I do actually agree with a lot of what you say, especially the last part, In their shoes and at their age I would definitely not sell the house or ship everything over straight away.

Maybe a working holiday for a year or two would be a good idea work 3 months in a different city then move one, I would imagine it's possible, I suppose a lot depends on how quick they want to properly settle down with kids and such things.

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Stop fannying about and go for it.

Do a fly-drive for a month, open return

I drink wine too Peggy and I'm rather fond of a Central Otago Pinot Noir but it just doesn't quench the thirst on a hot summers day the way a beer does.

The Routeburn is lovely and fish the Routeburn river on a regular basis. Sadly they are in danger of spoiling the tranquility of the area if the proposed plan of the Routeburn tunnel goes ahead. They plan on building a tunnel complete with a monorail going from Glenorchy to Milford Sound through the Routeburn valley. There's a massive uproar about it at the moment and nobody wants it to happen so hopefully it won't get the green light.

Monteith's?

You are right, I've not had a beer now since Sept '12 but I find a few pints of strong gin with soda and plenty of chopped lime quenches the thirst. Pinot Noir, mmmmmm nice. Currently drinking Felton Road P Noir Block 3 & 5

Prefer Emmersons myself. Don't mind the Monteiths black and Celtic though.

Didn't try that one while I was there. Speights and Moa were others recommended to me but i preferred Monteiths.

Speaking of Pinot noir I managed to grab a few bottles of Ata Rangi, lovely stuff.

we did it six years ago and have no intention of ever going back to england, its works for some people but for others its not their thing, if you decide to make the move you have to really give it 2 years before going back to england.A few couples we know who came out here have gone back due to living costs etc, but plenty more have made a go of it and love the place.

Qn, you say you're "qualified in nothing else but retail" how do you propose getting enough points for a visa, I'd look into that first before looking at anything else.

I think he's already answered that, third para.