Wellington-Lower Hutt

[gsp0702]

I have been interviewed for a job in Lower Hutt, so i would like a bit of heads up on good/bad areas to live in the wellington area with a reasonable 20-30 minute commute to the Avalon area of Lower Hutt by Motorbike. Any info greatly appreciated.

One of your members recommended posting on here.

Cheers


Andy

[Hans]

Please elaborate on what constitutes a good/bad area. 20/30 min. Commute shouldn't be a problem from most places.

[Steam]

Everywhere in Wellington / the Hutt is within 30 minutes, as you will be going against the rush hour into the city. Oh sweetness!
I dunno about good places, but bits to avoid are Wainuiomata and Porirua. Try to get a house on the hills, they are always nicer areas.

[superslug]

Yeah, definately Wanuiomata to avoid, and Naenae in Lower Hutt.

It all depends on your budget, a lot of the nicer areas can be very expensive.

[Nasty]

Everywhere in Wellington / the Hutt is within 30 minutes, as you will be going against the rush hour into the city. Oh sweetness!
I dunno about good places, but bits to avoid are Wainuiomata and Porirua. Try to get a house on the hills, they are always nicer areas.

Wainui I agree .. but Whitby is in Porirua and there isn't too much wrong with that ... (hmm apart from living there for the past 12 years I guess)!!

Living in Wellington/Lower Hutt really depends on what you like .. there are so many variables ... and most of them within 30 mins :)

[Hawkeye]

Wainui I agree .. but Whitby is in Porirua and there isn't too much wrong with that ... (hmm apart from living there for the past 12 years I guess)!!

Living in Wellington/Lower Hutt really depends on what you like .. there are so many variables ... and most of them within 30 mins :)


I totally agree. As Nasty has said, some places such as Whitby are classed as Porirua but are one of the more affluent areas of greater Wellington.
There are not many places in the greater Wellington region that will take you more than 30 mins to get to Avalon. Unless you are on the wrong side of the city in which case you will have to fight with the daily commuters to get through the city.
Anywhere north of the city, apart from a few exceptions will suite your initial needs.

I don't know how much you know about the Wellington region but apart from the city itself, there are two basic route's North. The east valley of Lower and Upper Hutt and the west valley of Northern Wellington and Porirua.
The valleys are connected via a couple of roads through the hills. One at the outskirts of the city and the other further north joining Porirua city with Lower/Upper Hutt. Avalon is in the Lower Hutt region.
Further up the West coast is the Kapiti region which again has some great areas to live and is still only about 30 mins from Avalon.
The thing to do is to try and get a short term rental and then use the time whilst there to look around and see where you like.


Oh! and by the way.... Welcome to KB :clap:

.

[gsp0702]

Wainui would be what i would describe as a bad area, has been described as a fighting and drinking kinda place. From the internet Porirua looked quite nice but getting mixed feedback on that. And i would like some idea of good places and schools rather than being in the position of relying on agents input so i can direct my search. But all info gratefully received.

[Hawkeye]

Wainui would be what i would describe as a bad area, has been described as a fighting and drinking kinda place. From the internet Porirua looked quite nice but getting mixed feedback on that. And i would like some idea of good places and schools rather than being in the position of relying on agents input so i can direct my search. But all info gratefully received.

Schools - age group? What kind of job do you do? That will give us more of an understanding of the kind of thing your looking for. ie. If you have money to burn, there's Eastbourne, Kandahlah, send the kids to private school.
If that's not where your at then places like Tawa, Whitby, Camborne (sp), Plimmerton, Rauamati Beach, Avalon, Silversteam etc etc etc. (I'm sure some of the guys from the other side of the hill can give you more info about the Hutt side).

The problem is there are good and bad areas, all classed as the same place.

Porirua is a 'city' which has areas such as Whitby (Bankers, IT specialists etc) and Cannons Creek (State housing, low or no income)
Don't be put off from a whole area. Specific places are to be avoided but not the whole region. It's a bit like saying the east end of London and Chelsea are the same area.

As an example. I lived in Whitby for 6 years. 10 mins from Porirua city, 10 mins from Cannons Creek. Now live in Tawa. Again, 10 mins from Porirua, 10 mins from Cannons Creek. Whitby is in Porirua 'city' and Tawa in Wellington City.

I will PM you an email address so you can ask specifics if you want.

[Dafe]

It will be easiest to buy out the Hutt if you're gonna work there.

Do you have children? Is schooling zones an issue? Because you'd really want to make sure you get your kids into the Lower Hutt City schooling zones, not Naenae/Taita zones (5 mins north of Lower Hutt).

Another way of looking at whether you're getting a good area is to go by price.
If you're spending over NZD $500K, then you are more than likely hitting the nicer suburbs.

In Lower Hutt, you're doing fine by obtaining a home in any of the following suburbs:

Woburn, Waterloo, Epuni, Belmont, Fairfield, Alicetown, Normandale, Mangauraki, Boulcott.

A very nice location to live in would be Eastbourne/Days Bay. (Coastal Location, 10 mins ride from the Hutt). Definately worth a look since you get good currency conversion. Great schooling too. Ferry service to Wellington city also and good Bus runs available.

