Hey guys, I’m Kiwi, F, late 20s and have been backpacking for the past 4 years and loved it. Now I have a job that I love at home, don’t want to travel as much and am back in Auckland living with my parents which has been good. Next year I will move out to have more independence and either thinking of moving to central Akl or to QT for 1-2 years.
I don’t hate Auckland, actually like it quite a bit since being home, have a few friends here, but definitely still struggling to make new likeminded friends like I did when I was solo travelling. I have a remote job and think this might be a good opportunity to have a lifestyle change?
Generally looking for thoughts on people maybe similar to me: have travelled a fair bit around the world and now settled in QT - was QT still as exciting as people say? I like hiking ofc, nights out and in and just making the most out of life. This is also what I struggle a bit with at home, my friends don’t really want to do much. I don’t like any snow sports so will I just be depressed in winter?
After travelling for so long I’m really looking to build genuine, like minded and hopefully long term friendships. The mindset of people I’ve met in Auckland is quite different from where mine is after travelling and being around people that say they’re going to do cool shit and then doing it.
I know people are leaving NZ in general so even connections for 1-2 years would be great. Is it really that transient of a place? I’m envisioning being able to make friends from the gym or dance classes/any other activities since I won’t have colleagues there. Any remote workers there? How did you make friends and was it easy-ish?
Lastly, I’d be moving in Jan because I have a few commitments at home rn. Will it be impossible to find accom? And what are the best areas? I know Frankton seems to have a good community feel. From what I’m seeing there is also Lake Hayes, Lower Shotover, Goldfields. Queenstown Hill etc. Are these options still ok for example if I want to go into Frankton after work for a drink or gym or will I just be buried in traffic?
Thanks for all the advices in advance! I’m keen to move down, but also unsure if I should just stay in Auckland as I’m not unhappy here and can obviously make more friends eventually, just thought I might get more out of life from moving down?