Moving to New Zealand: how to plan a smooth move to NZ

Is New Zealand a good place to live?

New Zealand is considered a good place to live due to its high living standards. Citizens enjoy stunning natural environments with beaches, mountains and lush forests. Plus, outstanding education standards, forward-thinking environmental policies and a strong focus on work-life balance. With universal healthcare and a dynamic arts, film and outdoor culture, you'll never want to leave!

Must-know information about living in New Zealand

With its breathtaking coastlines, rugged mountains, strong economy and excellent education, the Land of the Kiwis delivers a blend of outdoor adventure and modern living.

Regions of New Zealand

Pros and cons of living in New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand offers expats unforgettable natural beauty, a high quality of living and a friendly welcome. However, everywhere has its ups and downs! So, here are a few positives and negatives to consider before making the big relocation.

Is it hard to move to New Zealand?

Moving to New Zealand can be straightforward or challenging, depending on your nationality, work experience, education, family connections and whether you intend to work or study.

Another key consideration is how to transport your possessions to New Zealand. The easiest option is to hire an international removals company that can provide a self-loading container like the Seven Seas Worldwide MoveCube®.

New Zealand visa process: the complete lowdown

Obtaining a visa to live and work in New Zealand depends on your eligibility and factors such as nationality, family ties, the purpose of your visit, and length of stay. All visa, immigration, and residency matters are managed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Australian nationals can move freely in and out of New Zealand, and citizens of many countries, including the UK, USA, Mexico, Taiwan (permanent residents only) and most European Union (EU) nations, do not need a visa for short stays of up to three months.

However, before arriving, you must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which is valid for two years. Countries that require a visitor visa for short stays include China, India, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.

Processing times vary based on the type of visa, your location, and the volume of applications, especially during summer (November to March) when demand is higher.

How to move to New Zealand

To move to New Zealand, you must choose a long-stay visa that meets your needs and eligibility. The most common entry method to NZ is via a work visa, granted to those with specific experience, skills and education, and there are various ones to pick from:

• Essential Skills Work Visa: for roles that New Zealanders can't fill. The length of stay is up to three years, and the application costs NZ$700* (around US$435).
• Accredited Employer Work Visa: for work with approved employers in a role of at least 30 hours a week. The length of stay is up to five years, and the application costs NZ$750* (around US$466).
• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: for workers under 55 with in-demand skills. It also includes a pathway to residency and the ability to bring your partner and dependent children aged 24 and under. The length of stay is indefinite, and it costs NZ$4,290* (around US$2,665) to apply.
• Entrepreneur Work Visa: for business start-ups, requiring a detailed business plan and at least NZ$100,000* (around US$62,118) in investment capital. The length of stay is three years, and it costs NZ$3,920* (around US$3,920) to apply.

There are also several visas that allow you to study in New Zealand, including the following:

• Fee Paying Student Visa: for full-time students enrolled in approved education institutions. You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. The length of stay is as long as the course, up to four years, and it costs NZ$375 (around US$233) to apply.
• Pathway Student Visa: allows you to study up to three consecutive courses with different providers. You can work part-time for 20 hours or less per week. The maximum length of stay is 5 years, and it costs NZ$375 (around US$233) to apply.
• Exchange Student Visa: for international students participating in an approved student exchange programme. You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. The length of stay is up to 4 years, and it costs NZ$375 (around US$233) to apply.

Alternatively, relatives of New Zealand citizens can apply for a family visa. Popular options include:

• Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: obtain the right to live, work and study in New Zealand if your partner is a citizen or resident. The length of stay is indefinite, and it costs NZ$2,750* (around US$1,708) to apply.
• Partner of a Worker Work Visa: join your partner on a work visa, allowing you to work full-time and study for up to three months. The length of stay is the same as your partner's visa, and it costs NZ$700* (around US$435) to apply.
• Child of a Worker Visitor Visa: for children 19 years old and younger of parents on a working visa. They cannot work but can study for up to three months. The length of stay is as long as the parent's work visa, and it costs NZ$211* (around US$131) to apply.

