Removals to Dunedin
Relocating abroad is a decision that is not to be taken lightly. It is a highly stressful process even though you will likely be looking forward to better financial stability, future prospects and an improved lifestyle. One of the first concerns you will have is how you get all your personal belongings to your new home in New Zealand.
Your first task is to find a suitable international removals company. This process can also be fraught. There are so many firms offering shipping services. However, not all are registered with industry regulators such as FIDI, BAR, IMMI and OMNI. All members must adhere to strict guidelines and regular inspections in order to remain members of these respected organisations.
White & Company are founding members of the FIDI Global Alliance and have held the FAIM quality standard since its inception. In addition, we are also founding members of BAR (British Association of Removers) and the IMMI Payment guarantee scheme. For this reason, we are known as the UK’s 1st choice for International removals to Dunedin.
Why Move to Dunedin?
Situated on the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin is the second largest city on the island. The harbour and hills around Dunedin represent the remnants of an extinct volcano. Dunedin was the largest New Zealand city by territorial land area until superseded by Auckland on the creation of the Auckland Council in November 2010.
It has approximately 120,000 inhabitants, a pretty harbour. There are some very large hills to explore. Everything is within reach, just a short 10 minutes’ drive. Within 15-20 minutes’ drive is a huge range of stunning beaches, most with good surf.
The city has much in its favour. Arts, music and culture, with a proven record of educational and entrepreneurial excellence. It offers a great standard of living geared towards the outdoors. The locals are very welcoming, and you will be greeted warmly as newcomers to the area.
Eating Out
From restaurants offering contemporary New Zealand fare to those catering for authentic European tastes there is something for everyone when dining out in Dunedin. Here is a list of some of the best places to eat:
• Nova – http://novadunedin.co.nz/
• Ionic – http://www.ironiccafebar.co.nz
• Two Chefs Bistro – http://www.twochefsbistro.com/
• Plato – https://www.platocafe.co.nz/
• Scotia – www.scotiadunedin.co.nz/
The average cost for two people for a 2-course meal in a mid-range restaurant is currently NZ$80 (£41). For an inexpensive meal the cost is approximately NZ$15 (£7.72)
Life In Dunedin
When you first move to a new city finding your way round the local taxes, laws, education, and healthcare requirements can be daunting.
A visit to the following useful websites can help you on your way.
• https://www.govt.nz/
• https://www.enz.org
• https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
• www.newzealand.com › … › Driving In New Zealand
• https://degtev.com
• http://britishexpats.com
Schools
In New Zealand schools, students begin formal education in Year 1 at the age of five. Year 13 is the final year of secondary education. Government schooling is free to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. Private education and international schools are expensive.
For a list of Schools, colleges and universities in Dunedin visit the following web sites:
• www.school.nz/area/dunedin-city
Property prices if you are thinking of moving to Dunedin
Buying
If you are purchasing a property in Dunedin, the most sought-after suburbs are Maori Hill and Roslyn (on the hill), St Clair (by the beach) and Waverley (on the peninsular). Most homes are larger in New Zealand that those of the UK and you will certainly find that your money goes further. Thee is a good selection of affordable homes.
A good sized three-bedroom family home can cost as little as NZ$300,000 (£154,000). On the market currently, there is a large 3 bedroomed home for sale. Boasting stunning sea views overlooking Blueskin Bay, for NZ$635,000 (£327,000). You can purchase a smaller one bedroomed apartment for approximately NZ$289,000 (£143,000).
Renting
Renting a home when you first arrive in a new country is highly recommended. You need to give yourself time to get to know the city and its neighbourhoods before you decide which suburbs would suit you best.
There are plenty of rental properties to choose from. As with all towns and cities, prices vary according to how close you will be to the centre, the beach and amenities.
Rental costs are very reasonable in Dunedin. As a guide, the average rent for a one bedroomed apartment in central Dunedin is NZ$964 (£496) per month. Outside the city this price drops to NZ$634 (£326).
