FAQs

Why New Zealand?

This question is so popular (and the answer so lengthy) that we gave it its own page.  But as the top of this page says - why not?

When will you leave and how long will you be gone? 

Assuming the immigration process goes smoothly (the progress of which you can follow here), we will move in early-to-mid August 2013.  At this point, we are planning to stay for 2-3 years.  However, we are very open to the idea of staying longer-term, or even forever!  

Where will you live?

We will start our life as immigrants in Auckland, which is New Zealand's biggest city with a population of roughly 1.5 million people.  Auckland is located on New Zealand's North Island, and is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world with one of the highest qualities of life.  Auckland's climate will be a welcome change from Chicago's.  Temperatures range from highs of around 80° in the summer (which runs from December - February) to lows of 50° in the winter (which is June - August). 

When we first go over, we will be bringing only what we can fly with, which means we are limited to only what we can carry in two pieces of (hopefully very large) luggage, a carry on, and a personal item each. This means two things: 1) Megan is already panicking about what to pack; and 2) we are going to need to rent a furnished apartment. Work will provide furnished housing for the first two weeks that we are there, which should give us time to get familiar with the area and to find a place close enough to work so that at least one of us can walk, as we will only have one car. 

Why don't you let House Hunters International find you a place to live?

We're working on it!  It is a lifelong dream of ours* to be on HGTV, and so we have submitted an application on HGTV's website and are waiting to hear back.  If you know anyone who works there, we are not opposed to nepotism!

*yearlong dream of Megan's

How often will you come back to the States?

Plane tickets to New Zealand are very expensive, starting at $1500 round trip. Therefore, we will not be able to make the trip very often. We will aim to come back at least once a year, but make no promises.

Can I come visit you?

Yes please!  Rent in Auckland is expensive, so we will likely only be able to afford a one bedroom apartment.  However, you are welcome to stay on our couch!  As payment, we require boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese (it is not sold in New Zealand) and a small spot in your luggage so you can bring us other American luxuries that we will have delivered to you before you leave the States.  Couch reservations are first-come, first-serve, so book your spot today!