Is Dunedin an easy place to meet people?

Question

my mum and I are emigrating to NZ from the UK and I have my heart set on Dunedin as I loved it when I visited it. We aren't too worried about work and housing, but slightly worried about not knowing anyone. I'm 28 and my mum is 57 - are either of us likely to have trouble making friends?

Answer 1

My brother lives there.

As long as you don't keep saying how good GB was, you will be fine.

Answer 2

I dont think so... im 29 and from wellington i have only been there a few times... but most people in NZ are pretty friendly... and you will be loved with your UK accent...people will just flock to you..im sure you will do just fine down there

good luck!

Answer 3

Oh yeah, Dunedin its full of students and happy partying people, I have to say, I lived there, so much fun,  people from everywhere

you'll make friends easily..!

Answer 4

We left the uk to move to Dunedin some years back.After 8 months i still hadnt met any freinds, i couldnt get a job and the weather was so cold i was miserable.In fact i was so depressed i left.MY MARRIAGE ENDED and i wish we had never gone there in the first place.Its a beautiful beautiful place for a holiday but to live there is a different matter,I couldnt get work and what work i was offered was at a rate of about 3 uk pound an hour.Dunedin is FULL of noisey drunken students during term time that rattle the streets with there noisey  loud cars,The fire brigade are on constant call out for sofas that burn in the street.The weather is cold 12 months of the year- or at least the summer isnt what you would call hot.  Please think hard.Its a small place and very very hard to make friends.Visit for a while but keep your mind open for other places in  the very beautiful country.Good luck.

u will never know a place till u live there- id never go there again!

Answer 5

Dunedin is very much a uni student city. If you like that sorta thing, the uni students are very accomodating and fun. But in general, the kiwis are very friendly ppl --- my advice to you would be to join some sort of club or group - book club, sports, whatever. That way you have instant access to ppl. O and when u move in throw a bbq for ur neighbours. - kiwis LOVE bbqs.

Answer 6

Dunners is a totally stella city and you will have no probs integrating into the awesome social scene down there, unlike SOME other people on here, who seemed to have lost there "joie de vivre"! I am sure that you will make a heap of new matez and also your mum will as well. Immigrating can be a stressful experience by its very nature but be assured you will be welcomed - you will be loved and appreciated. You are also not far from the southern hemispheres winter playground 'Queenstown' yahooooooo! stay fresh - have fun!

Answer 7

Kia Ora,

I am originally from the US.  I have met lots of cool and interesting people (of all nationalities) in Dunedin.  I'm sure you will find the people are friendly, and you should have no worries about making new acquaintances.  

One of the things I did was look into clubs in which I had an interest, checked them out, joined some, and became a volunteer in other service organizations.  Getting involved in the community is a great way of meeting other people!  Also, you are pretty certain to meet people who are responsible, and who care about others and the community.

I am a grad student, but I really don't attend many campus functions. There are plenty of other opportunities to get to meet people my own age, who are interested in the things I like to do.  

There is a agency in Dunedin that helps newbies get settled, and there are listings of the clubs and societies in the Dunedin Yellow Pages.  Depending on your activity level and hobbies, you can be as active in seeking out new friends as you wish.  

There are clubs and associations for book lovers, trampers, bikers, water sports, film buffs, computer geeks, artists, writers, photographers, puzzlers, card players, motorists, bowlers, gardeners, gamers, environmentalists, stamp collectors, etc.  There are also plenty of churches, service clubs, and civic organizations.  Plus, some of the high schools offer adult courses you can enroll in, meet others, and learn something!

Come on down, it is a lovely city.  I am never at a loss for things to do and people to see.  Good luck and let us know when you get here ~~

=)

Answer 8

You should have no problems. There are lots of clubs and groups you can join for whatever you may be interested in. Dunedins a great city. When you get jobs people will involve you in stuff.

Enjoy.

Answer 9

I don't know about the meeting people, but moving out might help your social life you saddo!

But anyway, Dunedin is incredibly cold! But a cool place. I lived there for 4 years and the education is fantastic, it's a really safe city.