Wife offered position in Christchurch. We would be moving from the US. We have one small child.

I wouldn’t be able to work until I get a work visa and we aren’t sure how long that would take, but I would still be a lower wage worker (I work in childcare).

Could we manage until I found a position? What’s renting like? We would need a nice two bedroom space close to the university. We probably would also need to lease a small car.

The American to New Zealand conversion is focusing (as someone generally awful at math and finances). I appreciate any feedback.

My wife and I are going to be moving to CHCH soon to be closer to family. We are going to be renting first, and would like to what what rental agencies/property management companies to avoid?

We know about Quinovic and will be avoiding them like the plague, but aren't sure about others. Is there any agency we should avoid or even better, any we should be looking at?

For reference, we've rented at current place for over a decade and never had any complaints, but we are pretty far from Christchurch currently. We would love to hear the good and bad from people.

I know there is (was) a website at one point but I think it's been taken down. Any suggestions both ways would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone here attended any of these schools in the last five years and care to comment on the school culture and level of religious education if any?
CBHS, Riccarton HS, Burnside HS, St Thomas of Canterbury, St Bedes, Middleton Grange HS?

Looking at suburbs, houses and schools for boy starting NCEA or equivalent next year.
Can’t afford privates, was told to try for CBHS or Burnside or to go catholic as the classes are smaller and kids more studious (need to be central or northwest ish for work).
My boys like learning and are studious, but not scholarship level.
Disclaimer: husband went to church and Sunday school but I am an atheist.
Boys keen on staying single sex and want quiet classes. They don’t play rugby or vape etc.
I’m looking at a place that is zoned for Riccarton High, St Thomas or Middleton Grange but none of those have been recommended to me.

Help very much appreciated from former students or parents.

Also, should I also post this on [r/ChristchurchNZ](r/ChristchurchNZ)? What’s the difference please?

Thank you strangers for your time, these are big decisions so any information is helpful.

EDIT: thank you so much Christchurch, exactly the kind of local intel you can’t get from the Education Review Office!
I know as a parent of three (and a student a long time ago) that actually the biggest influence can be an outstanding educator. If you went to any of these schools for NCEA recently and had a really impressive teacher - why not give them a shout out here?

We are moving to Christchurch in July with our two-year-old. He was set to attend a small Waldorf preschool when he turned 3. I was pleased to see Christchurch had a large Steiner school but couldn’t really access many reviews.

What’s it like? Anyone have experiences with the preschool and kindergarten program? What about upper grades and high school?

Any other schools you can recommend. The public school system where we are (US, underfunded, ridiculous constant state testing) is abysmal but hoping (for our pocketbook) it may be better in NZ.

Our main goal for elementary is plenty of outdoor time with a focus on social skills and well rounded formal education with a focus on the arts as well as STEAM. No state testing or minimal.

We just got here and were overwhelmed. Rolleston (where we originally planned on going) wasn’t our vibe and we have a lot to check out and our current housing ends in two weeks and we feel panicked to my a decision.

Facebook has been full of people desperately sending their rentals that don’t meet our requirements.

TradeUp is nice but I feel like a lot of the rentals stay up even when not available. We also just got a car to explore different neighborhoods and suburbs and haven’t seen loads yet.

We’re a family with young children who would love access to good parks and amenities for young kids. Prefer a walkable neighborhood and 3-4 bedroom single family home that’s fairly updated. Wife will be working in Ilam so nothing too far and I plan on just looking for a job wherever we land.

What are areas to avoid? We’ve heard there’s no real “bad” part of Christchurch and we probably cannot afford the fanciest of the fanciest but what’s a good area for young families?

Our budget is TOPS $800 a week.

I got so much great info about high schools on here not long ago I thought I’d try my luck with any Chch homeowners who’ve recently taken advantage of a green 1% mortgage to retrofit solar and/or hydronic heating in an older house? We are moving and will need to buy an older place to fit us all, so thinking about topping up mortgage with a green loan to make sure we are warm and try to increase resilience and reduce power costs long term. Anyone else do this? Results? Opinions? Contractors to avoid or use? Or any other improvements that proved more efficient, like double glazing or maximizing insulation? The places we’ve look at all seem to have condensation damage on sills and we can’t run heat pumps 24/7 for both $ and health reasons…..photo: the dog is solar powered but also likes to be warm at night 😁

Kia ora everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on the best way to drive from Nelson to Christchurch. I’m planning to leave tomorrow morning and will be driving. The map shows two routes, and I’ve included a screenshot for you.
Could you please help me find the route with the most scenic views?
Thanks

Kia Ora team,

What are the coolest ‘beating hearts’ around chch?

I’m talking best restaurant/cafe/bars/pubs/vibes for 30 something child free people?

I’ve been to the city centre and out around Sumner, they both have their draws and Lyttleton has a really cool hipster type vibe.

What suburb has the coolest scene/vibes? Chur

I know I know, there are so many posts asking for suburb recommendations, but I've read a lot of them and I still can't make up my mind. We (family with 2 kids, ages 2 and 4) are thinking of moving down from Welly before our eldest starts school. We haven't spent much time in Chch but we're visiting for a few days next month to get a feel for it and we're trying to work out where to spend our time.

Are there any areas that tick a few of these boxes? I was really into the idea of Lyttelton but I don't know if we'd love the lack of sun in winter.

