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!