Auckland life on TV show

BBC series entices Brits to the City of Sails

JESSICA TASMAN-JONES

The global financial crisis has made life in Britain a bit grim right now and a BBC reality series is set to see if Auckland's sunny climate and city beaches might lure five British families Down Under.

Their tough decision is being filmed for BBC series Wanted Down Under, currently in its sixth series.

The prospective migrants are looking through Auckland open homes, exploring local schools and examining employment options to decide if they want to move. Each family member gets to vote on whether New Zealand life looks better than what they have at home.

An Auckland researcher has been sourcing potential new homes for each family which include locations on the North Shore, western suburbs, the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the city's southern outskirts.

Bayleys, one of the agencies taking families through potential homes, is showing off properties in Gulf Harbour, Orewa and Stillwater, among others, ranging from $320,000 to $650,000.

Show participants compare the cost of living between the UK and their potential Auckland home.

They also consider the emotional toll of leaving behind their extended family.

Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley says the show generates publicity for Auckland worth tens of millions of dollars.

"Exposure on this scale to one of this country's key immigration markets is an incredible opportunity for the New Zealand brand.

"It's also a fantastic opportunity for those British families coming here for the filming to see firsthand just what life is like in Auckland, and what sort of homes they will be able to afford."

- © Fairfax NZ News