight. Mercie