For House hunting use try these sites:

www.open2view.com
&
www.trademe.co.nz

The open2view site will allow you venture offtrack into all the local real estate websites.
If you see any homes you like, come back to us and we'll give you more info on the location.
Also, The local Hutt council provides a good info source on individual houses.
Use this to further gain details regarding rates, area, zones etc for those specific houses.

http://gis.huttcity.govt.nz/pes/presentation/compass/search.asp

[sels1]

If you dont mind a longer commute (45-60min) the Kapiti Coast is a nice place to live, good schools, great lifestyle. On the bike I can get from my place near the beach to Avalon in 45min using the Paekakariki Hill rd, a narrow winding road thats fun on 2 wheels.
As someone else suggested, its probably better to rent for a few months until you get a feel for where you would like to be.

And welcome to the site, fellow Tiger owner!

[apteryx_haasti]

I live in Eastbourne and can vouch that it is a splendid place. I work in Wellington city and commute daily on my bike.

My parents also live out Eastbourne way, my sister and her family live in Maungaraki (note - Maungaraki primary school is very very good) and my brother and his family live in Avalon.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to Avalon from Eastbourne - you could make it take longer, of course!

Bus service from Eastbourne to Welly or lower hutt is pretty reasonable and there is a ferry as well into Wgtn City (as Dafe mentioned).

www.harcourts.co.nz - you can do a residential property search of all of the Eastbourne suburbs (also, in individual listings there are the contact details for the EB based harcourts people - they will also know about rentals). Point Howard is closest to the Hutt, Eastbourne proper the furtherest away.

Has dairy, little supermarket, pub, library, bookstore, a few cafes, fish and chips a good indian resturant...

Beaches...

Volunteer fire brigade...

...well, I've probably rabbited on long enough. Like people have said there's some nice suburbs in the Hutt and some places you really want to stay away from - I'm sure that you'll be able to figure those out by browsing the real estate pages.

(PS - www.realestate.co.nz is also good)

[unhingedlizard]

Funny thing I find in the hutt is a good area and a bad one are often two streets apart!

[Juud]

Can't believe you're all coming down so hard on Wainui. I've lived here for 6 years now and, having moved from Upper Hutt, I can't have made a better choice. Sure, it has its rotten apples but which town hasn't. It's beautiful and has a great community spirit.

It's 25 mins from Welly in traffic hour, a nice twisty hill to look forward to every day. And if you're bored just take the 20km ride to the coast.

Did I mention Tana Umaga lived here?:first:

[/end Wainui ad]

[Skunk]

Funny thing I find in the hutt is a good area and a bad one are often two streets apart!
Second that (being a Naenae boy).

[riffer]

On a bike nowhere's really a hassle to commute from.

I regularly do Upper Hutt - Wellington in half an hour or less (35km).

As others have said, there's good and bad anywhere.

What are your requirements, ie $$$, kids schooling, etc?

[bungbung]

I regularly do Upper Hutt - Wellington in half an hour or less (35km).

By Wellington standards, that is a long commute. (35km)

[pritch]

but Whitby is in Porirua and there isn't too much wrong with that ...

I stayed in Whitby this last weekend. Nice! Not too far to Avalon over the Haywards and handy to the Paekak Hill and the Rimutakas...

[Fatjim]

Sure, it has its rotten apples but which town hasn't. It's beautiful and has a great community spirit.

Did I mention Tana Umaga lived here?:first:

[/end Wainui ad]

It's got more rotten apples than a cider factory. And Tana moved his ass out of there as soon as he could afford it!:dodge:

[Juud]

It's got more rotten apples than a cider factory. And Tana moved his ass out of there as soon as he could afford it!:dodge:

he still keeps coming back though!:bleh:

[Fatjim]

Where are you from, how many and what age kids?

Some Wellington facts.

Prolly doesn;t matter where you come from in England, Welly will probably be warmer, just, (except Wainui and Karori) most the year round.

When people talk beaches here, don't think Hawaii ok?

Summer is from the 3rd of Feb to the 14th of March.

On a bike you can get anywhere in 30 minutes, unless you Sels, who take 45 min to get down his driveway.

Lower Hutt is quite central, However, I wouldn't bother looking in Welly central or south of. Your better off in Lower/Upper hutt or Kapiti if you want to live with old people. (Like Sels). na just kidding. Kapiti is a beachie place, with a slower pace of life mostly. Most of the weed smoked in Welly is enjoyed up that way.

Avoid Taita, Wingate, Naenae, Wainui (anywhere in the Wainui basin), Timberlea, most of Trentham, Cannons creek,

NZ doesn't have a mandatory minimum rental time so you could rent and start looking for a house straight away.

Housing market has been going up and up over the last 5 years and is overdue to at least flatten out. (they've been saying that for 2 years.)

Banks will loan up to 100%, manly table mortgages, but interest only is popular.

[bert_is_evil]

Avoid Newtown aka Pootown, the rent there is far more than is justifyable and it's actually quite a cr@ppy area, just trendy at the moment.
(IMHO, having lived there for about 18 months)
If you like to be surrounded by native bush but still be relatively close to the city you could try Crofton Downs/Ngaio.

