Marie-Laure is from France. She was born in Toulouse and moved to Paris for her studies, where she met her husband.
Tell us more about yourself
I speak French and English, and I’ve started to study heaps of languages in my life but none that I can have a conversation in.
Moving to Christchurch
When and why did you move to Christchurch?
I moved to Christchurch at the end of 2011 with my husband and my 2 daughters. It was a one-year work project for my husband, so we went back to France at Christmas 2022.
Then he was offered another role in the University he worked at so we didn’t hesitate and went back to Christchurch.
How did you get set up?
Well quite easily, it was not complicated to open a bank account or to get a phone plan. The only funny thing was that back in 2012, there were no unlimited phone or internet plans, so we had to be very careful with our data usage.
Tell us about getting insurance in New Zealand
We don’t have one. As we arrived in New Zealand with a 2-year contract (and visa) we were covered by ACC which is a national social security plan that takes care of us in case of accident and long illness. Children under 18 and fully taken care of (except for glasses and retainers)
It’s not perfect, a lot of things are not covered but we think it is enough for us for now.
What did you bring with you?
First time, almost nothing. 4 suitcases, a golf bag and we sent away 2 boxes: one filled up with toys and another one with homeware: pillows, blankets.
The second time we sent a container with most of our personal belongings. Because New Zealand is an island, they are very careful with natural materials imported into the country so we left a few old pieces of furniture that we bought in antique shops and I didn’t want to worry about having to have wood treated for any kind of pest.
The second time we sent a container with most of our personal belongings. Because New Zealand is an island, they are very careful with natural materials imported into the country so we left a few old pieces of furniture that we bought in antique shops and I didn’t want to worry about having to have wood treated for any kind of pest.
What surprised you about the housing situation in Christchurch?
Christchurch was hit by a big earthquake in February 2011 so when we arrived in December, finding a house was not as easy as we thought it would be. Furnished rentals were non-existent, so we had to rent an empty house and fill it up.
Compared to France, finding a rental here is easier: most of the rentals are through agencies and you don’t have to give as much evidence of your income as in France. The surprising thing is that they will put on the lease the number of people living in the house, so you cannot really have someone living with you for free, pets are also put on the lease and a lot of rentals do not accept them (the law around pets is going to change soon). The lease can also mention if you are or are not allowed to put things on the wall (like photos or art) and who can park in your driveway! It is quite intrusive. The agency also conducts regular house inspections: they come to your house to check if you are taking good care of it (which I find quite patronising, but that’s because I’m French!)
Price of rent is quite high in New Zealand in general. In Christchurch a good family house is around $600/week.
Compared to France, finding a rental here is easier: most of the rentals are through agencies and you don’t have to give as much evidence of your income as in France. The surprising thing is that they will put on the lease the number of people living in the house, so you cannot really have someone living with you for free, pets are also put on the lease and a lot of rentals do not accept them (the law around pets is going to change soon). The lease can also mention if you are or are not allowed to put things on the wall (like photos or art) and who can park in your driveway! It is quite intrusive. The agency also conducts regular house inspections: they come to your house to check if you are taking good care of it (which I find quite patronising, but that’s because I’m French!)
Price of rent is quite high in New Zealand in general. In Christchurch a good family house is around $600/week.
What should people consider before deciding to move to Christchurch?
The distance, overall in New Zealand, has a big impact on how often you can go back to visit your home county and your family.
Same problem when you just want to go on holidays, we are on a small island lost in the middle of the Pacific, everything is far away 🙂
Same problem when you just want to go on holidays, we are on a small island lost in the middle of the Pacific, everything is far away 🙂
Living in Christchurch
What specifically is Christchurch famous for?
Christchurch is mostly famous for the earthquake that destroyed a part of the city in 2011.
It is also famous for the Christchurch call, which is a text signed by governments and organisations acting together to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. (following a terrorist attack that was broadcasted online)
So nothing very uplifting and fun I’m afraid.
I should add our very famous rugby team, the Crusaders which is one of the best in the world That’s probably a better way to start a conversation with someone coming from Christchurch.
So nothing very uplifting and fun I’m afraid.
I should add our very famous rugby team, the Crusaders which is one of the best in the world That’s probably a better way to start a conversation with someone coming from Christchurch.
What websites do you find useful in your daily life in Christchurch?
I use the metro (https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/) website daily, because I bus to work everyday.
I also like Neatplace (https://neatplaces.co.nz/) to find new restaurants, new bars, and the What’s on Christchurch section on the City Council website, with all the events in the area.
I also like Neatplace (https://neatplaces.co.nz/) to find new restaurants, new bars, and the What’s on Christchurch section on the City Council website, with all the events in the area.
What’s the difference between Kiwis and French people?
Kiwis are way more relaxed than French people.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Christchurch?
Living in New Zealand does not come cheap:
Rent is quite expensive and house insulation is almost nonexistent, so be prepared to be cold in your own house or spend money on electricity.
I’d say that food is about the same price as in France if you choose wisely. Fruits and veggies are to be in season to be affordable, as imports are very expensive. This is probably a tricky part of your budget because you might find a lot of imported products from Europe, but they will be expensive. That’s why I’d say you need to be wise and really think about what you’re buying.
What are your favorite restaurants and cafés in Christchurch?
Christchurch CBD is quite new as most of the buildings have been built in the last 10 years. I really enjoy spending time in the CBD finding new places to discover.
The riverside market is a must go, and nearby, on Cashel street or Oxford terrace, I recommend Sweet Soul patisserie, who does not like a good cake with their coffee, Delilah’s for their amazing cocktails, Rollickin Gelato Café for an ice cream and really every other places in that city center area.
Final Thoughts
Have you seen any wildlife in Christchurch?
Most endemic wildlife in New Zealand are birds, and you can enjoy native birds in Hagley Park and in your own garden.
If you go out of Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula which is not too far away, you can spot Blue Penguins, seals, dolphins.
There’s heaps to see, really.
If you go out of Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula which is not too far away, you can spot Blue Penguins, seals, dolphins.
There’s heaps to see, really.
What are some disadvantages to living in Christchurch?
New Zealand, in general, is far from other countries.
It will take you around 40 hours to travel from Europe to New Zealand, 12 to 24 hours to travel to the USA or Canada (depending on if you are going to the west coast or to the East coast), 12 hours to go to Japan, and so on. It is very isolating as you cannot visit your friends and family as much as you’d wish to.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
To be fair, no, it is not. Most of our friends we’ve met through our children by attending events at school. And you need to make an effort to build up that friendship. It takes time.
Thank you so much Marie-Laure for this incredible story! It must be quite a magical place if you chose to go back to it a second time! It definitely gave me a lot to think about. The wildlife and landscapes look gorgeous! Her IG Here 🙂
