We are a family (8 children) form maui looking to live in NZ. We live a rural style life.?

Question

However we dont like to be to far form shopping, preferably organic, and some big town type things. We like warmer climates but low temps at night are no big deal. We would like to live where other families live closer to the land. We have herd that NZ can be very family friendly and that many families run small to medium farms. We home school our kids and would hope to find others who do. We are not beach freaks but going to the ocean form time to time is great. It seems the north and south island are so different. We would appreciate any advise or suggestions. The more detailed the better.

Answer 1

Wow alot of kids you have !

South Island is MUCH nicer in my opinon.

Rural Nelson or Blenheim - Marlborough (both located at top of South Island and boasts the most sunshine hours per year) Also around or near Lake Rotoiti In Nelson Lakes National Park or Rangiora, North Canterbury - not too far from Christchurch, a larger city  ....

Either places sound ideal for what you are looking at.

More info see

http://nelsonnz.com

http://www.ncc.govt.nz/aboutnelson/nelso...

http://www.cityofblenheim.co.nz

http://www.destinationmarlborough.com

http://www.nzine.co.nz/life/rotoiti.html

http://rangiora.com

Good Luck on your move no matter where you decide to go!

Answer 2

New Zealand sounds like just the place you're looking for. It is generally a more rural country although some cities and regions are urban. I would recommend going down south if you want a more country type feel. Although it can get pretty cold from about Canterbury down in the winters. You could try the top of the south like Nelson or Blenheim, which have got the small town feel to them.

Answer 3

The North Island has mostly a warmer climate,(the further north the milder of course) but having being born in the South Island (Picton) I would recommend the Blenhiem/Picton area.

This area has mild temps through winter,great summers, is  rural and close to the sea,very friendly and family orientated, and has all the modern shopping centres/take-away resturants etc.

Blenheim is very renouned for its support of local farmers and organically grown produce,cheeses etc with the "Farmers Markets" held once every 3weeks (I think)

The region is also world famous for its wineries too.

Home schooling and family farms are a normal part of life in this area,with prices for land/houses still very affordable.

I don't think your family would be disappointed at all by moving to NZ,it is a beautiful place to grow up in.

Good luck to your family,many happy memories if you do make the move.....