[zadok]

Good to see you Wellingtonians are looking after Andy. Keep up the good work.:2thumbsup

[gsp0702]

Thanks for all the replys, some further info for you all, we have three children, a son who is 7 in august, and two daughters, one four years old and the youngest who is two in 5-6 weeks. By profession I am a geophysicist currently working in the UK, and I get the idea that traffic in NZ wont really compare to what it can be like in the UK during rush hour. So looking for places with good primary schools for the kids, and probably to begin with in the Greater Wellington area rather than Kapiti or the other direction to Featherstone/Masterton, as my wife feels that hopefully more amenities such as playgroups etc for the young'uns will give her a chance to make a some friends quicker than maybe some of the smaller towns.

Thanks for all the info so far and keep it coming, the more the better i think.

[Paul in NZ]

Depends on what you are like / interests etc. We moved to kapiti from ChCh for the affordable housing and love it. We live in Raumati South and there is a great live music scene and plenty of local artists etc. My next door neighbour is a goat called Izzy and she likes it too...

Kapiti great family place with good schools and the like particularly if you are a little on the alternative (aged hippy) side of the spectrum. The commute is a prick but I've done worse.

Kapiti is a pain when your kids get older (as in when they want to hit the night clubs) but we really like living there.

[Guitana]

Wainui would be what i would describe as a bad area, has been described as a fighting and drinking kinda place. From the internet Porirua looked quite nice but getting mixed feedback on that. And i would like some idea of good places and schools rather than being in the position of relying on agents input so i can direct my search. But all info gratefully received.

Tawa or Johnsonville they are close to the highway and you will get a clean run to the hutt once you clear the gorge plus you can ride with me if you're game I work in the hutt too!!! Good schools and low violence levels.

[judecatmad]

By Wellington standards, that is a long commute. (35km)

Yes, we're in Upper Hutt too (Totara Park) and it is a long commute - but it's well worth it IMHO.

We love living near the gorgeous river and the mountains (we're not beach bunnies) and the fact that we have to travel an hour each way (if we drive - it's less on the bikes of course) is just something we are prepared to accept.

Whilst there are areas of UH that aren't too flash, there are some that are lovely. It's not as well serviced as Lower Hutt but it is growing rapidly. And let's face it, if you're coming from the UK, NOWHERE in NZ is going to be as well serviced! LOL

I personally couldn't see us living any closer to the city than we do. After all - where else do in Wellington do you get really sheltered, flat sections which bake in full sun in the summer but aren't too dark and damp in the winter?

(can ya tell I like where we live?!)

We lived in Titahi Bay for the first 6 months and I'd say stay as far away from Porirua as you can. But then the friends we were renting off loved it....go figure.....

Johnsonville is probably a nice neutral place to start if you do want somewhere a bit closer to the city.

[Fatjim]

One thing I forgot. Lower Hutt, aka "The Hutt" isn't too sophisticated. Upper Hutt's known to be worse. But there are very nice suburbs of both cities that are very nice.


I strongly suggest you rent for a while then make your mind up.

[Drum]

[QUOTE=Fatjim;956043]One thing I forgot. Lower Hutt, aka "The Hutt" isn't too sophisticated. ........QUOTE]

Not sure what you mean by sophisticated? Cant get tea and scones?

We've got art galleries, pools, libraries, museums, gardens, cafes etc. What more do you want?

Edit: Oh, and bogans!

[bungbung]

Bogans, don't forget the Bogans.

[riffer]

Nought wrong with bogans. Don't listen to the Welly bunch - they're all snobs.

I have four kids - a daughter (9), and three sons (7,6 and 2).

Let me know when you're arriving. Our kids can help yours acclimatise... :innocent:

[Freebird]

I have not long moved out here from the UK and find living in whitby very nice it all depends what you want do you want night life etc. if so Whitby is not the place for you (its very quite)
If there is anything you would like to know about my move ask away

[mazz1972]

Have you been to NZ/Wellington before?

Check out schools in likely areas - you don't always get to choose as mostly it's based on where you live as to what schools your kids can go to.

www.trademe.co.nz lists both properties for sale and rentals.

Don't believe everything real estate agents have to say.

Oh and don't underestimate the traffic situation here...

Good luck!

[Paul in NZ]

I have not long moved out here from the UK and find living in whitby very nice it all depends what you want do you want night life etc. if so Whitby is not the place for you (its very quite)
If there is anything you would like to know about my move ask away

Plenty of night life at my place ....

Izzy the goat gets a bit frisky sometimes, there a Morepork lives in the gully and I found a whistling frog in the hallway last week (cute little critter). Once the nights get cold the mice will start trying to colonise the house and i really need to do something about the possums... heaps of nightlife up our way..

[ajturbo]

i am looking for a flat mate in newlands.. 15min from lower hutt ( so i recon):scooter:

[Ivan]

whats a bogan?

[bungbung]

whats a bogan?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogan

[Drum]

whats a bogan?

Ha Ha. If you don't know you probably are one!

[XP@]

I have not long moved out here from the UK and find living in whitby very nice it all depends what you want do you want night life etc. if so Whitby is not the place for you (its very quite)
If there is anything you would like to know about my move ask away

Sorry, Whitby is full.

