Got an interview in Christchurch

[lv929]

Hi


We are from the UK and I posted here once or twice a while back when I was planning a bike trip in NZ. The holiday didn't come off, but you were all very helpful and friendly.

SO I thought, why not ask for opinions again, now I may actually be MOVING to NZ Much to my surprise I have reached the final interview stage for a job I really want, and the company is flying me and my husband-to-be out from the UK in 4 weeks for the interview, and so we can find our feet if I get the job.

Please may I ask some basic questions:

If we live there how long (in terms of years?)can we use our UK driving licences for? Is there an easy transfer to the NZ licence? Would we need to do it?

Do you have any bhp restrictions on bikes like France and some parts of the USA?

Should we think about bringing our bikes with us (we have 4 between us), or buying over there. E.g. I have a tuned up gsxr1000 with full system, and don't want to be attracting unwelcome attention on the road from the ;-) if its not appropriate

Where is the nearest track to Christchurch? Can you point me in the direction of track day regulations? I used to race in the UK and would love to at least get on track sometimes.


And finally: if, just if, we should be so lucky, I might get back to you for advice on places to live round Christchurch: we have a reasonable sized house to sell in the UK and want a bit of garden/space as we'll be bringing our 3 dogs


Thanks for your comments

[Slyer]

Hey good luck with the interview!
With the amount of stuff you have it sounds like you could use a whole container.

[lv929]

Hey good luck with the interview!
With the amount of stuff you have it sounds like you could use a whole container.

erm yes that's what we thought actually cos we were also wondering whether to bring the car over (where's the blush smiley when you need one)

The dogs won't go in the container though

[Slyer]

- There you go.

And yes, them being living does make it a bit harder to ship them.
But I can direct you to an excellent taxidermist!

[3umph]

Good luck on the interview...

there are a lot of good places around the Christchurch area... proberley depends where your job is based... but then travelling to you around Christchurch would not be a problem...
I personally like the sea side of town...

as for bringing bikes and cars best would be see what it will cost to get it here and vined or cheaper to sell and buy the same here...

I think its 12 months before having to get a NZ licence but could be wrong on that

[lv929]

Hmmm just read this about importing vehicles. Might need to have a re-think....

[lv929]

Good luck on the interview...

there are a lot of good places around the Christchurch area... proberley depends where your job is based... but then travelling to you around Christchurch would not be a problem...
I personally like the sea side of town...

We currently both commute up to 120 miles per day to get to work. I'm imagining that if we end up in/near Christchurch, my life would be easier on that front....

[Kickaha]

Where is the nearest track to Christchurch? Can you point me in the direction of track day regulations? I used to race in the UK and would love to at least get on track sometimes.
:

The track is about 20 minutes from Chch central, Tuesdays and Fridays its $50 for 1/2 a day, alternating 20-30 min sessions if there's any cars out there

[3umph]

We currently both commute up to 120 miles per day to get to work. I'm imagining that if we end up in/near Christchurch, my life would be easier on that front....

ummm.... yeah a lot better...

When are you due to come over for the interview???

[fireliv]

Hi


We are from the UK and I posted here once or twice a while back when I was planning a bike trip in NZ. The holiday didn't come off, but you were all very helpful and friendly.

SO I thought, why not ask for opinions again, now I may actually be MOVING to NZ Much to my surprise I have reached the final interview stage for a job I really want, and the company is flying me and my husband-to-be out from the UK in 4 weeks for the interview, and so we can find our feet if I get the job.

Please may I ask some basic questions:

If we live there how long (in terms of years?)can we use our UK driving licences for? Is there an easy transfer to the NZ licence? Would we need to do it?

Do you have any bhp restrictions on bikes like France and some parts of the USA?

Should we think about bringing our bikes with us (we have 4 between us), or buying over there. E.g. I have a tuned up gsxr1000 with full system, and don't want to be attracting unwelcome attention on the road from the ;-) if its not appropriate

Where is the nearest track to Christchurch? Can you point me in the direction of track day regulations? I used to race in the UK and would love to at least get on track sometimes.


And finally: if, just if, we should be so lucky, I might get back to you for advice on places to live round Christchurch: we have a reasonable sized house to sell in the UK and want a bit of garden/space as we'll be bringing our 3 dogs


Thanks for your comments

Hey hope the job and possible move goes well!. Ruapuna is the local track. Like has been stated there are regular tues track days and there are also have a go days. Just google it you should find heaps, main restrictions, zip together leathers (sure thats no probs) and making sure your bike is taped up and wired up. But the info is out there.

Not sure on the licence thing but again check out LTSA adn I'm sure it will say there somewhere!!


Might be seeing you sooner rather than later! Good luck

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

If we live there how long (in terms of years?)can we use our UK driving licences for? Is there an easy transfer to the NZ licence? Would we need to do it?

12months... you you must have a NZ licences, but I believe you just have to sit the final (what we call full)

Do you have any bhp restrictions on bikes like France and some parts of the USA?

not to my knowledge. Unless you are on a learners or restricted then you are not allowed anything greater than a 250cc

Should we think about bringing our bikes with us (we have 4 between us), or buying over there. E.g. I have a tuned up gsxr1000 with full system, and don't want to be attracting unwelcome attention on the road from the ;-) if its not appropriate

See above... the one thing that has just come into law is the exhaust noise level which is not allowed to be over 100db

Where is the nearest track to Christchurch? Can you point me in the direction of track day regulations? I used to race in the UK and would love to at least get on track sometimes.[/QUOTE]

There is a track within 20 minutes of ChCh and another about 2 hours south.

And finally: if, just if, we should be so lucky, I might get back to you for advice on places to live round Christchurch: we have a reasonable sized house to sell in the UK and want a bit of garden/space as we'll be bringing our 3 dogs

Canterbury plains.... very straight roads...

[Jerry74]

You would be better off to get bikes here as your pound is worth $3 New zealand..

E.g 10,000 quid is $30,000 which is a lot of play money for new bikes.

[lv929]

looks like we might not bring over some of the bikes, not worth the hassle/GST, especially for my rather loud gsxr The sterling/dollar exchange rate also seems to work quite well for us at the moment, making me think that buying in NZ is the best option..

We come over round about 24th March for about a week.

Straight roads? rather have some twisties please

[3umph]

Straight roads? rather have some twisties please

we have them as well....

[lv929]

we have them as well....

OK good we'll come then



if I get the job of course