What Is the Best Area to Live in Dunedin?

Scottish architecture, vibrant entertainment strips with bars and cafes, universities galore: Dunedin is the perfect place for students, couples, professionals and families. Whether you’re planning to move to Dunedin as a student embarking on an educational journey, or a family who want to soak up the fresh air and culture, Dunedin is a perfect place to hang your hat. Like all cities, there are better areas than others, so let’s take a look at some of our favourite Dunedin suburbs to try and figure out which one is best for you!

Opoho

Opoho is a name that automatically makes you think, ‘prestige’. As one of the most sought-after suburbs in the South Island’s second biggest city, it offers breathtaking views of the city and is a popular suburb for people of all demographics – from students to retirees. Students are attracted to Opoho due to the close proximity to the university district, while families relish the safe neighbourhood and convenient location. Opoho is perched on a hill and offers a beautiful view of the local gardens.

St Clair

We love this beachside suburb of Dunedin, and we’re not the only ones! St Clair is one of the best pockets in the city. When you live in St Clair, you can stroll out of your front door and be on the beach in a matter of seconds. St Clair is home to one of the South Island’s best beaches, so it’s fair that so many people want a little part of it. What sets St Clair aside from other New Zealand beach suburbs is that it combines beachside living and a central lifestyle: it’s just 5kms from the CBD.

North East Valley

Famous for having the world’s steepest residential street, Baldwin Street, there’s much more to love about North East Valley than just this quirky little novelty. North East Valley is a great option for you if you want a little more peace and quiet without being too far from the city. It’s a short drive or bus ride into the CBD and it offers some great views of the city. Check out Aussie media personalities, Hamish and Andy, and their attempt to climb Baldwin Street in an RV!

Mornington

The hillside suburb Mornington is ideal for families. It’s one of the best suburbs in Dunedin with great schools and plenty of parks around, meaning your kids will get the best quality of life in Mornington. But it’s not just great for kids – there are plenty of things from grownups to do as well. In the main strip of Mailer Street, there are buzzing cafes and restaurants.

Decided which Dunedin suburb is calling your name? If so, call the moving specialists of Dunedin Movers at New Zealand Movers. They help people from New Zealand and around the globe move safely and happily into the beautiful city of Dunedin. NZ Movers guarantee great service at low prices, so don’t hesitate to grab a quote when you’re ready. Request a quote now.

What Is the Best Area to Live in Queenstown?

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand; if not the entire Southern Hemisphere, with hiking tracks, cycling tracks and plenty of water sports available. This picturesque little town, nestled beneath the Southern Alps, is one of the country’s biggest tourist hotspots – but it’s not only popular with tourists. Locals are proud to call Queenstown their home, never tiring of its idyllic beauty. If you’re already convinced of setting up shop in Queenstown, then you’re probably wondering where in Queenstown would suit you the best. You’ve come to the right place – in this article, we try to figure that out for you.

Fernhill

Fernhill is possibly the best part of Queenstown for fitness and nature lovers. Set right at the bottom of the Ben Lomond mountain, some Fernhill residents get up early for the sunrise and go for a hike every morning. And when the view is that pretty, why wouldn’t you? Fernhill overlooks the city, so there are plenty of places that have amazing views of the rest of Queenstown.

Queenstown Hill

Super close to the city is Queenstown Hill which, you guessed it, is on a hill. But not just any hill: Queenstown Hill is special, because it features walking trails, amazing views of vistas, and historic architecture too. This makes it one of the best areas to live in Queenstown.

Kelvin Heights

It may sound like the name of a fictional high school in a ‘90s teen drama, but this description of Kelvin Heights couldn’t be any further from reality. In fact, Kelvin Heights is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Queenstown, claiming to be the South Island’s first million-dollar suburb. If you’ve got the money, it’s definitely one of the most sought-after areas in Queenstown.

Arthurs Point

Adrenaline-junkies, listen up. This is the best area of Queenstown for you. Arthurs Point is located right around the corner from the infamous jet-boating areas of Queenstown, where people travel from all over the world to experience high speeds on the not-so-open seas… in other words, the lake. Arthurs Point also provides access to the popular walking/running moonlight track, which ventures into Ben Lomond and Moke Lake.

Frankton

And last, but not least, Frankton is the popular, humble suburb where many families in Queenstown choose to call home. It’s close to the airport, close the centre, close to the Remarkables Market every Saturday – heck, it’s close to everything.