I know of 3 ex-pome bikers who live in this area
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&om=1&z=16&ll=-41.109122,174.892108&spn=0.007372,0.014591

Seriously, its a really good area to live. commuting is easy, even in to wellington.

Which ever way you look at it most places in NZ are tame compared to the UK.

[bull]

Nothing wrong with Timberlea in Upper Hutt, has a good mix of people and a good community, ive lived here for last 17yrs and have had no problems, was even the chosen location for this tv show so cant be all bad.http://mitre10dreamhome.co.nz/2005/week9/
Did i mention the Rimutaka hill Road is on our back doorstep?

Like Riffer i ride to welly each day and also have 3 boys(10, 6 and 5) whom could help acclimatise your kiddies to Upper Hutt and NZ.

[mikey]

In Lower Hutt, you're doing fine by obtaining a home in any of the following suburbs:

Woburn, Waterloo, Epuni, Belmont, Fairfield, Alicetown, Normandale, Mangauraki, Boulcott.

A very nice location to live in would be Eastbourne/Days Bay. (Coastal Location, 10 mins ride from the Hutt). Definately worth a look since you get good currency conversion. Great schooling too. Ferry service to Wellington city also and good Bus runs available.

For House hunting use try these sites:

www.open2view.com
&
www.trademe.co.nz

The open2view site will allow you venture offtrack into all the local real estate websites.
If you see any homes you like, come back to us and we'll give you more info on the location.
Also, The local Hutt council provides a good info source on individual houses.
Use this to further gain details regarding rates, area, zones etc for those specific houses.

http://gis.huttcity.govt.nz/pes/presentation/compass/search.asp

parents palce in petone just sold for 3/4 million...... great place. better than half that you listed.
yes im biased. i lived there for 20 years, but the numbers dont lie.

[gsp0702]

Thanks lads and lasses, lost of good info we have been scouring the internet looking at rentals and seen some nice houses out there, i am just waiting to hear back about next stage of the interview process which should be a trip over for me and the wife for a meet and greet and get a look at Wellington, Lower Hutt and Surrounds. At least we feel like we are beginning to get a feel for the different suburbs, and an idea of the school system. KB's a good site and i am pleased that zadok pointed in the direction of the site.

Oh and the meet and greet will be our first visit to NZ.

Cheers

Andy

[Matt]

Another vote for Upper Hutt! easy access to the Hutt for all the amenities and only 30 mins to the CBD by bike - plenty of family friendly suburbs with good kindys/schools like Silverstream/Heretaunga/Riverstone/Totara Park etc etc.

We've been here a year and a half and have 3 kids (16, 6 & 4), more than happy to help if I can!

Matt

[ceebie13]

Another vote for Upper Hutt! easy access to the Hutt for all the amenities and only 30 mins to the CBD by bike - plenty of family friendly suburbs with good kindys/schools like Silverstream/Heretaunga/Riverstone/Totara Park etc etc.

We've been here a year and a half and have 3 kids (16, 6 & 4), more than happy to help if I can!

Matt

Yay! What he said. My Mrs, (Bex on KB) used to teach "the difficult ones" in Cumbria, Corby and Coventry before we came here three years ago. She is now a resource teacher for learning and behaviour in the Wellington area. She's based in Wanuiomata but has extensive knowledge and experience of schools in both Lower and Upper Hutt. (PM me if you'd like further advice)

Just bear in mind that everyone is going to chip in with their tuppenyworth about how marvellous one particular area is and how crappy another is.
Living in Riverstone as we do, we are constantly bombarded by snobbery (usually from Wellingtonians in so called "trendy" locations - like Newtown mentioned earlier) who question "how on earth can you live in the Hutt?"

Answer: Quite comfortably and peacefully thank you.

Good luck in your search. By the way, did you actually get the job?

[Guitana]

Nought wrong with bogans. Don't listen to the Welly bunch - they're all snobs.

I have four kids - a daughter (9), and three sons (7,6 and 2).

Let me know when you're arriving. Our kids can help yours acclimatise... :innocent:

Hey Riffer got any spare grease I need to slick back my Mullet!!!
I must admit I took my Kids to the speedway last saturday night and I could feel the Bogan Raging within!!!!

[Guitana]

whats a bogan?

Between 5'6 and 6'6 tall wears black jeans with a heavy leather belt (ACDC Buckle is standard issue), heavy metal tshirts(Metallica is most commonly worn)and black woolen or polyester jerseys,footwear is usually steel capped boots or Doc Martins anything that will aid in ankle support when kicking peoples heads in.
Hairstyle can range from the common 'Skinhead' to the more advanced Mullet or fully grown headbanger hairstyles ie.David Coverdale.
You will usually find the common species of the Bogan frequenting bars,Heavy metal concerts and speedway events (Temarua)etc.
Religion wise they pray to the gods of metal: Bon Scott, Jimi Hendrix,Dimebag Darryl need I say more!
Their vehicle of choice is usually a FORD or HOLDEN and the argument still continues as to which vehicle is the best, this paved the way for a bogan/petrolhead festival commonly known as the V8 Supercars! The battle rages on! The common greeting of the Bogan is a monotonal Grunt followed by the offering of a 'can of piss' usually a cheap brand as the motto of the bogan is quantity not quality. When one is presented with a can of piss you must skull it quickly or you will be labelled as a Poof this is the highest insult to any bogan as all bogans suffer from extreme homophobia!
Bogans are prolific breeders and choose their Partners wisely. The female of the species is commonly known as a SHEILA or MISSUS and sometimes THAT BITCH!They are easily recognised by their boofed up hair overuse of makeup tight jeans and leather boots(usually below the knee).These SHEILAS can be very aggressive and protective of their males!Another common trait of the Bogan missus is to talk in a whiney tone using words like CHOOOIIICCEE when excited! The Bogan predominantly comes from the blue collar worker family and usually finds employment as a mechanic, sheetmetal worker, boilermaker, Labourer orTruck driver. They tend to hunt in packs and commonly reside in flats usually with a wrecked car outside. Favourite drink is Bourbon and cheap beer and they dont use aftershave or deodorant.

