Anybody here from new zealand?

MiCsarah

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My parents moved over to Ireland a couple of years ago to start their seaplane business up. I stayed here in england in our family home as I was happy with my life and Ireland isnt too far to go once a month to visit. Now with the weather being so poor in the winter they are struggling so are thinking of moving to New Zealand next year after seeing how this winter goes. Now I'm only 22 and I really cant live that far away from my parents as I wouldnt be able to see them apart from every other year probably. So If they go I think I will probably go with them.
So my questions really are what is the horsey world like out there? I would fly my boy out with me. I'm guessing its abit like here, you have normal DIY livery yards. Any kind of hint as to what life is like out there would be great
 
I stayed there for a year. The weather isn't that much different from the UK, so you won't be getting away from the poor winters. It does vary though between North and South Island.

I can only give my experience of south island, Christchurch in particular & it would depend on what you like to do with your horse really. Some differences for fun:-

Agistment not Livery
Cover not Rug & New Zealand rugs are still New Zealand canvas rugs
Truck not Lorry
Float not trailer

I'm struggling to think of the word for wellies.

I believe it costs around £10k to ship your horse out.
 
Yes my friend used to live in Australia and it cost her £7k I think to bring her horse back. Im guessing its alot like australia but not so much in the weatherr front
 
Got it - gumboots not wellies !

There are a couple of people posting on here living in NZ so you might get more replies by tomorrow morning.
 
If your parents have a seaplane business why don't they go to Alaska as everyone has a seaplane there and not quite so far as New Zealand lovely as it is.
 
Hi, we live about an hour north of Auckland, livery/agistment as already said is not that common especially once you get away from the city. Having said that most people either rent land or own a few acres themselves. (Land is comparatively cheaper than UK). Beach riding/forest riding access is awesome where we are. Very active local Pony Club/riding club scene, emphasis seems to be on having fun rather than serious competition. More competitive riders seem to affiliate and there are several large (by NZ standards) venues near by.
The weather where we are is significantly better than where we were in Uk. (I guess that depends on your idea of good weather!). We get long hot relatively dry summers and short wet winters with an occasional frost. The climate varies dramatically over NZ so def worth doing your homework on where to go.
Feel free to PM if you want any more info!
 
My parents moved over to Ireland a couple of years ago to start their seaplane business up. I stayed here in england in our family home as I was happy with my life and Ireland isnt too far to go once a month to visit. Now with the weather being so poor in the winter they are struggling so are thinking of moving to New Zealand next year after seeing how this winter goes. Now I'm only 22 and I really cant live that far away from my parents as I wouldnt be able to see them apart from every other year probably. So If they go I think I will probably go with them.
So my questions really are what is the horsey world like out there? I would fly my boy out with me. I'm guessing its abit like here, you have normal DIY livery yards. Any kind of hint as to what life is like out there would be great
Awsome !!!I worked out in auckland for six monthes about 15 years ago and realy regret not taking the perminant job offer and staying!!!
lots of horsey stuff but it is along way from anywhere else so maybe expensive if you want to compete internatonaly or to a high standard but otherwise maybe the best place for outdoor sports in the world. I would head for the north island if you want warm its sub tropical in the extreme north and just right in the middle of the north island warm not hot summer and mild winters. Small friendly population and very english with kiwi style. go and see what you think now its spring escape the filthy weather and post about your adventure and make us all insanly jelous, lots of back packer accomidation and safe for travelers good luck .... try www.horsetalk.co.nz
 
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Hi,

I'm from NZ, the lower North Island. There isn't really livery yards, as most horses aren't stabled. The weather is pretty good, it snowed for the first time in about 40 years in the city I'm living in this winter. There isn't as much off-road hacking as in the UK (at least not in my area), but the beaches are pretty accessible.

My local beach, Waitarere

tallybeach003.jpg


Queenstown

006.jpg


More of the South Island (my sister took these)

glaciallaketasman.jpg


mitrepeakmilfordsound.jpg
 
I live in NZ - it's the most amazing country - I love it.

Got off the plane 25yrs ago and felt like I'd come home. I've only been back to UK twice. Depending on where you live the weather varies.

In Christchurch you get snow in the middle of winter, the days are bright and even if the day starts frosty by 10am you wil be in shirt sleeves. It does get foggy though but th esummers are hot and long. Winter really only lasts a few weeks before spring arrives.

I'm now living in the Waikato which is in the North Island. It rains quite a bit in winter but again only lasts a few weeks and before you kknow it spring has come again. It doesn't snow in this area except on the mountains and the dessert road.

In New Zealand you can in one day - go surfing on the west coast, sking in the mountains and then go swimming in calm waters on the east coast, inbetween you can have a warm up in the thermal pools or sit in the warm water sands.

The scenery is amazing, and keeping a horse is reasonably cheap. Our horses generally live out year round wearing covers (rugs) to protect them from the sun in summer and rain/wind in winter.

I love it here!
 
I stayed there for a year. The weather isn't that much different from the UK, so you won't be getting away from the poor winters. It does vary though between North and South Island.

I can only give my experience of south island, Christchurch in particular & it would depend on what you like to do with your horse really. Some differences for fun:-

Agistment not Livery
Cover not Rug & New Zealand rugs are still New Zealand canvas rugs
Truck not Lorry
Float not trailer

I'm struggling to think of the word for wellies.

I believe it costs around £10k to ship your horse out.

Gummies! Did you get to go to Sandow Riding School - I used to run that. I come from UK and would not agree with you about the winters, you must have been really unlucky, they are heaps milder and far shorter. The frost doesn't stay on the ground for days on end and the days are usually warm enought to be in shirt sleeves by 10am.
 
I love NZ. My mum is from NZ and I spent a lot of my childhood summers there. My uncles/cousins have/had dairy farms there. I went to UK when I was 10 and the country side esp. on Nth island has some similarities. But when I went back to NZ about 2 yrs ago, I just was amazed at the vegetation. I keep thinking dinosaurs will pop out from something.

They do hunt in NZ including over wire fences, I believe. The country side is fab, the people are lovely, you are not far from Australia to pop over for visits. I would definitely do it, I am sure you will not regret the experience.

The weather is not that bad, and you are never to far from a beach. just do it.
 
Worked on a hunt yard in Canterbury for a year and other jobs all over NZ for another 2 years and loved it. The hunting is fab and the attitude to horses and horse-life is more Irish than the Irish. By that i mean very laid back, no fuss.

South island is breath-taking. The weather is much much better than Ireland (sick and tired of grey misty days here) except for the west coast of the south island which gets it's run of misty days. East coast is dry and arid and i learnt more about irrigation there then i cared to know:)

The scenery is gorgeous, the people lovely and really it's just like Ireland if you could create and Ideal Ireland (if you know what i mean ;) )
 
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