By Tony Coggan
September 2021
Why move to Christchurch? Mountains, lakes, beaches, forests… what’s not to love? It has everything you could ever want for an outdoorsy lifestyle… and more!
As Truescape’s new Marketing Manager it was a jump into the unknown to move from Auckland down to Christchurch, but due to the nature of the opportunity with a great company and a move to a new city, it was a fantastic opportunity. We’re in high growth mode here at Truescape, actively looking for Project Managers, Visualization Specialists and Web Application Developers to join our team https://truescape.com/careers/ – so, if you are currently in Auckland, Wellington or anywhere else for that matter and contemplating a change of scenery, here’s my story and my first thoughts about living in the Garden City after a few short months of living here.
Having lived in Auckland for the better part of 5 years, I never thought we’d relocate to Christchurch, but when my partner was offered a job relocation, we weighed up the pros and cons and decided to make the move. I’m so glad we did, as we’ve never looked back.
It’s funny, when our friends and colleagues found out we were moving… the first question they all had was “Why?” For us, a young British couple, with a big sense of adventure, no Kiwisaver (and zero prospects of ever affording a house in Auckland), it seemed like a no-brainer? The rat race of Auckland was getting tiring… and I was bored of paying a small fortune for an incredibly overpriced coffee and brunch. From our very first weekend here, the mountainous scenery had captured us, so decided to take the hop, skip and a jump over to the South Island to carry on the adventure.
Moving to a new city gave us a sense of excitement and scratched the ‘itchy feet’ feeling we both had, in a world where we’re unable to explore further than our own backyard, and it’s not hard to see why. Christchurch is a place of strength. Of rebirth and rising from the ashes (quite literally), having bounced back from the devastating earthquakes of 2010/2011. Everywhere you go, it’s the old meets the new and the city seems to have a new lease of life. There’s a booming job market and a whole heap of young people here. There’s new buildings and architecture, funky bars and restaurants, pop ups, breweries, and artisan markets. For two absolute foodies who love nothing more than some delicious grub and a cold, hand-pumped English pint; it’s safe to say we’re in heaven!
The lifestyle is also pretty awesome too… whether you’re into hiking, cycling, skiing, mountain biking, surfing, or skateboarding, there really is something for everybody. Our list for camping weekends away is endless, but even if getting back to nature isn’t your thing, there’s an abundance of beautiful tree-lined streets for a wander around your new neighbourhood.
Where we can’t currently leave New Zealand and are missing our families in the UK, it’s safe to say that Christchurch has felt the closest to home for us. The ability to be able to afford to rent our own place (and not an extortionately priced room in a house of 5 in Auckland) has made all the difference, and saving’s are an actual thing now! We’re more active, less stressed, away most weekends exploring and have had the opportunity to make a whole heap of new friends!
For anybody looking to move within New Zealand, or for those looking for a new challenge or a change of scenery; Christchurch will tick all your boxes, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Check out our latest vacancies https://truescape.com/careers/
