Moving to Auckland

[jimbodandy]

Hello Everyone,

My wife and I are moving to Auckland in 5 weeks. I was wondering if anybody could please share some good, safe neighbourhoods that are easily accessible to public transit. We are only looking for apartments in the $200-$300 weekly range.

thanks for any input
Cheers,

Jim

[kiwilad]

Is that NZ $ you are quoting?

If so then you will be out of luck anywhere in Auckland.

[jimbodandy]

that was CDN$. I guess it would be 300-400 NZD weekly
thanks

[kiwilad]

OK. A perfectly reasonable rental property would be about NZ$350 a week in one of the many suberbs of Auckland.
My choice would be to steer clear of the following areas;
Glen Innes,Otahuhu,Otara, Hillsborough.

If you have any specific locality in mind you could PM me and I could give you whatever information I might have.
Will you have a vehicle,Will you be working,are there any school aged childrens to consider. All of these will have an impact on the information I would provide.

[jimbodandy]

Hello,
We would like to be close to recreational trails, beaches or anything that involves the outdoors. We are going with a Working Holiday Visa, so we will eventually work but the main focus will be to take in your beautiful country, and we don't have any children. We won't have a vehicle so we would be using public transport (which I've heard is excellent)-at least in Auckland.
thank you so much

[caniwi di]

Hello
I've been in New Zealand for 7 years now - you'll love it if you're into the outdoors.
Would suggest that if you're into outdoor pursuits, you consider purchasing a car. While public transport is ok here, it won't get you to where you want to be which will be mainly out of the city. We do have lots of regional parks around Auckland (check out the Auckland Regional Council's website for details) that are accessible but you will find your travel times somewhat limited.
Suggest you look at the North Shore or Waitakere for accommodation. From North Shore it is easier to head north for the beaches, surf and lots of parks and trails. Like North Vancouver it is accessible by ferry or bus. From Waitakere is also easy to head north but also south and has a more outdoor atmosphere as it's located next to the Waitakere ranges (not quite mountains but to kiwis they are ). You could literally have trails in your back yard out west and it's still an easy bus to the central city. If you want to be by the beach then Mission Bay or devonport are a good bet but may be pricey.
Check out the "trademe" website for deals on rental/accommodation, cars and other stuff you might need when you get here. It's the local equivalent to EBay.

Good luck with the move.

[kiwilad]

Hi again;
Just to add to what caniwi di has advised in the previous post I would just add that without a vehicle of some description (even a bike) you will find that moving around the various areas of NZ to be somewhat time consuming - whilst the public transport system is improving it continues to be a frustration for many folk. To be close to beaches,parks and "the outdoors" in general I would recommend the area around Titirangi. This is on the West Coast of Auckland but well away from Auckland itself. It has an "Artsy" type of reputation that many people appreciate and enjoy.