We just returned from a week trip around the South Island of NZ. The trip started in Palmerston where we bought a 2nd hand 1997 Mitsubishi Carisma for just $3000. Second hand cars are very cheap in NZ. There is no reason to buy on TradeMe, from a car dealer or new given the plethora of quality Japanese and business cars on sale through auction.We were a party of four. We tended to stay at motor lodges in places such as St Arnold, Frans Joseph Glacier, Te Anau, Dunedin and Kaikoura. Our trip started by taking on the West Coast first.
I find it difficult to decide between the North or South Island. The divide between them is unfortunate. It cost us $650 to take 4 people and a vehicle on a return trip across the Cook Strait. The South Island is a little colder, but the nature is more impressive. If your house is well-insulated its probably not an issue. Its not like you can swim at the beach elsewhere.
I am a fan on rural living, though I do appreciate reasonable accesses to services; at least those provided by a town of 40,000+ people. After reviewing the locations, I must say I could live in a number of places:
1. Murchison, NZ: This town has a lot of outdoor activities though its a little remote.
2. Haast, NZ: This is attractive coastline but its very wet and very remote. Great for people who want to catch and grow their own food. Few people live on this coast, and most people are international tourists passing through.
3. Te Anau: This is a small town, but its growing. It has good access to some large towns, it is not a full service service, but it can address most needs. It has good provisions for recreation and basic community services like groceries, libraries, etc. Years ago I liked Wanaka, but property prices there are high, so Te Anau makes more sense. Not far from Queenstown too. The satellite town of Manapouri is another option for cheaper property.
4. Oamaru: This is a regional town which services the inland irrigation communities. The port is no longer used but this town has character. The beaches are not so great in Oamaru, but head a few kms south to Palmerston, and there are good pickings.
5. North of Christchurch: I did not like Christchurch much, but there are some nice surburbs near the beach to the north of Christchurch, and they are just 30mins from the city if you want access for work or services.
I find it difficult to decide between the North or South Island. The divide between them is unfortunate. It cost us $650 to take 4 people and a vehicle on a return trip across the Cook Strait. The South Island is a little colder, but the nature is more impressive. If your house is well-insulated its probably not an issue. Its not like you can swim at the beach elsewhere.
I am a fan on rural living, though I do appreciate reasonable accesses to services; at least those provided by a town of 40,000+ people. After reviewing the locations, I must say I could live in a number of places:
1. Murchison, NZ: This town has a lot of outdoor activities though its a little remote.
2. Haast, NZ: This is attractive coastline but its very wet and very remote. Great for people who want to catch and grow their own food. Few people live on this coast, and most people are international tourists passing through.
3. Te Anau: This is a small town, but its growing. It has good access to some large towns, it is not a full service service, but it can address most needs. It has good provisions for recreation and basic community services like groceries, libraries, etc. Years ago I liked Wanaka, but property prices there are high, so Te Anau makes more sense. Not far from Queenstown too. The satellite town of Manapouri is another option for cheaper property.
4. Oamaru: This is a regional town which services the inland irrigation communities. The port is no longer used but this town has character. The beaches are not so great in Oamaru, but head a few kms south to Palmerston, and there are good pickings.
5. North of Christchurch: I did not like Christchurch much, but there are some nice surburbs near the beach to the north of Christchurch, and they are just 30mins from the city if you want access for work or services.
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