Forums » Netherlands » New Zealand in the Netherlands

• nomad_alien

  
   

  November 3, 2009 2:53:19 PM CET

  Hi all you kiwis out there!
  
  So, the wife and I have decided we are interested in moving to NZ. Our number one complain for leaving holland is the weather (neither one of us is from here). We have 2 kids and would like to live a more outdoors lifestyle. We are currently VERY interested in moving to NZ but after some research I have some question that I hope someone here can answer.
  
  What is the weather like in NZ(Auckland specific). I notice that the avergae rainfall is almost twice that in NL! Does it really rain that much? Do you also have the days on end with miserable drizzling dark clouds as here?
  All other aspects of the country seems to be what we are looking for, but it's the weather that worries me.
• s9910934e

  
   

  November 3, 2009 3:01:03 PM CET

  Hey I'm an Aussie so don't know first-hand but the following might be useful:
  
  http://www.move2nz.com/
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland#Climate
  
  Just from my point of view, not that I've been there, it's likely that the rain is heavier and on less days (137 mentioned in wiki) than in Europe (especially UK, Ireland and NL) where you can have drizzle for days on end...
  
  I'm sure one of the Kiwis will know for sure though and reply soon enough.
  
  Good luck!
• marknz

  
   

  November 3, 2009 4:12:24 PM CET

  Auckand is no tropical paradise, personally I wouldn't chose Auckland if weather was my main priority. It can get pretty humid there too. In fact, I don't think anywhere in NZ is really a place to move for the weather. Maybe if you live at the very top of the North Island? Also, out of everywhere in NZ to live, Auckland is not going to give you a very 'outdoors' lifestyle. I guess it depends what your point of reference is, but Auckland is the only bigish city in New Zealand. So it's about as far away from nature as you can get in NZ.
  
  What else attracts you to Auckland?
  
  
• clickit

  
   

  November 3, 2009 11:00:08 PM CET

  no no - try Hawkes Bay! Loads of sunshine hours each year, great climate - its where they grow all the fruit, make the wine etc. Sure it rains, but even in the middle of winter you get lovely bright sunny days. Auckland too! Remember Auck can be semi-tropical (areas of Northland are classified 'temperate rainforest'!) Its warm in Auckland, and NO you certainly dont get endless grey dull days like the Netherlands. I was there last xmas and WOW was that fantastic :-) We took the ferry to Waiheke Island and it was just magic.
  
  And Mark - what do you mean no outdoor lifestyle in Auckland? Beaches are all over, it has the highest number of boat owners in I dunno, the world, just outside the city you have access to all sorts of great outdoor activities. Many places have great sea views. There is so much to do there....
• clickit

  
   

  November 3, 2009 11:07:42 PM CET

  by the way - the Crowded House song (yes theyre kiwis not aussies ) Four Seasons in One Day..... well in many parts of NZ that can be typical!
  
  There are microclimates all over the country though - find one and settle in! Bliss
• marknz

  
   

  November 4, 2009 12:06:00 PM CET

  That's very true, there are lots of microclimates. I guess I spend too much time in Wellington (no one goes there for the weather!)
• veldrin055

  
   

  November 4, 2009 12:13:16 PM CET

  
  

  clickit (Nov 3 2009, 10:07 PM) said: > original post
  ...Crowded House song (yes theyre kiwis not aussies )...

  
  
  They are made up of Kiwis and Aussies, and the group was formed in Melbourne which really is four seaons in one day!
  
  I really liked Wellington, such a great vibe there. Weather might be more sucky but still such a great town. Damn good coffee.
• marknz

  
   

  November 4, 2009 3:09:57 PM CET

  Miss the coffee big time, qualit of coffee from the average cafe in Amsterdam is bad
• clickit

  
   

  November 4, 2009 3:32:18 PM CET

  
  

  marknz (Nov 4 2009, 12:06 PM) said: > original post
  That's very true, there are lots of microclimates. I guess I spend too much time in Wellington (no one goes there for the weather!)

  
  
  
  
  oh i LOVE Wellington. But not for the weather Sideways rain in winter, ick.
  
  And as for coffee, its better here now than it was a couple of years ago..... Thats another reason why I miss Wellington
• nomad_alien

  
   

  November 4, 2009 9:03:07 PM CET

  Thanks for the updates guys!
  The only reason I'm considering Auckalnd is for jobs. I'm in the IT field, so I guess thats where most of the jobs are.
  
  I know Auckland is "big" but what we are comparing to is Netherlands. Even when you get out of the city here, everything seems so artificial, all the trees planted in a straight line, all the rules and regulations. What we "hate" most is the camp sites here. You aren't allowed to make fire outside your tent and have a bbq!
  
