Recruit IT - Living In Auckland
The Kiwi Lifestyle - About Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city. Half urban and half marine, it's a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that's dotted with more than 50 islands.
Auckland is an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping – you're beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
Auckland's blend of harbour, islands and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of people. Auckland, which is often called the city of sails, is a popular choice among emigrants as the place to work and live.
Accommodation
Buying
Currently in Auckland you can find a tidy 3 bedroom home in suburbs relatively near the Auckland CBD for around NZ$400,000+. 2 Bedroom inner-city apartments sell from around NZ$250,000 upwards.
Renting
The cheapest form of renting is to share a flat (apartment) with other people. As can be expected, the prices vary greatly depending on the size of the house, the number of occupants and location. In general, you would pay NZ$150 - $250 for inner city and about NZ$120 - $180 for anything in the city fringes or outer suburbs (per person per week, excluding expenses). If you have a family or wish to rent an entire house or apartment within 15 – 20 minutes drive from the Auckland CBD, you'll be looking at approximately NZ$350-$450 and up for 3br+, and around NZ$170 - $300 + for a 1 -2br.
Hotels
As New Zealand's largest city, Auckland offers accommodation to suit a wide range of tastes, styles and budgets. Your options include five star luxury hotels, intimate bed & breakfasts, up market lodges, boutique hotels, stylish serviced apartments, motels, home and backpackers.
Below is a listing of various Auckland accommodation alternatives and the cost of staying in NZ$
| Hotel/Hostel | Location | Daily charge * |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Hotel Auckland | CBD | $250.00 –$410.00 |
| Sky City Hotel Casino Auckland | CBD | $150.00 – $200.00 |
| Hilton Serviced Apartments Auckland | CBD | $397.00 |
| YHA Auckland City Backpackers | CBD | Backpackers $22.00 Standard (Multi-share) room: $23.00 Double room: $32.00 Twin room: $32.00 5-17 Years: $18.00 Under 5: $14.00 Backpackers $23.00 Standard $25.00 -$88.00 |
*Varies dependent on day of the week and room size
Transport
Driver licences from a certain selection of countries are valid in New Zealand for either 12 months or until their expiry date (depends on which comes first). For licences from countries not covered, an international driving permit is required. However, after 12 months either option must be replaced by a New Zealand driving licence.
Public transport is a common way of getting around the city. Buses are very frequent and reach many areas of Auckland and the wider area.
Entertainment and Shopping
Shopping
Auckland has a vast range of shops to suit any person or interest. Queen Street is the main, outdoor shopping area in the city, offering a large range of retail stores. A quick walk over the road will see you at High Street and the Chancery where you can find any number of designer stores. If you are one for shopping malls then you have a wide variety to choose from, as most highly populated suburbs will have one.
Victoria Markets in the city is the place to hit in the weekend if you are after a bargain, or travel to Onehunga to visit Dress-Smart -a big name factory outlet.
Restaurants and Cafés
Whatever your taste buds or your budget there is something to satisfy everyone in Auckland. Great areas to eat out can be found almost anywhere. Typically Ponsonby, Parnell or Mt Eden are popular places to eat either during the day or at night.
Like Wellington, Auckland has a large variety of cafés on offer as well and, if you feel like travelling, great restaurants and cafés can be found over in the North Shore as well. The cost of dining out can vary from NZ$50- $100 per couple, up to NZ$200 + (excluding wine). Coffee and hot drinks will cost you somewhere between $3.00 - $5.00.
Recreation
It is hard to go to Auckland without getting into the sailing spirit. The harbour is a magnificent place to discover with charters available frequently, or if you don’t like to be on the sea a walk around the viaduct is just as spectacular. There is some great fishing close to Auckland in the beautiful Coromandel and Carl at Epic Adventures will put you onto decent snapper or yellowtail kingfish. Tairua on the Coromandel is renowned for its great fishing, and Carl at Epic have a reputation for putting people on to big New Zealand yellowtail kingfish, check them out at www.epicadventures.co.nz you won't be disappointed!
Auckland boasts a great selection of beaches for you to choose from, from the West Coast to the East there is a beach to suit every person.
There’s some great fishing close to Auckland, Bungy jumping, climbing the Harbour Bridge, trekking and Go-cart racing are only a few of the adventure activities that you can find around the city.
Visiting a local information centre is often best, as there is always something to discover.
Sport
Sport is a big part of New Zealand culture and nowhere is this more evident than Auckland. Rugby, cricket, basketball, netball, hockey and sailing are just some of the events that can be watched with various arenas all around the city. There is something for everyone to play or to watch.
Food
Where to eat and buy food.
As previously mentioned Auckland is home to a large number of restaurants and café suitable for any taste or budget. If eating out does not tempt your taste buds then there are many places of which you can go to, to pick up groceries. Supermarkets stock all your basic foods; however if you are after fresher more authentic foods there are often early morning markets around the city. Chinese supermarkets are situated in various suburbs, as too are other cultural grocery stores.