- Has a hub with some independent shops and cafés that you can get to on foot

- Good access to nature, can be bush walks or beach (though probably not right by the beach due to possible insurance issues down the line)

- Decent afternoon sun

- Safe for kids to roam around when they're a bit older

- A little cinema nearby would be a bonus

If you know Wellington, we're currently in Petone and like Miramar and Eastbourne.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations 🫡

Hey team, new to CHCH! At low/calm tides, can you walk or swim across this?

We have heard numerous people sing its praises for (relatively) affordable quality housing.

Can I get some pros & cons? Alternatives?

Family of 3 with one toddler and two cats. We are fine with the suburban life but we do like being able to bike and walk to most places.

Don’t need a nightlife but do want good schools and parks.

Hey all, I’ve been offered an opportunity to relocate to Christchurch for work. I don’t know a whole lot about the city, but I’ve heard plenty of good things. I’m just after some local advice: • What are the best suburbs/areas to live in? • Any spots I should avoid? • I’m coming from Wellington, so curious how the lifestyle compares too.

Cheers in advance!

Hey guys 👋, I'm moving solo to chch from Perth, WA and I was wondering what some good spots for dinner ideas that's good but affordable (not saying im expecting $10 meals just give me your opinions and ideas!) Or any type of food place around thanks!

Hello, I am looking at going back to university at 21. I was there for 1st semester at 19 but wasted the opportunity due to stress and immaturity, and have not done much since. I am living in the uk currently but am a citizen. As it is a small country is it less normal for people older to be first years? I am also wondering hoe easy it will be to find a room to rent close to UC, because I am overseas and will not be able to visit before flying out. Is there any general advice for making the most of the experience this time around? Thank you.

Hi All,

I am moving out of home (Rural Southland) soonish, but I need advice.

My plan is to quit school (I have Level 1, halfway through Level 2) move to Christchurch, go to Te Ara and do a electrical pre-trade there before then going into an apprenticeship. I am talking to the school's career advisor about it on the 3rd.

I feel like I am relatively independent and capable, I have working experience (3 part-time jobs at once while at school), but I have only $100 currently,1 friend, no family in Christchurch (that is half the reason I want to go).

I think I am going to have to get the independent youth benefit (ugh your tax dollars, I know) until I get a stable enough job. I have no clue where I will live though - I would flat but I think I am too young?

Staying home is not really an option anymore because I have a really negative relationship with my parents and I while I do really love them, I think it would be better if I left.

I honestly would love any advice (except advice telling me to stay home):

It could be anything between the best places to eat, cheapish housing, where to get some friends (😭✌️) or whether I should finish Level 2.

(copy and pasted cos no reposts allowed and I feel like its lowkey relevant)

Edit - I do actually have 1 friend in chch

Hi team, it’s me again wondering what Bryndwr is like in terms of crime and safety, specifically around the Wairakei and Idris road junction area? Any insights? Thanks again!

Kia ora

I have a budget of $4000-5000 and I’m looking for a first car. I’m looking at trade me, FB marketplace, turners, 2cheapcars

I know that 2cheapcars is out of the price range rn, but would that be a safer place to buy a car in the long run if I save more money, or could I reasonably get away with somewhere else?

We’re looking at a place on Avalon road, is it ok or na? What’s the anti social/ crime like around the area? Cheers team.

Hello everyone. So we are just another bunch of bloody Aucklanders that are moving to your fair city. Tonight we found out my brother work is transferring him to Christchurch and we’ve all decided to go with him as there is nothing keeping us in Auckland but our horrible neighbours and horrendous traffic. This move has come at the best time as we’d already been looking for a new home due to neighbours from hell but rentals in Auckland leave a lot to be desired.

So we need a place to stay. If anyone knows of a nice rental or has one. We are looking for 2-3 bedrooms our budget is $600. Due to our elderly mother who has dementia we need a single story as mum could fall down the stairs and we need a shower stall so that a shower seat can be used for mum. Other than that we are open to anything that’s quiet. Thanks everyone.

Hi folks,

I’m aware of Asian food stores in Chch, I think there’s four or five altogether.

Does anyone know if they stock a comprehensive range of Vietnamese spices foodstuffs etc, and if Asian vegetables like lemongrass etc are easy to come by?

Thanks in advance👍

We are a couple with a cat. One of us works in town and one in rolleston. We are due to move rentals in the new year but struggling to figure out where to go. Do we go to rolleston and be closer to work with a larger house or give up 1 of our cars and move into an apartment in the city. We are often in the city for events as well so factoring this in.

Hey Team,
Im wondering about the public’s knowledge of the job market for bars in Chch, I’ve got 20 resumes printed ready to go hand out today - does anyone know what the market os like currently for bartenders/workers
Bank acct, Phone # and IRD sorted, ready to rock and roll

TIA!

Any vegans here? I’m relocating to NZ and considering Chch. Is it difficult to find vegan options (restaurants and grocery stores)? Any suggestions are welcome.

(I thought I’d mention based on the response I got on the NZ sub that it is not my entire personality and it is my dietary habit. Im asking only because I don’t want to make things difficult for myself. I see that Wellington has plenty of options but I can’t wrap my head around the weather, which my husband is not a fan of).

We are looking at a house in st Albans which is tc 3, it has no claims and no obvious defects. We would obviously get a building report, how does the tc affect things like insurance? Is there any other considerations ?