  If it rains "properly" I don't care, it's this day after day, week after week dull grey skies that gets me down. I know NZ isn't the warmest climate, but it seems more of a laidback family friendly lifestyle. Here our kids spend so much indoors that it breaks my heart and I would like them to grow up closer to raw nature.
• marknz

  
   

  November 5, 2009 9:47:26 AM CET

  That's true, I think NZ is great for young families. You live in a house with a backyard and lots of room compared with living in a city like Amsterdam. And yeah, you can always go and drive out to the bush if you want
• clickit

  
   

  November 5, 2009 1:20:21 PM CET

  
  

  nomad_alien (Nov 4 2009, 09:03 PM) said: > original post
  Thanks for the updates guys!
  The only reason I'm considering Auckalnd is for jobs. I'm in the IT field, so I guess thats where most of the jobs are.
  
  I know Auckland is "big" but what we are comparing to is Netherlands. Even when you get out of the city here, everything seems so artificial, all the trees planted in a straight line, all the rules and regulations. What we "hate" most is the camp sites here. You aren't allowed to make fire outside your tent and have a bbq!
  
  If it rains "properly" I don't care, it's this day after day, week after week dull grey skies that gets me down. I know NZ isn't the warmest climate, but it seems more of a laidback family friendly lifestyle. Here our kids spend so much indoors that it breaks my heart and I would like them to grow up closer to raw nature.

  
  
  
  oh its pretty different lifestyle alright I am struggling myself with bringing up my youngest 'indoors' here in Holland, he might not know what he is missing but I do. There is a big thing here with everyone saying that kids need to be outside several hours a day - they send them out in all sorts of weather (and it seems they are just 'sent' not taken). But growing up in NZ, everyone is outside so much more, we just took it for granted to do things like, eat in the garden all year round, go to the beach all year round - even on crappy days its great to watch the waves pounding the beach and walk along the beach with the wind in your hair - can be cold but when you get home, you really feel you had some good fresh air!
  
  Regarding fires - well dont be dissapointed that there are often fire bans in the summer because of fire risk, its not like Australia but there are plenty of places you cant light an open fire - however a gas bbq is always allowed
  
  Auckland is a big sprawling city, even though it doesnt have a big population compared to European cities, its physical size is bigger than many. However within that there are plenty of natural areas, and its always possible to drive a little way north and find some really beautiful places. (and dont forget day trips to Waiheke Island) Also within the city you have a lot of choices about what kind of place to live, especially if you have the money - its also the most expensive housing in NZ. Personally, given the lifestyle and the bright skies (even on rainy days) I would move there in a heartbeat if I could. I love it in the Netherlands too, but with young kids, well it is nice to grow up somewhere with clean air, lots of beaches and parks, and relaxed parents...
  
  Good luck with making your decision. I think however the best thing you can do, rather than listen to anyone on an internet forum , is go there and spend some time and see what you feel about it afterwards.
• marknz

  
   

  November 5, 2009 4:16:12 PM CET

  Well said
• veldrin055

  
   

  November 5, 2009 4:46:48 PM CET

  Well you're all acting so balanced!
  It seemed most Aucklanders I know think their city is the bee's knees and the rest of the country just hates it. Bit like London vs. The Rest of England
• marknz

  
   

  November 5, 2009 5:46:58 PM CET

  I hear a lot of Aucklanders complain about Auckland actually. About the public transport, the way the cities set out, the weather etc. But yeah, I think every country has that thing where there will be people from smaller towns who dislike people from larger towns. Kind of like the whole NZ - Australia thing
• clickit

  
   

  November 6, 2009 9:24:21 AM CET

  
  

  marknz (Nov 5 2009, 05:46 PM) said: > original post
  I hear a lot of Aucklanders complain about Auckland actually. About the public transport, the way the cities set out, the weather etc. But yeah, I think every country has that thing where there will be people from smaller towns who dislike people from larger towns. Kind of like the whole NZ - Australia thing

  
  
  
  oh yeah, the public transport there sucks. Its much better than in any other parts of the country however! Theres a reason why most families have at least 2 cars...
  
  Theres the feeling around the rest of the country that Aucklanders think NZ stops just south of Auckland.... Not true of course, but when you consider that the national population is about 4.5 million (or is it closer to 5 now??) and the poplulation of Auckland is 1.2 million or so, seems like everyone wants to live there doesnt it
• marknz

  
   

  November 6, 2009 10:38:13 AM CET

  Yeah I have quite a few friends who have moved from Wellington to Auckland for the culture and extra people. But more friends have left for Melbourne for that reason