If you’ve been thinking of swapping the busy city lifestyle for a more laid back alternative, then moving from Auckland to Wanaka might be for you. Trading the north island business hub for the south island resort town has been a popular choice among both Kiwis and foreigners in recent years. As work from home and remote working opportunities have become the norm, many city-dwellers are choosing to move towards places with a small town feel, and Wanaka is one such place.
But what can you expect when moving from north island to south island? And how can you prepare for the change? Here at Allied moving services, we can answer those questions, and help get you from Auckland to Wanaka, ready to begin your next chapter.
Why Choose Wanaka?
Auckland may have the hustle and bustle that some people crave in a city, but if you find yourself feeling more at home in nature, then Wanaka has a lot to offer. Here are some of the factors that set these locations apart:
Population
Living in Auckland, you’re probably used to high-rise buildings, a busy city, and jam-packed rush hours. With a population that’s just shy of 1.7 million, that doesn't come as a surprise. Wanaka is home to just 12.5 thousand people, and while this is more than double what it was a decade ago, it has still retained an idyllic sense of hometown warmth. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and abundance of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, the population growth makes sense, and has been addressed with increased housing developments.
Adventurous opportunities
Spread over a breathtaking landscape covering almost 30 square kilometres, Wanaka offers its inhabitants countless opportunities to enjoy a life lived outdoors. The town is a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park - 3,500 kilometres of open land where keen adventurers can explore the southern Alps, glaciers, and fiordlands of the south island.
Wanaka itself has two ski fields for winter days, which double for unbeatable hiking during the summer months.
Further afield
When you’ve made the move from Auckland, there’s more than just Wanaka to explore! With Queenstown just over the hill, you’ll have a handy spot within driving distance for shopping and a day out, as well as airport access. For more relaxed days off, Central Otago and wine country are less than an hours’ drive. Owing to this, you’ll be on the doorstep of wineries where you can sip some of New Zealand’s finest pinot noir.
Small town culture
The town may have doubled in size in recent years, but the welcoming atmosphere and close-knit community feel is as strong as ever throughout this peaceful locale. In cities like Auckland, it’s common to not even know your neighbour, but moving to Wanaka, you can make a family out of the town. Low crime rates also lend to a safe living environment.
Good to Know
Now that you know some of the best things to expect from life in Wanaka, it’s time to prepare for the more practical elements of the move.
Home sweet home
As the population in Wanaka has gone up, so too have the housing prices. Today, the median sale price in the town sits at around $1.4 million, compared to $1 million in Auckland. Some popular spots to live in the region include Wanaka Town, Lake Hawea, and Cardrona, giving dwellers access to hiking trails, ski areas, and stunning views throughout the changing seasons.
Getting around
If you’ve become accustomed to Auckland’s buses, trains, and ferries, then Wanaka’s public transport system may take some time to adjust to. The town has just a shuttle bus to bring people around, so owning a car is likely to be more useful here than in the city. With Queenstown airport situated within driving distance, you’ll be well connected with many other destinations across New Zealand and Australia.
How to move inter-island
Relocating between islands is trickier than local moves as you and your belongings need to cross the Cook Strait. If organising ferries and van rentals is a bit much for you, then inter-island moving company Allied is here to help. Our services don’t just cover the task of moving items from A to B. Our team will help with everything from assessing, packing, and loading, to delivery and unpacking so you can start to settle in as soon as you arrive.