Feeling better acquainted with Queenstown? When you’re ready, get in touch with the people who’ll take you there. New Zealand Movers are one of the country’s best team of movers. Whether you’re moving locally or internationally, New Zealand Movers can help you get there affordable and reliably, so start your new life in Queenstown by contacting them today. 0800 000 022

Five Tips for Moving Day

Moving day should be one of the most exciting days of the year. But if it doesn’t go exactly to plan, it can also be one of the most stressful days of the year. There are so many things to take care of, which is why it’s imperative to have a highly skilled, professional moving team on your side. In this post, we give you five key tips on how to pull off a masterfully planned moving day.

1) Write a list

Seems simple right? Yet writing a list is something that many home-movers neglect to do. In this exercise, you’ll right down a list of all the things that need to be done before moving day, and all the things that need to happen on moving day itself. This way, you’ve got a visual structure of how moving day should go, making it impossible for you to forget a crucial task or leave something out.

2) Family help

Young children can often be curious about the move, and even eager to help out, but often they’re more of a hindrance than they are helpful. If you have kids who are still too young to be of any help on moving day, then kindly ask the Grandparents if they can help out, or arrange a play-date with one of their friends.

3) Start early

If you can start packing some things now, do it now. Don’t wait until last minute to do things when you’re moving houses. Start by packing things that you rarely use, and won’t need until you’re settled in the new house.

4) Don’t panic

Another big tip for moving day? Don’t let it overwhelm you. Moving is something that we all do once in a while and, although it’s a rare occasion and we don’t get much practice at it, everything turns out fine in the end. You’re much more likely to have a great moving experience if you keep a cool head.

5) Book New Zealand Movers, right now

The last key tip for moving day is to book a top-quality moving team like New Zealand Movers, and to do it ASAP. New Zealand Movers are one of the country’s most experienced moving services, with over 40 years of moving under their belt. While they offer incredibly smooth, reliable and affordable services, they tend to be booked up fast, so make sure you reserve a moving day well in advance. Request a quote today!

What Is the Best Area to Live in Nelson?

There’s so much to love about the oldest city on the South Island – Nelson. An incredibly hip and vibrant place, Nelson hosts the annual Nelson Arts Festival along with the World of Wearable Art, on top of a collection of classic cars. It’s far from one of New Zealand’s largest cities, weighing in at just over 50,000 people, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. It’s an artsy, nature-loving paradise where active and creative people, and all other types, are proud to call it their own. Let’s go through some of our favourite suburbs in Nelson to figure out which is best for you.

Tāhunanui

Tāhunanui is one of the most sought-after pockets of Nelson, and for a good reason. This beachside suburb is lined with pretty streets and is just a 10 minutes’ drive to the CBD. Tāhunanui Beach is in walking distance – the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon in summer. It’s the ideal spot for family life, with good schools such as Tāhunanui School and Henley School and playground very close by as well.

The Wood

Not every suburb has everything you want, right? Wrong. That’s where we’d like to introduce the stunning area of The Wood. It’s a gorgeous waterside district which overlooks the Tasman Bay and the Maitai River. If you love popping out to cafes and restaurants, then The Wood has plenty of options for you. Nature has a big presence in The Wood, with walking trails leading up to Botanical Hill, offering amazing views of the city. There’s also lush, green spaces like Trafalgar Park and the Japanese-style Miyazu Garden, featuring cherry trees, ponds and little bridges. And the best part? It’s literally walking distance from the heart of town.

Richmond

It’s a little further out, but it presents the picture-perfect suburban family life: Richmond is where many young families are moving to, in order to have a greater slice of that New Zealand dream. There are wide, open parks, easy access to shopping centres and peaceful streets with cafes and restaurants in close proximity.

Monaco

Perched on a little peninsula in the south of Nelson, Monaco is an idyllic waterfront suburb with gorgeous homes, a charming pub and super close proximity to the airport. It’s less than 12 minutes’ drive to the city.

Now that you know a little more about Nelson, it’s time to get in touch with the people who’ll take you there. New Zealand Movers are one of the country’s most reputable team of movers. They carry out highly organised and thorough moves on a local and international level. Wherever you’re going, New Zealand Movers can help you get there affordable and reliably, so start your new Nelson life by contacting them today, call: 0800 000 022

Best Tips for Planning a Move Over the Holidays

Everyone loves the holiday season. It’s a time for celebrating, drinking good wine, eating good food and being with friends and family. But aside from these things to look forward to, the holiday season can get more complicated when you have to move houses. It’s not impossible, and if you choose the right moving team it’s easy, but you still have to take extra care when planning a move over the holiday period. Here are a few tips to make sure you do it right!

