I am always getting questions sent through to me about moving to Wellington from people doing the same and looking for tips. I’m sure there are people who have a lot better advice than me, but I have this platform so I thought I should share some of my recent answers to the wider world! These are some of the recent questions I have had through social media about all sorts of moving to Wellington tips. If you have any more you would like answered – pop them down in the comments section and we can start a bit of a forum.
For loads more relevant posts, don’t forget to check out my Moving to NZ Section
Moving to Wellington – Recently asked Questions
What are your favourite Italian restaurants in Wellington?
I have really enjoyed eating at Cicio Cacio in Newtown – this is a magic little rustic place where they write the menu on your table and it has a very authentic family-style. I also really enjoy 1154 on Cuba Street for great pasta that is really reasonable.
If its pizza you are after, definitely check out my post: 5 best pizzas in Wellington.
Best tailor in Wellington?
I often have to get pants tailored and I use Looksmart alterations, I think they are an Aussie company, but they are really fast and reasonable, so I like them. They often have discount vouchers too.
How hard was it to transition from the UK because they are at opposite ends of the world and also such different places, I feel like there is a stigma in New Zealand about there being nothing to do?
The transition was hard moving from the UK but it wasn’t about there being nothing to do in New Zealand. NZ is full of amazing things to do and see and there really isn’t enough time for everything. I love living in Wellington because there is so much going on but it is way more manageable than London. I don’t think that there not being anything to do should be a concern, I suppose it depends on the things you really like doing but it hasn’t been an issue for me, quite the opposite!
What’s the deal with earthquakes? Do they happen often in Welly? Are they bad?
They happen often yes, most of the time they are not bad, sometimes they are! There was a bad one in November 2016 here in Welly and I was off work for a week because all the buildings were damaged, but most of the time you don’t even notice them. It is a concern but its something so hard to predict that life cant really be planned around it – its just a fact of life here in Welly.
What is the cheapest area to live in Wellington?
Tricky – wellington is not a cheap place to live, but as goes with most places, the further out you live, the cheaper it will be. Try Karori, Strathmore Park or Ngaio for Wellington addresses. Feel free to check out my post Where to live in Wellington, which area is for you? for more details too.
Do you need a car to live in Wellington?
No, you don’t, but it does make life easier! The bus routes are quite specific, and they don’t run all the time. I like having a car to whip to the beach, to a friend’s house or nip into town quickly. You could manage without but there is so much to be explored that I would recommend having one.
Related post: 9 Essential Tasks for Moving to New Zealand
What is the average rate of pay for a retail manager?
I have no idea! I don’t think its amazingly well paid like it is in Australia, but you could check out this resource to give you an idea: Payscale.
What is health care like?
Health care is pretty good I think although like everywhere the wait times for the public service can be long. I wrote a post about health care on a work visa which you can read here: Medical Care in New Zealand on a work visa, what’s the deal? I think this might cover many of the answers you are looking for.
I recently had to have something checked that I went private for and this was really good, but of course very expensive, it may be well worth having private health insurance in NZ.
What is mental health care like? Is it affordable?
This is also something I don’t really know a huge amount about but I know that therapy is really expensive at least $100 for an hour. Lots of the employers here do offer a councilling sponsorship though, so you can get some sessions for free if your employer offer it.
In terms of something more clinical – I can’t offer any advice as I have no idea.
I would be moving by myself; I am 35 and single, is it easy to meet people?
Yeah! It’s easy-ish to meet people, you just need to get involved in stuff and get out of your comfort zone. You might like to read my post: How to make friends when you move to a new place for a better description of this.
What is the weather like in Wellington?
I have to be honest – not great. Especially when compared to the rest of the country. It is very very windy and often quite wet. However, the well-known saying goes “you can’t beat Welly on a good day” and as cheesy as it is, this couldn’t be truer. The place is simply beautiful when the sun comes out and the wind drops, it almost makes it worth it!
What is your advice when looking for a rental in Wellington?
My advice is to be aggressive! It’s a very competitive market so make sure you are checking Trade me, Facebook Marketplace and Vic Deals all the time and trying to get in their quick. Make sure you have two references ready to go. For advice on where to look you might like to check out my post: Where to live in Wellington?
Did your career suffer when you moved to Wellington?
No, quite the opposite! I didn’t really have a career as such before I came over but also I have found Wellington to be like a sort of career incubator and I know other people who have thought this too. It is not a very competitive market here which makes it pretty easy to get a good job and move up the ladder if you have the right skills. There is not a hefty competition to try and fight off like there is in the UK. Of course, this totally depends on your field of interest.
Related post: Working Life in Wellington vs. London
What is your favourite coffee shop to sit and do work in?
I love Prefab, Goods, Loretta and L’Affaire. For more on my fave coffee spots, check out my post: My Top 5 favourite coffee shops in Wellington.
What is your favourite nature spot in Wellington?
I love Scorching Bay and The Botanical Gardens. But if you are looking for some beautiful nature that’s not that far away, head into the Tararua Ranges. They are just magic!
Best and worst places to live in Wellington?
For this one, I highly recommend my post: Where to live in Wellington, which area is for you? To see my rundown of the major suburbs and what they are like.
I hope this helps! Post more questions and the comments and I will gladly try to answer them for you.
Thanks for reading and come back soon.
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Peace
Josie x