Melbourne v Auckland

[racht]

Help! We were all set to send my OHs skills ass off and he's had a change of heart and wants to go to Auckland

I'm not convinced.

Can you tell me what the people are like in Melbourne. I've heard they can be a bit anti-pom. What are your experiences...good and bad.

It was difficult making the decision to go and indecision about where to go is driving me insane!

Thanks a lot

Rachael

[mutikonka]

Does he like sailing dinghies? That would be the only reason why anyone would choose Auckland over Melbourne. Can't understand why anyone would relocate 12,000 miles to live in Auckland when you could just drive down to Cornwall and get the same weather, lifestyle and insular small town neighbours.

[Spinderella]

Hi

We're Brits living in NZ for just over a yr - Taupo, which is slap bang in mid of north island. Started off in Auckland and hated the place - very impersonal, full of people rushing around - could be any large city in world. NZ is very expensive to live - from general day to day grocery shopping, white goods, even entertaining. Outdoor lifestyle is great tho' and people in smaller towns are v. friendly. Glad of the experience but are looking at going to Oz - has we believe all of the good stuff in NZ but more of a buzz and a much better climate.

Amanda

[racht]

Thanks for your replies.

Spinderella, please can you tell me what the climate is actually like. Cant properly tell from statistics. I am reading it that is similar to here but more mild. Also, I understand they have more rain than UK but that it comes down all at once in a big storm and then clears up. Is this right? I cant bear the thought of going all that way and have week after week of rain (like here).

Thanks again

[Spinderella]

Climate is similar to UK but better, if that makes sense ! Auckland does get quite a bit of rain, but it is warmer - eg, if you told someone in UK that it was 17 degrees and sunny here they wouldn't be that impressed, but because sun is SO intense, it feels v. warm. We average around mid 20s in summer and when sun shines it's gorgeous. Also they make more of being outdoors here when weather is good - lots of bbqs, and obviously in Auckland, you're never far from a beach. Winter's are cold - where we are in Taupo we had a few frosts - not so sure about Auckland tho'. From what I've heard their winters are wet rather than v. cold. We used to live in South of England (Surrey) and are weather is similar to home (tho' not quite as cold). Houses generally aren't double glazed or have great insulation (except new builds) and central heating is non-existant ! Having said that, you get used to cold in winter amazingly quickly and woodburners create a lovely cosy atmosphere !

[racht]

Thanks Spinderella. Let us know how you get on with your move.

[HPRYCE]

Hi Rachael

We've been in Melbourne since the beginning of Nov 2007 and have to say don't have a bad word to say about it. We've been welcomed with open arms by neighbours and work colleagues and haven't come across any anti-pom prejudice whatsoever. A bit of playful ragging maybe from time to time but nothing more than that. We're around Brighton in the eastern suburbs and am led to believe there are lots of poms in the area although yet to find any!! We have settled really well and really quickly here so don't be put off by hearsay. As with anything if you through yourself into it and make the effort with people they will generally speaking do the same.

Good luck with wherever you eventually decide.

Hugo

[alcocainmel]

We have been in Melbourne 7 months now and have not come across any anti poms. Since being here we have made some great friends both poms and Aussies and we have been welcomed with open arms!!

Hope this helps
Deb xx

[racht]

thank you all for your help - I seem to have swung him back to Melbourne. I think he wanted to make sure he'd weighed up all the options 1st.

Rach x

[Lareina]

Hi Rach, after seeing you the other day just wanted to say yeahhhh at the news of you going for Melbourne! Defo the better choice! Take care. xx