Book your moving team ASAP

The biggest piece of advice we can give you if you’re planning a move over the holidays is to get in quick with your preferred mover. Spots fill up fast over the holidays: this is because movers are people too, and a lot of them take time off to spend it with their families. Therefore, there’s limited staff available and you need to hop to the task of booking them in. Then, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday period with your family, without stressing about the move.

Be sun-smart

Moving during the holidays means moving in summer which means you’re more likely to get burned when moving. Wear a hat, sunnies and apply sunscreen every few hours.

Book before Christmas and after New Year’s

If it’s possible, book before Christmas and after New Year’s Day. This, as we all know, is the most hectic period of the year in terms of traffic and crowdedness. If you’re moving long distance, give yourself plenty of time to move either before or after this period, and make sure you explore your new area when it’s not at its busiest.

Set aside a little more money in the moving budget

Given it’s a busy period with limited staff, moving companies tend to charge slightly higher rates during the holidays. Just make a note of that when you get a quote sorted.

Put it on pause for Christmas

No matter when you’re moving, you should take a little time to enjoy Christmas with your family and celebrate the year coming to an end. For most Kiwis, we struggle to find time to spend with our families, so Christmas shouldn’t be skipped.

Choose the right moving team

The last step: choose the right moving team. New Zealand Movers are the country’s #1 team for local, intercity and international moves. They’re a highly reputable company with glowing reviews, a professional work ethic and competitive prices to boot. So, if you need to move during the holiday season, and don’t want to stress yourself out, give the team at New Zealand Movers a ring. 0800 000 022

5 Reasons to Move to the UK

Moving to the UK is one of the best things you can do for your professional and personal life. With plenty of job opportunities, friendly people and room for growth, the UK is where many good professionals become great professionals. And with so many Kiwis moving to the UK, you’re certainly not the only one considering it. Here are five great reasons to move to the UK:

1) Perfect professional to personal to family life ratio

While the UK is a great place to find steady work in your field, it’s also a place where you have opportunities to explore and have a family. Imagine yourself riding on top of a double decker bus, cruising straight past Big Ben on your way to work. Or taking your family to the esteemed English countryside on the weekends. There’s so much beauty to be discovered in whichever part of the country you want to live.

2) It’s easy

Moving to the UK is so easy for us Kiwis. Because we’re part of the Commonwealth, almost anyone can obtain a working visa and head straight to the UK to live and work. Securing a two-year working visa, for example, is available for most professions, with possible options to extend.

3) Food

Food in the UK ticks all the boxes. Cheap street food, pub food, local markets, a huge range of cuisines from around the globe, traditional English meals and basically everything in between: you’ll be spoiled for choice when you move to the UK.

4) Opportunities for exploring

Living in New Zealand is awesome – we love this country – but when it comes experiencing cultures other than our own, or seeing new countries, we’re limited in choice. Living in the UK means that you can do some personal growth and visit a whole new country, even just for one day. The central location and affordable flights that come in and out of the UK every day means that you’re in the perfect place for travel. A few nights in Nice, a weekend in Warsaw, a daytrip to Denmark – anything’s possible.

5) Follow your dreams

Our final reason to move to the UK is because, sometimes, you have to take risks – calculated ones, which benefit you – and this is one of them. New Zealand Movers encourage people to follow their dreams, which is why it’s a pleasure for them to help Kiwi professionals and families pack and move their belongings to countries around the world, in the safest and most reliable way possible. NZ Movers have a strong focus on value, offering competitive quotes and the best service available. If you’re taking the next step towards a UK life, then contact the team at NZ Movers.

What Is the Best Area to Live in Hawke’s Bay?

The Hawke’s Bay area is one of the many hidden jewels of New Zealand. It’s all about award-winning wineries, beautiful architecture, outdoorsy lifestyle and homely vibe. It’s just rural enough for you to feel like you’re a world apart, and yet close enough to big cities if you need them. Considering moving to the Hawke’s Bay? Here are some of the best places to call home.

Napier

If a smaller city with a quirky twist is up your alley, then look no further than Napier. With a population of almost 70,000, and right next door to its twin city of Hastings with 50,000 people, Napier has a much bigger atmosphere than you’d expect. Built in a distinct 1930s art deco style of architecture, the city is a popular tourist destination for those who want to soak up the special, retro atmosphere. It’s home to the Tremains Art Deco Festival in February, an event that spans across two weekends, exhibiting all things in the art deco style, including buildings and cars, as well as local produce and wine.