I hope this has better informed you of our freind the BOGAN.

[Fatjim]

yes im biased. i lived there for 20 years,

I think this just backs up what Dafe was saying :dodge:. Mind you, sounds like the place is on the up now.

[gsp0702]

Currenly arranging for a trip out meet and greet wit company, i guess second face to face interview and from the sound of it them selling themselves, NZ and wellington area and hopefully showing us round the area a bit. But looking good so far. If that goes well i will probably start taking peoople up on thier offers of info on schools etc.

[Drum]

Don't hassle the artwork. I'm a numbers man!...........

[gsp0702]

thanks for all the info so far looks like the visit (meet & greet) and second interview? is being arranged for around second of april. I have noticed that your interest rates are a bit higher than uk and Australia. Suggestion is that they have been put up in an attempt to control an overheating housing market? Also saw a rather barbed comment regarding upper hutt on the emigratenz website. Interview with someone who had moved to welly quoted pretty much everywhere around wellington was nice but upper hutt had a bit of a reputation. Generally on here most people have been positive about upper hutt.

http://www.emigratenz.org/EmigratingToWellington.html

[wendigo]

By profession I am a geophysicist......

So you'd be working for GNS then. Nice enough crowd. Fairly laid back. Place used to be old television studios, and is in pretty good nick. Very nice location - even got their own swimming pool there. Sadly there were no hot chicks lounging around aforementioned pool when I worked there...

Downside would be that it is somewhat isolated, so nipping out to get a spot of lunch is somewhat of an embuggerance.

Commute wise, I came in from Newtown. Took somewhere in the region of 15-20 minutes on the way out in the morning, somewhat more coming home in the evening. Very boring mind you. Get on the start of the motorway in Wellington and straight line it all the way to Avalon. Mindnumbing. Squared of the tyres something horrible too...

Places to buy?

Not Newtown thats for sure. As pointed out before, it used to be cheap, but now the place has become trendy due to this, and has become a victim of it's own succes. Also the houses in general are not in the best of shape, as they are old, and will require a fair amount of work to get em in good nick. Factor this in on top of the purchase price of the house in the first place, and Newtown is actually bloody expensive. Got lots of interesting (i.e. genuinely fucked in the head) characters mind you.

Would suggest to have a look at Northland, Wadestown that sort of area. Reasonable prices and good location for getting both into the City center and onto the motorway.
Don't know much about schools, but the estate agent was using the school zone as a selling point when we bought a house out there, so it couldn't have been bad.

[Fatjim]

Last year I stayed at a "homestay" in Upper hutt for a while. A pommy was there who was doing the same as you. He had come over early to start work and look for a house. Brought the family over once the house settlement wa about due. Seemed to work for him as the missus and kids didn't have to live in temp accommodation.

If you looking for a place to stay look up fantail hostel and homestay in Upper Hutt, (costs around $240 a week all inclusive). Maggie's the boss there. Warning, you'll put on weight.

[Drum]

......... I have noticed that your interest rates are a bit higher than uk and Australia. Suggestion is that they have been put up in an attempt to control an overheating housing market? Also saw a rather barbed comment regarding upper hutt on the emigratenz website. ...

Thats true about the mortgage interest rates. They are currently around 8.5% fixed and 9.8% floating. They are likely to go up again in the short term as our housing market refuses to slow down.

Oh, and Upper Hutt is a great place. Lots of trees, bush, rivers, parks etc. And the shopping is on the increase too, with several national retailers opening in the next year. Also some of the most reasonable real estate prices you will find in the region. You can even live semi-rural and catch the train to work every day.

You're gonna love it here mate, and we'll make you welcome.

[riffer]

Also some of the most reasonable real estate prices you will find in the region.


Use to be Damon.

We bought a 3 bedroom there 4 years ago for $165,000. House two doors down sold twelve months ago for $340,000. Conservative registered valuation six months ago said $295,000+. House next door sold three weeks ago for $385,000.

House prices are going stupid ATM and unfortunately Upper Hutt is leading the way. Still, house prices are less than they are in Welly. One of the young girls at work (mid 20s) and her boyfriend just put in a $1.2 million bid on a 3-bedroom house in Northland!

[Drum]

....unfortunately Upper Hutt is leading the way. ...