There are a range of estate agents promoting their houses for sale or rent on the following web sites:
• http://harcourts.co.nz/Property/Residential/
• http://nidd.co.nz/
• https://www.manaproperty.co.nz/
• https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
Local Information
There are so many leisure opportunities in the city. Here are some of the most popular places to see and things to do in Dunedin:
• Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
• Otago Peninsula
• Aramoana Beach
• Orokonui Ecosanctuary
• Tunnel Beach Track
• Dunedin Botanic Garden
Travel
In terms of transportation in Dunedin there is a good reliable bus service. It can be a pit pricy to travel form the suburbs to the city, averaging. Most locals purchase a “Go Bus” card costing around NZ$120 (£61) per month. There are no public railways as such in the city however, Dunedin Railway Station does run tourist trains into the surrounding regions. Second hand motor cars, mopeds and vans are relatively affordable in New Zealand.
Dunedin International Airport is about half an hour driving distance away in Mosgiel. The airport runs a shuttle and taxi services but no buses.
Most people in New Zealand own their own car. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with local driving laws and regulations. Visit the following website for further information:
• www.drivesafe.org.nz
• www.nzta.govt.nz › Driver licences › New residents & visitors
Public transport in the Dunedin Region is well developed compared to other parts of New Zealand. It consists of buses, trolleybuses, Commuter trains, ferries and a funicular (the Dunedin Cable Car).
Currency Conversion
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely.
When moving overseas making sure you get the best exchange rate possible is essential to starting your new life on a sound footing. White & Company has an exclusive arrangement with an FX Firm.
Simply follow the link to see what additional monies you will receive compared to using your high street bank and to set up a free foreign exchange account.
Shipping My Effects To Dunedin
Shipping your personal effects across the world is quite different to domestic moving. The process is much more complicated and best left to the experts.
Our branches stretch from the Channel Islands to Scotland and with a network of industry partners we are able to provide an exceptional shipping, packing, storage and delivery service to anywhere in the World. At each of our branches our international removal teams have a wealth of removals knowledge and can liaise with our other branches to make sure your move runs smoothly.
As one of the largest international removal firms in the industry, you can be sure we will give you our best possible attention and service door to door.
As well as taking care of your house move, White & Company is able to offer a whole range of other services such as pet travel, shipping of motor cars, motor cycles and caravans.
We can arrange a free no obligation quotation, carried out by one of our qualified surveyors, who will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The surveyor will need to undertake a thorough survey to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping to New Zealand (this is how we calculate the cost of your move). Following which you will receive a written quotation.
Contacting White & Company
For further information on our removals to New Zealand, or any other international destination, contact our international office on 01489 854175. Alternatively complete the form below with your details and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Shipping From The UK To Dunedin
Our teams across the UK are able to pack your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture. We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move.
All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons; furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection; and items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates if necessary.
The team will prepare an inventory which is used for customs purposes and as an aid memoir for when you unpack. We can also offer an unpacking service in Dunedin to unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials. Boxes will be placed in rooms as directed by you.
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions prior to moving into your new home. You may be renting a furnished property initially or you may need to arrange for work to be carried out on your new home before you can settle in.
We have 19 storage locations throughout the UK all providing secure containerised storage in personal dedicated storage containers. All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873.
Our trusted partners in New Zealand can also offer you storage should you require it.
White & Company
International Removalists since 1871
We recommend a visit from one of our Surveyors for all International moves, so that we can assess your requirements, and the volume of goods to be moved.
Below is a rough guide To New Zealands Other Major Cities
Auckland
Christchurch
Napier & Hastings
Hamilton
Nelson
New Plymouth
Palmerston North
Tauranga
Wellington
What Others Say…
Wayne Middleton and Brian Witherford were professional and extremely helpful. Did a brilliant job. Would recommend Whites to anyone. Thanks very much.
Have used this company regularly for 5 years including my time in the armed forces. They are professional and efficient. Will use them again on our next move.
The move went very smoothly and they were very polite.
A very smooth move by White and Co. The team worked very hard and were polite, professional and helpful.