On top of the liveliness and charm of Napier, it also has fantastic job opportunities and school options – it’s a growing city with a close-knit feel.

Suburbs in Napier:

  • Taradale
    Just a five-minute drive to some of New Zealand’s best wineries, Taradale is an ideal spot for families and couples alike. It’s a perfect spot if suburban lifestyle fits you better than being right up in the city – and yet it’s just a short drive from town.
  • Te Awa
    Coastal paradise meets family suburb in Napier’s Te Awa. Featuring a long stretch of beach, Te Awa is just a short drive to the CBD too.
  • Ahuriri
    A vibrant, funky but also family-suited neighbourhood is Ahuriri, in Napier’s north. It’s full of cafes, restaurants, bars and is close to the city. It’s also a quick drive to Westshore Beach, one of the prettiest and most-happening beaches in the region.

Hastings

32km inland of Napier, lies the pretty little city of Hastings. It has a great mix of shops, cafes and restaurants, features beautiful houses and is home to New Zealand’s best water park – Splash Planet.

Suburbs in Hastings:

  • Havelock North
    Just out of Hastings lies the quaint old town of Havelock North. It has a distinct English village feel, with a lovely main street and bustling shops.
  • Parkvale
    Parkvale is an ideal family suburb, with a strong community vibe and great schools like Parkvale School and Mayfair School.
  • Frimley
    One of the best suburbs in Hastings is Frimley, which boasts large homes, great schools like Frimley School and wide open parks.

Move with New Zealand Movers

Need a team of expert movers to get you on your way to Hawke’s Bay? New Zealand Movers can help you out. As one of New Zealand’s leading moving companies, they carry out highly organised and thorough moves on a local and international level. Wherever you’re going, New Zealand Movers can assist you get there affordable and reliably. Request a free quote now.

How to Pack for Your First Move

Your first move is something you never forget. It’s like having your first kiss, owning your first car and going on your first holiday independently. If this is your first time moving, you’re probably feeling excited, nervous, and possibly a little flustered. After all, it’s something you’ve never done before and it’s important to get it done right. Don’t stress if you’re moving for the first time and you don’t know where to start. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for your first move.

Make a list

It all starts with a list. Think about why you’re moving. Is it for study? For a job? For a partner? For more independence? The reason you’re moving will influence what you need to take. For example, if you’re moving for a job in a different city, you might need to take more stuff than if you were moving across the street from your parents’ house… and even if you are moving across the street from them, don’t expect to be using their washing machine three times a week!

Buy things that you need

If it’s your first time moving, you probably don’t have everything that you need to live independently, in a share-house or with a partner. Discuss with your future housemate/s about what you’re all going to bring, or make a list of the essentials if you’re moving out by yourself. This could include appliances, furniture, washer and dryer, etc. If you’re trying to save a buck, have a look on online second-hand marketplaces! There are often some great deals on there.

Get rid of what you don’t need

A key tip for moving for the first time is to get rid of things you don’t necessarily need. Don’t worry: we’re not about to go on some minimalist rant about how happiness is achieved through sleeping on a mattress on the floor and not having a TV… we’re not psychos. But there might be a few things that you don’t need to bring, like your wardrobe if your new place has built-in robes.

Hire a mover who understands your needs

What’s the biggest tip we can give you? Hire a fantastic moving company who are patient, informative and helpful for people making their very first move. There’s nothing worse than having no idea how to organise a move, and having nobody to guide you through it. At New Zealand Movers, they live for helping newbies on their moving journey!

New Zealand Movers pride themselves on offering expert help and competitive prices for first-time movers. They’ll get your stuff from A to B reliably and affordably, giving you a great start for your new, independent life! Get in touch with the friendly team at New Zealand Movers today.

Call 0800 000 022 or request an obligation free moving quote online.

4 Top Family Neighbourhoods in Auckland

Auckland is a big city with a big, beating heart. Home to 1.6 million people and counting, there seems to be a massive gravitational pull towards Auckland, drawing in people from all over the globe. The city of sails is one of the world’s most liveable cities, there’s no doubt that it’s a great place to raise your family. Like all cities, however, some suburbs are better suited to family life than others. Let’s take a look at our 4 top family neighbourhoods in Auckland.