Not unfortunate for you Simon!

I see that the Hutt Valley mean property value increased by 17% over the last 12 months.

Ch-ching!

[Matt]

... Also saw a rather barbed comment regarding upper hutt on the emigratenz website. Interview with someone who had moved to welly quoted pretty much everywhere around wellington was nice but upper hutt had a bit of a reputation. Generally on here most people have been positive about upper hutt.

http://www.emigratenz.org/EmigratingToWellington.html

Like anything in life try before you buy! I made my own mind up about the Hutt/Upper Hutt, wouldn't worry about negative comments on emigration forums like emigratenz/uk2nz etc, most of them have never been out of Mt Vic...

Matt

[gsp0702]

Trip organised arrive Wellington Saturday 31st March, depart Friday April 6th back to uk so for NZ a very flying visit but all paid for so cant complain. Just hope i get an offer on the end of this.

[gsp0702]

Well on the plane tomorrow and will be in welly around 10ish saturday morning, in body anyway, the mind may take a day or two to catch up. So hoping the weather stays good for the duration of the visit. Wish me luck

[Drum]

Unfortunately the weather forecast is grim for visit.

Don't let that put you off though. Enjoy your time here.

[gsp0702]

well we are here in lower hutt in body, mind still somewhere over the pacific. Found an internet cafe, of to make use of the hire car.

Any good pubs/bars or restautrants we could try whilst we are here.

[slowpoke]

Maaaate, have I got a deal for you....!

I'm in Martinborough, the motorcycling Mecca of Welly/Wairarapa and our place has just gone on the market. In fact when you park your bike at night you'll actually notice in the morning it will have moved to face towards Martinborough, I shit you not.

Hmmmm, 20-30min from Upper Hutt might be a problem, I'm not saying it can't be done, but you'd certainly have a hell of a lot of fun trying!

27acres of rural bliss, restored open plan farmhouse, Rimutaka's one way, Lake Ferry/Coast another, dirt switchback roads yet another, wineries, great roads....did I mention the steak knives...no wait there's more......wait....come back!

[slowpoke]

well we are here in lower hutt in body, mind still somewhere over the pacific. Found an internet cafe, of to make use of the hire car.

Any good pubs/bars or restautrants we could try whilst we are here.

Martinborough Hotel...Flying Fish cafe..lots wineries.....ok, ok I'll shut the fuck up now

[Drum]

well we are here in lower hutt in body, mind still somewhere over the pacific. Found an internet cafe, of to make use of the hire car.

Any good pubs/bars or restautrants we could try whilst we are here.

If you're in Wellington City, the best restaurant is Logan Brown. A tad pricey though.

Try Courtney Place Saturday night for the City's best nightlife.

[gsp0702]

Well back in the UK, after the flying visit, sorry we didnt have time to hook up with anyone who offered, but i was kept busy by my interviewers for 5 of the 7 days and did sight seeimg stuff other two. we tried the flying fish cafe in martinborough, looks like they do a good breakfast, looked a popular location of Good Friday, wether that was becuase it was one of only a few places open i dont know. And the Rimutaka road looks fun. And juding from the number of police cars a nice place to park up. Any way i have been offered the job, which i will accept and just a case of working through the visa process. Thanks for all the previous help and hope to meet some of you in the near future. Thanks Andy

[Hawkeye]

Well back in the UK, after the flying visit, sorry we didnt have time to hook up with anyone who offered, but i was kept busy by my interviewers for 5 of the 7 days and did sight seeimg stuff other two. we tried the flying fish cafe in martinborough, looks like they do a good breakfast, looked a popular location of Good Friday, wether that was becuase it was one of only a few places open i dont know. And the Rimutaka road looks fun. And juding from the number of police cars a nice place to park up. Any way i have been offered the job, which i will accept and just a case of working through the visa process. Thanks for all the previous help and hope to meet some of you in the near future. Thanks Andy


Sorry we didn't get to meet you when you were here Andy. Don't let the cop cars put you off the hill. They were out in force due to the holiday weekend and all that. Not normally as bad. There were a number of rides going on at the weekend. Sunday would have been the day to be at Martinborough. Quite a few riders over for the day for a picnic in the square and chewing the fat. The Friday ride went a different route and didn't go via Martinborough.

When are you scheduled to hit this place again? PM me you're ENZ screen name as no doubt you would have already had interaction with the misses. She is never off that site.
Good luck with the move.

Kenny

[riffer]

Great news about the job Andy!

Keep in touch and let us know when you're coming back and where you've decided to move to.

[Smoggie]

Moved over here from UK over 2 years ago. Some relevant points:

1. Loads of football on SKY.
2. Cannot get a really good curry, so learn how to make them.
3. Most important - NO MONSTER MUNCH.

[ceebie13]

Hey, Andy...

Congrats on the job front mate! You've got it all to do now though...
You'll enjoy the immigration process... And the house hunting...maybe the house selling too in the UK(?)...packing up....shipping stuff....oh my god, the mind boggles. I remember it well. But now you know you are definately coming you'll ride through it all on a huge wave of excitement and enthusiasm! And you won't regret it one bit! The locals might start to feel a bit out numbered though...all these bloody poms coming over here...think they own the place!

