Anyone ever live in New Zealand?

[triangulum33]

I've got a job offer in Wellington or Hamilton, NZ.

The wife and I have never been there, but pictures (and movies) make it look awesome.
I'd be in the same industry in a similar job function, but it would be almost a 50% pay cut after currency conversion. This and the cost of living is higher there. We'd also have to have our parents say goodbye to their 3&5 year old grandkids except for probably once/year.


Any advice?

 

[jkendrick]

I haven't lived there but my wife and I spent six weeks traveling around the south island in camper van. It is certainly an awesome place and I'd love to live there. But you're absolutely right about cost of living. When we were there about two years ago a decent six pack was around US$18!

 

[cyclogenesis]

Never lived there but used to go there to play.. awesome place.. I would pick Wellington.. Awesome city with a great vibe...

 

[conpewter]

Never been there, but home distilling is legal But the options you lay out doesn't make it sound like a good opportunity.

 

[Quaker]

As a person on their second expat assignment, both times with kids involved, I say jump at it. Great opportunity. Also easier when kids are young than relocating a teen. Skype and FaceTime do wonders for maintaining connections with friends and families.

 

[mattd2]

I'm sitting in Hamilton right now!
I don't think I have ever heard of anyone that moved here for the money, most come over for the lifestyle and openess of even the "cities", biggest city = 1 million people!. I would go with Wellington over Hamilton but depends on what you do/like. What industry/role are you in?

 

[triangulum33]

I'm sitting in Hamilton right now!
I don't think I have ever heard of anyone that moved here for the money, most come over for the lifestyle and openess of even the "cities", biggest city = 1 million people!. I would go with Wellington over Hamilton but depends on what you do/like. What industry/role are you in?

I'm in power system operation. I dont know if we would like the windy, coolness of Wellington. I've read on the net people complain about the price and substandard level of housing too. Its such a huge move...

 

[clamflats]

Don't forget you still have to pay income taxes to the US if you keep your US citizenship