Topic: HELP! I'm moving to New Zealand!

Hey everyone,
I'm a 26 year old American girl who is moving to New Zealand in September 2009. I'm currently deciding between Auckland and Christchurch. I'm leaning towards Christchurch because it seems smaller but lively at the same time. Also, it seems to be more beautiful. Can anyone give me feed back on that? I'm hoping someone can tell me what the cost of living is in both places, how much I should expect to pay for rent, what the average income is there, and what areas I should live in. I won't have a car most likely so I'll need to be in a part of town where I can easily get around. I've already secured my visa and am applying to jobs as we speak. However, I'm hoping to find a job out of my comfort zone. I'm only going to be there for a year (as that's what my visa allows for) so I'm not looking to advance my career, as I've already advanced it pretty well thus far here in the United States. I'm hoping to find a job doing something in the local industry that Christchurch is known for. Can anyone tell me what Christchurch is known for industry wise? I'm also worried about being able to make friends. Are there any places or activities in Christchurch that would make it easy for me? I like sports like Jiu Jitsu, soccer, softball, snowboarding, skiing, etc. I'm also gay, does anyone know if being gay is accepted in Christchurch? Do they have any LGBT oriented activities? Any other information you can provide would be much appreciated also!
Thanks in advance,
Rachel

By now you'll have found answers to all your questions, Hope you chose Christchurch over Auckland. !!

Personally, I would choose Auckland over Christchurch .... I was born in Christchurch but didn't live there long ... the locals can be a little less friendly there as they're a funny bunch ... very much "were you born here? No? well then we don't really want to know you".

Christchurch is probably cheaper than Auckland to live in but you may find Auckland salaries are higher.

And if you stick to areas like Ponsonby there's a pretty large gay community too.

Hi RaeRae,
I'm definietly with Jich on that 1:Christchurch is definitely friendlier than Auckland and easier to get around.Christchurch lies on the Canterbury plains and has a good public transport system that connects at the square which is in the heart of the city.Its people are known as Cantabrians and they are both patriotic and passionate about their sports.
As for being butch I wouldn't dwell on it too much.The thing is that you're never going to be able to please everyone no matter what you do and if people can't accept you for the person you are,they're not even worth the time of day.Just being yourself is usually the best advice anyway.
Moving anywhere new is always a little bit stressful until you get established and then friends just sort of happen,eh?Some places I've found easy to meet new friends are the cafes,community centres,public library,church,a walk on the beach,even spending a bit of time at Cathedral Square,although much depends on your own attitude,whether you're extrovert,or introvert.
Of course you can get a lot more info simply typing christchurch nz in your Google box.

Rachel - I am from Las Vegas moving to Auckland - a lot more to do, a lot more jobs

Where are you from In USA

What do you do now?