Richard

[gsp0702]

Thanks for that one and all, hoping to be out towards the ned of june. Looking at shipping my bike over with th furniture and was wondering if anyone has done this and what was involved? I know what i need for customs formalities more in the line of prepping for shipping? And yes pretty stressful at the moment but just need to plug on through it all.

Cheers


Andy

[riffer]

So you'll be here just in time to learn the Rimutakas in winter, then Andy? Niiiiice.

So - did you decide where in the Hutt Valley to settle?

I'm still biased and recommending Upper Hutt. :yes:

Looking forward to meeting you.

Simon

[gsp0702]

I know missing out on a summer is probably not the best part of the move but cant have everything. And yes i think muscling the tiger up that road may be interesting whatever the weather.

At the moment we like the look of Pinehaven & Silverstream, look like nice communities, good schools but it will probably be decided as much by whats available to rent when we turn up.

[Shadows]

And yes i think muscling the tiger up that road may be interesting whatever the weather.

No way, I can roll my potato up there without too much drama so that Tiger of yours will be a cinch!

[Smoggie]

Hi Andy,

I shipped my Pan European over over, through Pickfords. With insurance, cost me around a grand. Left a virtual empty tank, set of keys with them, and they sorted out the rest.
When the bike arrived, I spoke to Sawyer motorcycles, in Wellington centre, and once the bike was there, they tested it, and registered it for me. Really helpful.

I came over on a work visa to start with, and so had to pay import tax. This was refunded once my residency came through.

Any questions mate, just ask.

ps. Stick some Monster Munch in your bag please (pickled onion), and will buy them off you.

[Smoggie]

If yo uare interested, Joe, a mate of mine on here, goes by the name 'vasalinewarrior'. He is a Geologist, and may know a bit about the company you are joining.

[Smoggie]

Dont forget to bring your bike documents over by hand. Log book, and the receipt for buying it.

[gsp0702]

Smoggie, thanks for the info on the bike import, if your mate works for GNS would be interested in what he has to say. Having been over for a week to see them looked a nice place and a good bunch of people. Not sure i can help with monster munch the customs dogs looking pretty good at sniffing out the food contraband from what i saw at auckland.

[Deano]

Moved over here from UK over 2 years ago. Some relevant points:

2. Cannot get a really good curry, so learn how to make them.


Have you tried Little India in Lower Hutt ?

[Riff Raff]

Most important - NO MONSTER MUNCH.

Not true. There's lots of places bringing in all the good snack foods from the UK. Found Monster Munch at Pak n Save the other day in the International aisle (as well as some other favourites). $2 a bag, so they're not cheap but at least you can get a fix every now and then. I also finally managed to get a Walnut Whip for the first time in 15 years - wasn't as good as I remembered!!!

[Freebird]

Hi Andy,

Just a few more points for you to keep in mind, are your brake lines standard, when looking at houses think about heating it does get cold and there are very few houses with central heating and I don’t think anyone does double glazing. I’m still a fan if Whitby and you would have a nice ride to work, we rent a nice 4 bedroom there with a double garage for $420 a week.

Anyway look forward to meeting you when you get over, just be prepared for hold-ups it took me around 6 months from the job offer to starting and that was a job with the government who helped the process along.

Sorry for the downer hope it go’s well for you.

All the best
Davey

[gsp0702]

Had been told that a lot of the delays were associated with getting the CRB checks done. And as we had those already hoping that will speed things up. But we will see the applications have been submitted with all required information so fingers crossed.

[Smoggie]

My sister posted me a box of 24 bags for Christmas. There were lots of very happy people over here.

[ceebie13]

If you are bunging the Tiger in with your household stuff all in one container, then you'll be laughing I'd hope. I shipped my bike out separately a few months after I arrived myself. It was all done for me too. (although the UK forwarding company was utter crap!). Motormart in Lower Hutt picked my bike up from the customs depot because theoretically you are not allowed to ride it yourself on NZ roads till it's registered. Once MAF had finished giving it a once over (by the way, it's essential your Tiger is squeeky clean... no mud, no leaves or you are in for expensive re-inspections) Motomart handled all the paperwork and delivered it to the vehicle testing centre. All I had to do was cough up and ride away...

That first ride on your bike in NZ is strange - so far away from home and all - but awesome too!

[gsp0702]

Currently seems a little lacking on rental properties, but quite a number available in the Churton Park area, anyone comment on wht this area is like? Not one we visited when we were over in March.

Cheers

Andy

[Drum]

Have you had a look here..........

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Property/RegionListings.aspx?search=1&mcat=0350-5748-4233-&sidebar=1&132=FLAT&selected135=&selected136=&134=15&135=&29=&122=0&122=0&59=0&59=0

[gsp0702]

Checking trademe out on a daily basis. That maybe the problem should layoff it for a week and then would probably help would see more stuff we hadnt seen before.

[riffer]

Why renting Andy?

The exchange rate between British Sterling and the NZ $ is still good.

Or do you not own a house back home?

Renting's bloody expensive if you ask me. My mortgage is less than a grand a month.

[gsp0702]

Oh yes i have a house but still on the market so in the short term will have to rent. Long term we will buy, renting always seems dead money.