Other options include a Working Holiday Visa for young people aged 18 to 30, an Investor Visa for those who can contribute significantly to New Zealand's economy, and a Post-Study Work Visa for international student graduates.

_{*prices accurate as of 2024}

Immigrants are

27.4% of New Zealand's population

Source: stats.govt.nz

Can I retire in New Zealand?

Yes, you can retire in New Zealand, but it is costly, and you must meet specific visa requirements. Options include the Parent Retirement Resident Visa, which requires an investment of NZ$1,000,000 (around US$618,865), and the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, which requires an investment of NZ$750,000 (around US$464,149). Both visas also demand living expenses of NZ$500,000 (around US$309,433) and a stable income.

_{*prices accurate as of 2024}

Cost of living in New Zealand

New Zealand offers expats an excellent standard of living. However, it comes at a relatively high cost, especially in cities like Auckland and Wellington. So, it's essential to budget well for housing, utilities, transport and food before your big move to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Sources: rep.infometrics.co.nz, numbeo.com, holiday-weather.com, opespartners.co.nz

Cheapest place to live in New Zealand

The cheapest place to live in New Zealand is Whanganui, a small city known for its affordable housing and lower overall cost of living. Located on the North Island, Whanganui offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to larger cities like Auckland and Wellington, with a scenic river setting and growing arts scene.

Other budget-friendly areas include Invercargill in the South Island and Gisborne, both of which offer cheaper rents, house prices, and daily living costs while providing easy access to natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Renting in New Zealand

Start by researching the areas you're most interested in while still in your home country to understand prices, transport, local amenities and crime rates. Rental comparison websites like Trade Me Property, Realestate.co.nz, and OneRoof provide detailed listings and prices. The cost of rent is advertised weekly as standard across the country. For more affordable options, look for properties managed by community housing providers, who offer rentals to eligible low-to-middle-income tenants at below-market rates.

You can directly contact landlords or go through property agents who act on behalf of landlords. Most properties are offered unfurnished, but there are a growing number of furnished properties available, especially in bigger cities like Wellington or Auckland.

Don't be tempted to accept somewhere based solely on an online listing. Visiting the property in person is essential to understanding its condition, layout, and neighbourhood. Ask the landlord or property manager detailed questions about the home, its building, the tenancy terms, and any other concerns you may have.

Once you find a property you like, you must complete an application with references from previous landlords — the more, the better! You'll also need proof of income and identification via your work visa and photographic ID. If you are yet to receive your first paycheck, a letter from your employer detailing your salary and contract length should suffice. Be prepared for credit and background checks as part of the process.

Top tip: if you have no rental history, you can use character references from an employer or someone of "good standing" unrelated to you.

Signing a tenancy agreement is a legal requirement in New Zealand. It outlines important details such as the agreed rent, the bond, tenancy duration, and rules regarding pets, subletting, and maintenance. Once signed, you'll make your first rent payment in advance, typically 1-2 weeks' rent worth, and a bond of 4 weeks' rent, lodged with Tenancy Services until the end of your tenancy.

There are two types of tenancy agreements:

• Fixed-term agreements: set for a specific period, usually at least six months.
• Periodic agreements: continues until the tenant or landlord gives notice to end it within an agreed amount of notice, usually 63 or 90 days for landlords and 21 days for tenants.

Before moving in, carefully inspect the property, documenting any existing damage with photos. The landlord should provide a condition report to compare the property's condition at the end of the tenancy.

Lastly, understand your rights and responsibilities under New Zealand's Residential Tenancies Act, designed to protect both tenants and landlords.

Buying a house in New Zealand as a foreigner

New Zealand has strict rules on who can and cannot purchase property. Non-residents, including those on temporary work or student visas, generally cannot buy existing residential homes. Exceptions include new-build properties in a large apartment complex or those with Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval. OIO may approve permanent residents, long-term visa holders or investors who can demonstrate significant benefits to New Zealand, such as economic development or job creation.

Before researching the New Zealand property market, work out a budget to determine your home loan (mortgage) affordability. Be prepared for costs like the deposit (usually at least 30% of the property's value for non-residents) and additional taxes or duties. Foreign buyers in New Zealand are subject to a Residential Land Withholding Tax if classified as "offshore persons" who sell a property after a certain amount of time, generally five years. Further costs include Land Information Memorandum (LIM) reports and building inspections to determine the property's condition.

