Major Differences Between Living in Wellington Vs Auckland

Whether you are new to the city of Wellington or you have lived here for years, there are some major differences between living in Wellington vs Auckland. As you read through the information that follows, you’ll find out more about these differences, along with other important considerations.

Cost of groceries

Compared to Auckland, the cost of groceries in Wellington is much lower. However, compared to other major cities in New Zealand, the cost of groceries in Wellington is not as low.

A typical family can spend about NZ$150 per week on groceries. This includes a loaf of bread, a block of cheese, a dozen eggs, a carton of milk and nappies.

The Commerce Commission recently found that New Zealand shoppers face the most expensive groceries in the OECD. The report suggested that the competition in the grocery sector is not working well for consumers. It also suggested that planning laws should be changed so that the supermarket sector is more regulated. The report estimated that Coutdown NZ and Foodstuffs make $430 million in excess profits each year.

Public transport

Compared to Auckland, public transport in Wellington is more user friendly. The transport system has been improved, including new buses and Snapper prepaid swipe card systems. There are also several hop on, hop off bus services.

The railways in Wellington have been maintained since 1874. However, the 1950s saw a shift towards motorways, which led to the closure of the tram network in many centres.

The transport system in Auckland has seen millions of dollars invested over the past few decades. The rail system reopened in the early 2000s. The rail system in Auckland is run down, however. Compared to Wellington, trains are used by a relatively small number of commuters.

While trains may seem to be the better option for commuters, buses are more popular in Auckland. Buses are more convenient for commuters, as they have frequent departures.

Climate

Compared to Auckland, Wellington has a cooler climate. In addition, Wellington has more dry days than Auckland.

Auckland and Wellington are separated by the Cook Strait. The Cook Strait is a very windy body of water. This winds may affect the weather in Auckland. It is also known for its high rainfall.

Wellington is situated on the south of New Zealand. Its climate is a mixture of rain and snow. It is situated at 41 degrees south. The drier period in Wellington is from October 26 to May 8. The wettest month in Wellington is June. The coldest month is July. Its annual rainfall is higher than that of Auckland. Its precipitation averages over 47 inches per year.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It has more sunshine hours than other cities in New Zealand. In October 2016, Auckland’s population was 1.4 million. This number is expected to reach two million by 2033. Auckland is further north than Wellington. It is also a warmer city. Auckland has a higher midday sun altitude than Wellington.

Smaller regional centers may be the best places for families

Whether you’re considering locking in Auckland or Wellington movers to relocate or just visiting for a few days, it’s hard to deny that the country has an impressive number of regions to choose from. For families, the smaller towns may be the best bet. Compared to the big cities, the cost of living is significantly lower. In addition, the city is also well positioned to offer you opportunities to explore the spectacular islands and rainforests of New Zealand.

The city also makes a splash on the culinary front, with the area’s top chefs serving up some of the country’s finest. Napier has a thriving food and wine scene, as well as plenty of parks and walkways. It’s also home to one of the country’s most impressive public transport systems.

Safety

Generally speaking, the safety difference between living in Auckland and Wellington is minimal. However, there are some things to consider before moving to either city.

While Auckland is a relatively safe city, the city still has some crime-infested areas. If you want to stay in an area where you can feel safe, it’s best to stay in a central part of the city.

Wellington is a smaller city with more friendly people. Although there is a high crime rate in some areas, Wellington’s crime rate is comparable to Auckland. There are fewer crimes and less violent crime.

Most of the crime in New Zealand is petty theft and drunk conduct. Generally, New Zealand is a very safe country but it is always better to take precautions to prevent any opportunistic crime. Keep windows and doors locked, and lock your accommodation. You should also never accept drinks from strangers when out in the bustling night life. Nevertheless, both Wellington and Auckland have charms of their own and settling in either city would make for a pleasing experience.

Must Visit Wineries in Marlborough District New Zealand

Visiting New Zealand’s Marlborough District is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can have as a traveler. This region is the country’s most acclaimed wine region, with a wealth of vineyards producing some of the world’s finest wines. There are so many great places to visit that you could easily spend weeks enjoying the beauty and delicious tastes of the region.

Awatere Valley

Located in the southern part of New Zealand, Marlborough is a wine region with two sub-regions. The Awatere Valley and the Wairau Valley are both ideal for growing grapes. These areas produce some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in the world.

The Awatere Valley is situated near the Pacific Ocean on the seaward side of Marlborough. It is a region that produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. It also produces Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Gruner Veltliner.

The region is home to more than twenty thousand hectares of grapevines. There are a number of wineries located in the region. The Vavasour family were the first commercial growers in the region, and they were the first to plant vines in the Awatere Valley.

Cloudy Bay

Located in Marlborough, New Zealand, Cloudy Bay is one of the first five wineries to be established in the region. Founded by David Hohnen in 1985, the winery is named after the Cloudy Bay that was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770.

Cloudy Bay’s most famous wine is the Sauvignon Blanc. This variety was the first in the region to receive the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Top Wines of the World designation. The wine is known for its bright citrus flavors and strong aromatic character. The wine is made from grapes grown in the Wairau Valley and Central Otago.

The winery also produces Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. Wine tastings and tours are available at the winery’s cellar door. The winery also has a guest house that offers a relaxing retreat with views of the Wairau Valley. The guest house features floor to ceiling windows that connect with the landscape.

Te Whare Ra

Founded in 1979 by Allen and Joyce Hogan, Te Whare Ra is the first boutique winery in Marlborough. It is one of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough and is certified organic through BIOGRO New Zealand. It produces a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Noir.

Te Whare Ra produces small batches of grapes to ensure great quality fruit. The winery is committed to biodiversity and organic practices. All of the grapes are hand-picked and processed to make its wines. It has an extensive focus on soil health and uses magic cow poo natural fertiliser. Most of its white wines are fermented in steel, and most of its red wines are barrel fermented.

Wine tasting is available at the vineyard’s tasting room, which is located on the second story of the winery’s cellar. It is well worth a visit.

Havelock

Located on the northern tip of the South Island, Marlborough is a beautiful region surrounded by stunning landscapes. It is the largest grape growing area in New Zealand. Marlborough’s vineyards are a mixture of old and new world winemaking techniques.

The region is home to several world famous brands. Marlborough has some of the best gourmet produce in the country. It is also renowned for its green-lipped mussels and oysters.

Marlborough is also home to several craft breweries. The region’s largest town is Blenheim. Blenheim is a well-known tourist spot, boasting a number of upscale restaurants, shops, and accommodation options. The town also serves as the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Track and the Marlborough Sounds.

The town of Havelock is located about 30 minutes from Blenheim. The town is home to a number of historic colonial buildings. The town also boasts a museum with interesting displays on the town’s past.

Central Otago Pinot Noir

During the Gold Rush in the 1860’s, Central Otago was a major wine producing region. Wines were renowned for their aromatics and savoury nuances. Wines produced in Central Otago are now considered some of New Zealand’s most voluptuous. Almost 80% of Central Otago vineyards are planted with Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

The climate in Central Otago is semi-arid with cool, dry winters and relatively cool, dry summers. There are four main wine growing sub-regions in Central Otago. The Cromwell Basin includes Bannockburn, Felton, Lowburn, and the Lake Hayes region.

The drier Cromwell Basin region ripens the Pinot Noir grape 10-14 days earlier than the warmer Central Otago. The cooler climate also allows the vines to grow deeper roots as they age.