Jilldo80, we arrived 3 March. My husband works at the University, so we enrolled our daughter at Ilam even though we're out of zone.
I really *really* wanted to live within walking distance of the school, but we also wanted a well-insulated house, so we wound up in Hornby.
We're from the States, so *all* the schools are a lot different than ours. Our daughter sometimes comes home to report that her teacher took the class to the Porthills for the day, which I think is just great. I think most NZ schools focus on the whole child, but we felt right at home at Ilam straight away.
Things for us are going very well. I have one child in year 1 at Ilam, one in kindy in our neighborhood, and one little nursling, just 8 weeks old. I haven't met many people here yet, but I've only just started driving. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the whole on-the-left thing, particularly as I'm always driving about with small people chattering at me.
I love New Zealand. Just love it. Love the pace, love the people, love the land.
How are you doing, a few weeks in?
Are you renting or buying a house? I can't remember. Best of luck to you and your search!