Visit as many homes as possible using popular websites like Trade Me Property and Homes.co.nz, and ask the estate agent detailed questions. Consider suitable local amenities, proximity to work and schools and transport options.

Securing a home loan as a foreigner can be a challenge. Most New Zealand banks require a good credit score and proof of income. Popular banks that work with foreign buyers include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), ASB Bank, and Westpac. Obtaining home loan pre-approval (an in-principal mortgage) is crucial to understand the maximum amount you can borrow and any special conditions that may apply.

Once you decide to make an offer and it's accepted, you'll need a conveyancing lawyer to manage legalities, ensure compliance with foreign ownership rules and more. Hiring building inspectors to assess the property's condition is essential in the wake of New Zealand's leaky building history.

Finally, pay the deposit and complete all necessary legal checks. Your conveyancing lawyer will ensure everything complies with New Zealand's property laws and complete the property transfer on settlement day.

How to open a bank account in New Zealand

To open a bank account in New Zealand, visit local branches and research their offerings online, including customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot. Trusted nationwide banks include ANZ, ASB Bank, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), Kiwibank, and Westpac.

Key features to look out for include fees for international transfers, account maintenance fees, digital banking and multi-currency accounts. Most New Zealand banks offer user-friendly online and mobile banking, which makes managing your account easy.

You can register with a bank online, but you'll likely need to visit a branch in person to activate your account. Required documents typically include ID (such as a passport or New Zealand ID), proof of residency, a visa, and a New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) (tax) number. If you don't have a New Zealand address yet, you may be able to use your overseas address temporarily.

Each bank offers a range of features, so use comparison websites like Money Compare and Money Saver to discover which institution best suits your financial situation.

Here are examples of some common bank accounts in New Zealand:

Everyday/transaction account: for daily use, such as salary deposits and bill payments. They usually come with a debit card, internet banking, and low or zero fees if specific criteria are met, such as a minimum monthly deposit.

Savings account: to help grow your savings, generally with higher interest rates than everyday accounts. Conditions may include limited withdrawals to qualify for higher interest rates and fixed-term savings.

Student account: tailored for students, such accounts often have no fees, no minimum balance requirements, and perks like fee-free overdrafts and low-fee foreign transactions.

Foreign currency account: ideal for those who travel frequently or wish to hold and transact in multiple currencies with reduced fees.

Tailor your CV to fit the relatively laid-back Kiwi attitude by keeping it concise, highlighting relevant skills, and avoiding overly formal language.

How to get a job in New Zealand

Before searching for a job, you must understand your New Zealand visa requirements.

Conditions may include:

• Not being allowed to work,
• A limit on how many hours you can work,
• Being tied to one employer or location,
• Being tied to a specific sector or skill level,
• Limits on starting your own business.

The most common work visas include the Essential Skills Work Visa for skilled foreigners whose roles cannot be filled by natives and the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa for workers with in-demand skills. Ensure your qualifications are recognised in New Zealand, which is especially relevant in healthcare and education.

Focus your search on industries with strong demand. Thriving sectors in New Zealand include healthcare, construction, IT, education, and agriculture, plus growing sectors like renewable energy, film production, and tech start-ups. Job search sites like Seek, Trade Me and Indeed are fantastic resources for current available roles. Consider using a local recruitment agency like Hays or Randstad, which can offer specific insights into your field.

Tailor your CV to fit the relatively laid-back Kiwi attitude by keeping it concise, highlighting relevant skills, and avoiding overly formal language. Include a well-crafted cover letter that shows your understanding of the company and why you believe you're the ideal candidate for the role. Ensure your application reflects New Zealand's way of working: a positive attitude, open communication, teamwork and a healthy work-life balance.

Considering that an estimated 70% of jobs in New Zealand do not appear on job sites, networking is a vital chance to open new doors. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups relevant to your field or participate in community meet-ups.

