Hi there - Brit, 23, coming to NZ. Few questions for you all. Thanks

[chasio]

Another expat here, lived in Yorkshire for many a year m'sen but escaped here from the South East getting on 6 years ago.

The people may be friendlier than you're used to if you move here from south-east England to anywhere outside Auckland, but I loved Yorkshire and Auckland is nowhere near as friendly on the whole (KB excepted) as the original God's Own County, nor the rest of NZ. Auckland is also a relatively expensive place to get a house.

The driving approach is a lot less co-operative in NZ generally than in Britain with more aggression overall. If the UK population drove like they do here, there would be constant gridlock and blood-letting. Luckily outside greater Auckland they're aren't many people to muck things up.

Also, if you're a gay vegetarian, stay in Britain as you will feel a complete outsider everywhere except Ponsonby (AKL suburb).

Otherwise get over here because, minor niggles aside, this is a fabulous place to live. I won't be going back and they can't even kick me out now as I have citizenship.


And if you fancy a bit of dual sport / ADV riding, this is a bloody good place for it. And that's just on the main highways...

[Geemsee]

Thanks for the replies guys!

So how does the expense of biking compare?

When I was in Aus I noticed bikes seemed significantly more expensive than the UK, though I guess this is understandable given the geography and population, is it similar?

Hmmm can't wait.

The roads good? I imagine so. Hope there aint too many doddery cage drivers around to ruin the fun.

Roads are great.... once you get out of the city(s) that is!! There's some strange driving 'techniques' over here; cars/vans trucks undertaking is pretty scarey when you're not used to it!!

The cops seem to have little to do (relatively speaking), so they WILL pull you for speeding (+10kph over) but they mainly concentrate on the motorways so when you get out in the sticks you should be ok as long as you don't go tearing through towns at Mach1.

Oh, If you're still on your UK licence it will be a (hefty) fine as they can't put the points on btw!

New bikes are a little cheaper than in the UK, secondhand ones hold their value a lot better though.

So, NZ or UK??! I've been here for 18 months and I aint going back....unless they deport me!

[Rickie]

Hey people,

Thanks for all the replies and advice. Muchly appreciated!

Well I finish my p/t college course next month, so ideally looking to leave after summer (World Cup n all...), possibly Sept, early Oct. Just wondering how does the weather of NZ compare to that of N.E UK?

Going to stay in a hostel in Auckland for a bit to find my feet and search for work...so if any of you guys know of anywhere that's looking for web/graphic designers or barmen give me a shout hey?! Hehe.

Won't get a bike until I get work, but was wondering if you guys have organised rideouts/pub meets, going to be alone and be nice to meet bikers (we all know bikers can talk bike chat forever )!

Anyway, stay safe all.

Rickie

[triple-bee]

Forget the North Island....come to ChCh and the best motorcycling country in THE WORLD!!!! The South is wicked, little traffic and scenery to die for, seriously. only thing is..do we really need more poms in the S.I?
Spose you lot aren't tooooooo bad (compared to Afghan refugees lmfao)

Yes u do, we rock