1) Takapuna

Close to the city, close to the beach, close to some of New Zealand’s best schools… Takapuna has family burb written all over it. There’s so much about Takapuna that makes it super sought-after for families, including the prestigious Takapuna Grammar School, the gorgeous Sunday markets, great restaurants and shops and a safe, friendly environment. Summer in Takapuna is a dream! It’s a short walk to the beach and playgrounds, presenting days and days’ worth of family summer activities.

2) Devonport

A little further out, but just down the road from Takapuna is the suburb of Devonport. These two neighbourhoods are similar in some ways – they’re both on the northern side of the city and they’re both beachside suburbs. Being further away from the city, Devonport is where families go to escape the hustle and bustle while still remaining quite close from the CBD – it’s just a ferry-ride away, making it a popular mode of transport for business professionals. It has a range of living options, from waterfront apartments to spacious villas and character homes, meaning you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in Devonport. It’s also in super close proximity to Takapuna Grammar School and other fantastic educational institutions.

3) Parnell

Parnell is a perfect place to settle down with your family. A traditionally prestigious and sought-after suburb it ticks all of the boxes. Large, grand homes with pools and tennis courts? Tick. Neighbourhood village with high-end shops and boutiques? Tick. Green, leafy streets? Tick. Super close to the CBD? Tick. Amazing schools and world-class universities? Tick, tick and tick. But be warned: the average price for a three-bedroom home in Parnell is around $2m NZD.

4) Grey Lynn

If the kids are a little more grown up and you’re starting to enjoy more freedom and less kid-raising, then Grey Lynn is perfect spot in Auckland. It’s ten minutes from the city centre and boasts all the best bars and restaurants in town – so if eating and drink is your vibe, Grey Lynn is the place to be. That being said, it’s a great family suburb too, with close proximity to fantastic schools and universities. A vibrant, clean and friendly neighbourhood, houses aren’t exactly cheap in Grey Lynn either, but it’s certainly worth the price tag if you can afford it.

Looking to move to any of these top four family suburbs in Auckland? Get in touch with New Zealand Movers today. They’re NZ’s best team of movers and packers in Auckland, helping New Zealand and expat families relocate to these neighbourhoods every day. Talk to the team at New Zealand Movers and start living in your dream Auckland suburb! Request a quote here.

How to Unpack Your Boxes Quickly After Moving

So, you’ve just moved to your new place. You’re feeling fresh, vibrant… and incredibly reluctant to start unpacking, after you’ve just spent weeks and weeks planning and preparing the move! We understand unpacking all of your boxes is a daunting task – but if you don’t tackle them sooner rather than later, they could end up becoming part of the furniture in your home and stay like that for months. We’re going to give you a few hot tips on how to unpack boxes quickly after moving to a new place.

Let NZ Movers sort boxes in their designated rooms

A great way to get boxes unpacked quickly after moving is to sort each box by room. This way, instead of just piling up boxes in one place like some giant version of Jenga, NZ Movers actively start the process of sorting out the contents of the boxes. They place all your kitchenware boxes in the kitchen, your toiletry goods in the bathroom, and your clothes in your bedroom – it may sound obvious, but it’s a great start.

Take it one room at a time

The quickest way to get flustered when unpacking your boxes is to not do it methodically. If you try to do a little bit of each room, you’ll end up wasting a lot of accumulated time when moving from room to room. This is the least economical way to unpack your boxes: the most economical way is to take it one room at a time, which is exactly how the team at NZ Movers like to do things.

Assign one person to each room

This is a pro tip if you’re moving with a family. Assign one person to each room of the house. The adults can take the kitchen and bathroom while the kids work on unpacking their own bedrooms. You’ll find that the whole house can be almost entirely unpacked within a matter of hours! Then, celebrate everyone’s hard work by ordering pizza and enjoy a beer or wine for yourself.

Get your movers to do it for you

Possibly the easiest, quickest and stress-free way of unpacking your boxes is to enlist a little help from your moving team! They’re absolute pros at unpacking boxes, working under your direction to get your home unpacked to your exact liking. Movers are gifted in the art of unpacking boxes to a flat surface, allowing you to arrange your house the way you want it; after all, they do it pretty much every day!

Don’t let your boxes pile up and resemble some kind of abstract art in your lovely new home. Unpack them quickly or hire an expert team of movers like the ones at New Zealand Movers! They’re lightning-quick at unpack boxes, getting your home fully unpacked within a flash, allowing you to place your belongings in their spots and making your house a home. Talk to the team at New Zealand Movers and grab a quote to settle in to your new home.