Did you visit before you made the move?

[Rmn58]

I'm just going for it!!! Can't afford the fares twice!!!! ( Actually I'm not sure I have the fares for once yet lol)!!!!
I should add, I HAVE done lots of research and reading though!!!!

[jawnbc]

I think it boils down to: your research done in advance, and your personality. If you've been diligent and haven't come across much about life in NZ that gives you pause, that's a good sign. And if you enjoy letting things unfold in sometimes surprising ways, that's another one.

I first visited NZ in 1992 and thought "I could live here". Have been back multiple times, have friends and a wee bit of family there. My Aussie and American friends are all "What? It's so sleepy." My fellow Canucks are all "OMG AWESOME!"

[Rob&Don]

Never visited before we moved over.

[Delta_Cephei]

We visited in 2009- spent 4 weeks driving over both islands.

I did find it useful- for example, others from NZ had said that the North wasn't as interesting as the South: but we loved both islands. This made it easier for us as we knew that most areas we would feel happy in.

We also visited some schools and this meant that we had a realistic picture of schooling in NZ.

As we have children it was also important so that they could have in mind what it is we are aiming for.

Ta,

Eliot

[engineers.ind]

This may be helpful
http://www.mri.auckland.ac.nz/upload...nd%20Guide.pdf

[Hagabel]

I came for 2 weeks alone in 2008 and drove all over, came back as a family in 2011 and drove all over! My hubby did not want to move without visiting and so it convinced him and kids fell in love with NZ. No regrets!

[noodles3]

Nope, just moved lock stock in October 2010, including our dog and cat!