New Zealand Feb 2009 - Questions!!

Hi guys

I'm planning on going to New Zealand on a 12 month working visa in feb 2009. I've been to New Zealand before, but only for 4 weeks. This time, I am travelling alone and plan on staying in Auckland for a while. I was just wandering if this was a good time to go? I know it will be end of summer, beginning of autumn. I want to get a job in office work, retail, banking or hospitality. I figured it would be easier to do this at this time rather than in the hight of summer??
Also, is it easy enough to find accomodation in Auckland? I would stay in a hostel for the first week or so, but then would be looking at sharing a house or apartment. How easy is this to do, especially being a back packer?
Lastly, will I need a new zealand bank account, and if so, what is the easiest way of obtaining one? Wait until there?

Sorry for all these questions - I've travelled a fair bit before - NZ, Australia, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Europe - but it's always been with other people, and never to ork - so I'm crapping myself already! lol

Any help / advice gratefully received

Dan

Hi Dan

I arrived in Auckland for my working holiday in Jan 05 and got a job straight away- I think Feb 2009 will be fine. The unis and colleges go back in early march I think so there might still be some students doing some temp work but you should be fine to pick up some work in Auckland. Although people are talking about the ‘economic downturn’ here the job situation is nowhere near as bad as it seems to be in the UK and there is still a general skills shortage in NZ (as far as I know). Also it should still be nice weather for a couple of months after you arrive!

It’s pretty easy to find both long and short term backpacker accommodation – many places are happy for you stay short term if you like and not commit to a lease of any kind. When I first arrived in Auckland I found my accommodation on this website: http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz. In terms of areas to live in I would recommend Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay, Grey Lynn, Mt Eden, Kingsland and Newmarket, all are pleasant suburbs and are fairly central. Also check out hostel notice boards and http://www.trademe.co.nz for flat /house share adverts.

Re bank accounts, have a look at this recent thread for some info:
http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?thread=54583
I'd recommend Westpac, and it's best just top open an account once you get here.

have fun and let me know if you need any more info.