h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm about to apply for a job in Christchurch and wonder if anybody knows the place?

I visited for a week in 1997 and loved it, but only really remember the Antarctic museum, the cathedral and the river. I do know it's a lot colder than Queensland.

Anyhoo... info about cost of living, quality of life, culture, access to fab countryside/coast, would all be appreciated.

And if anybody knows anything about the reputation of the City Council, that would be an extra bonus

Fb

Christchurch NZ?

iif so..then it is cold, cold, cold, and more cold, and grey and wet and snowy, and did I mention it is cold?

but I suppose with you being a hardy young scottish lass, the cold would be like going home again ............

Don't rub it in, Hel2



I keep thinking about the cold, but it is a really interesting-looking (and well-paid) job which I would regret not trying to get. At least I wouldn't winge about it being too hot to go for a walk

sowwy

Yeah right

Now... any info *other* than about the weather would be really good

Yeah but Hel thinks everywhere is colder than where she is


>>
Anyhoo... info about cost of living, quality of life, culture, access to fab countryside/coast, would all be appreciated.<<

Are you coming from Scotland?

Winters are traditionally a bit of a problem, with a smog inversion layer and no wind. The council has been in the process of banning various kinds of fires though (you can only have approved wood burners now, no open fires or older burners and no coal I think). But the rest of the year is good. People swim in the sea in the summer (except for those wimpy visiting ozzies). Summers are hot and dry.

Not sure if you picked this up when you visited, but NZ isn't so much cold, but the houses are. Notorious for not being insulated, and the North Americans hate it because they're used to wearing t-shirts all year round inside. In NZ in the south you wear lots of layers inside too.

Christchurch has a conservative nature. More English looking and feeling than other parts of the South Island.

The immediate countryside is farming. But there are mountains and bush inland. Depends on how far you want to drive. There's also access to ski-ing in the mountains.

There are two city beaches (Brighton and Sumner. Sumner is more poncy and less safe to swim. Brighton is very long, and so has less people, and is cheaper to live by).

The city is beside Banks Peninsula, which has some lovely places to spend time and is quite close.


You could live out of town and commute in if you don't mind the travel. Apart from the rapidly rising fuel costs though

Culturally, lots of arts going on at all levels. Usual amount of cinemas, art galleries and cafes for its size. Not sure what you are in to???

Cost of living - cheaper than Auckland, more expensive than Dunedin. Most of NZ has had a huge rise in property prices in the last 5-10 years, although some places are now having property valuations fall, so if you are looking at buying then the next few years is probably better than the last few. You also get the advantage of the exchange rate. Rents have gone up too, I've not heard that they've come down again though.

Quality of life - I liked living there when I was younger, had some really good times. Couldn't live there now (don't like being in big cities all the time), but it is possible to live out of town. If you already live in a big city by world standards then Chch will seem small but it still as enough amenities to feel like a city.

I find it easy to get around (by NZ standards), both driving or busing.

Might be easier to say more about it if you could be more specific about what you want to know What are you looking for?

Thanks Kea.

I'm coming from Queensland - so cold is definitely an issue.

Hopefully I'll get an interview and get to revisit in person

Fb