Also will initially buy a cheap car when we get out. And would like info on the NZ equivalent of an MOT , a WOF i believe which i will also need for the tiger. So all info would be useful.

Also and finally a :yes: :Punk: :sunny: we have our visas and are definetly on our way will be in welly on or about the 1st of july

[riffer]

You will require a WOF every six months.

Keep your bike well maintained and you'll easily pass.

Things to watch out for are that any aftermarket parts have the correct Standards markings on them, or you'll fail.

[gsp0702]

just been informed that as i am initially coming in on a work permit if i bring my bike i will have to pay GST, so i was wondering what rate it is charged at and how the bikes value is worked out?

[Drum]

GST? Are you sure? I would have thought it would have been Duty, not GST. Any tax experts here?

In any case, GST is 12.5%.

[Drum]

Seems you're correct. No duty, just GST of 12.5%.

Its all right here........

[Baldyheed]

just been informed that as i am initially coming in on a work permit if i bring my bike i will have to pay GST, so i was wondering what rate it is charged at and how the bikes value is worked out?

It is duty that you pay Andy. I was in the same boat with bringing my bike over. Think I had to pay around $1200. Once yo uget your residency through, then you can claim that back. Mine was repaid pretty sharpish.

Churton Park area is fine.

See you soon mate.

[gsp0702]

Well the whole family will be based out of the Green Gables motel Lower Hutt from this Sunday 1st July for a month, hopefully enough time to find a suitable rental property. The lady wife is after a Subaru Legacy estate or forrester so if anyone knows of a good'un for $4k or so i would be interested in hearing. Also hoping to pop along to the Shaun Harris fund raiser having met him practice week, was a real blow to hear about his accident, but good to hear he is on the mend.

Thanks for all your previous help and looking forward to putting a few faces to kb id's.

Any suggestions for occupying & entertaining three kids two girls 2 & 3 and a 6 year old lad would be much appreciated cos i think the time in the motel could be tough on all concerned.

Anyway signing of from the campervan in balmy Napier

Cheers

Andy

[Ocean1]

Well the whole family will be based out of the Green Gables motel Lower Hutt from this Sunday 1st July for a month, hopefully enough time to find a suitable rental property. The lady wife is after a Subaru Legacy estate or forrester so if anyone knows of a good'un for $4k or so i would be interested in hearing. Also hoping to pop along to the Shaun Harris fund raiser having met him practice week, was a real blow to hear about his accident, but good to hear he is on the mend.

Thanks for all your previous help and looking forward to putting a few faces to kb id's.

Any suggestions for occupying & entertaining three kids two girls 2 & 3 and a 6 year old lad would be much appreciated cos i think the time in the motel could be tough on all concerned.

Anyway signing of from the campervan in balmy Napier

Cheers

Andy

Welcome to Welly mate.

Green Gables don't have much yard for the nippers to run around in, not that the weather's much good at the moment. Usually a few things to see and do of a weekend with the kids, not a hell of a lot during the week though. Just a short walk to uptown, library at the far end. Used to be an indoor kids playground thing not too far away, not sure if it's still there but I'll check.

Hope the job goes well, I live just across the river from GNS, could throw a brick at it, regularly do so, (not a fan of the architecture). Be nice to stroll across the road to the park come summer. In fact I think some of the guys here meet in the carpark of an evening for a ride. At least I assume that's what they're doing...

Motor: two suggestions, get a copy of the book "The Dog and Lemon Guide". Also, don't bother with the local dealers, you'll get better deals buying privately. Or check here:
http://http://www.turners.co.nz/Branches/WellingtonCars/tabid/278/Auctions/AuctionInfomation/tabid/192/Default.aspx?AuctionID=9154

PM me when you get settled in and I'll buy you a beer.
Won't be warm though...

Luck, Mark.

[Drum]

Re: The kiddies.

The school holidays start on monday, so there should be activities a plenty.

Have a look here......

http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/Council-Services/Sports-and-Recreation/Leisure-Active/Holiday-Programmes/

http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/community-family-kids/events/wellington.html

http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/product/index.cfm?productID=31852

[Bullitt]

Motor: two suggestions, get a copy of the book "The Dog and Lemon Guide". Also, don't bother with the local dealers, you'll get better deals buying privately. Or check here:
http://http://www.turners.co.nz/Branches/WellingtonCars/tabid/278/Auctions/AuctionInfomation/tabid/192/Default.aspx?AuctionID=9154


Id take anything contained in the dog and lemon guide with a grain of salt. It has improved in recent years but theyre still pretty negative on most cars. Plus they warn you of the wierdest things like "WARNING cross member can come loose at 150,000ks" or similar. Its an entertaining read but if your considering a certain model youd be better searching for it on the net to see what real people think of them.

Agreed on private sales, expect them to be half the price of a yard, especially in the $4k bracket. Though you wont get the same level of comeback so you pays you money you makes your choice.

There can be some very cheap cars through turners, though be wary, alot of turners cars are from dealers that dont want to put them on their yard. I know my girlfriends former Mitsi RVR ended up in turners from the yard, it was only 10 years old with 115k on it and it looked fine but the compressions on the motor told a different story.

Welcome to Wellington anyway