Be prepared for a competitive job market, especially in highly populated cities like Auckland and Wellington. Be persistent, apply for as many roles as possible, and you'll undoubtedly land a job matching your skills and aspirations in no time!

New Zealand education system

Education in New Zealand is compulsory between six and sixteen, with schooling generally starting at age five. It features a student-centred approach, encouraging critical thinking and personal development. The Ministry of Education (MoE) oversees the education system, including the curriculum, funding and teacher training.

Enrolment is made directly to the school and must happen before your child turns six. Some schools have enrolment zones, prioritising students living within a specific local area. If you live outside the zone, you may need to apply through a ballot system without guarantee of placement.

You'll need to provide documents such as:

• A copy of your child's birth certificate or passport,
• Their immunisation certificate,
• Medical history and their doctor's contact details,
• Relevant legal documents (e.g., custody agreements),
• Contact details for your family and an emergency contact.

Familiarising your child with the school environment helps them adjust. So, arrange meetings with teachers and organise settling-in visits with your child before they start.

Early childhood education (ECE) (ages 0-5): optional but widely attended, with government subsidies available for all children attending six hours or more daily. Services include kindergartens, play centres and kōhanga reo (Māori language). 

Primary education (ages 5-12): teaching children foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, the arts, science and physical education. Core subjects include English, mathematics and statistics, science, social sciences, technology and Learning Languages such as Te Reo Māori.

Secondary education (ages 13-18): offers a broad curriculum with the opportunity to specialise in later years. Students work towards their National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), New Zealand's standard qualification to enter university or the workplace.

Trains play a more limited role, mainly serving commuters in Auckland and Wellington. However, scenic long-distance journeys like the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington and the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth offer unforgettable countryside views. Regular commuter services operate mainly during peak hours, and trains are known for their punctuality and comfort. Several cities have plans for eco-friendly trains, such as Perth's AUD METRONET Railcar Programme, featuring electric trains with a 1,200-passenger capacity.

Ferries are vital, particularly in Wellington and Auckland, because they connect the surrounding islands and coastal suburbs. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries connect the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, providing an essential link for travellers and vehicles.

Cycling is increasingly popular in New Zealand, especially in cities like Wellington, where there are big plans to upgrade infrastructure. E-bikes and standard bicycles can be hired in most towns and cities, providing a flexible and environmentally friendly way to explore.

Domestic flights are available for longer distances between major cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown via airlines such as Air New Zealand and Jetstar.

Fun facts about New Zealand

1. Afraid of snakes? Book your flights now! New Zealand is one of the few places in the world without native snake species, and its strict biosecurity rules make it illegal to bring any into the country.
2. New Zealand might look small compared to its Australian neighbour, but it's surprisingly large. Covering 103,483 square miles, it's 10% bigger than the United Kingdom. Despite its vast size, New Zealand only has around 5 million residents, in stark contrast to the UK's 67 million.
3. Despite the much-loved nickname, the kiwi fruit isn't native to New Zealand. Originally known as the Chinese gooseberry, it was renamed after the kiwi bird in the 1950s by clever marketers who wanted a more local name.
4. New Zealand is home to around 25 million sheep, making it one of the most sheep-populated countries on the planet. With a sheep-to-human ratio of five to one, we'd be hopelessly outnumbered if sheep ever decided to stage an uprising!
5. Baldwin Street in Dunedin holds the Guinness World Record as the steepest street, with a gradient of 34.8%. Visitors challenge themselves to walk or run up the popular tourist attraction. Events like the annual Jaffa race, where people roll thousands of chocolate candies down the hill, add to its quirky charm.
6. Auckland is affectionately known as the City of Sails. With 135,000 boats and yachts per capita, it has the highest number of private ships in the world. Both city harbours are forever dotted with sails, reflecting the local passion for sailing and water sports.
7. The Māori language, once at risk of fading away, has made a powerful comeback. Te Reo Māori is increasingly woven into official signs, government communication, media reporting and education, reflecting a national effort to revitalise the language.
8. Hobbiton, the movie set built for The Lord of the Rings trilogies, has become a significant tourist attraction. It offers visitors a chance to enter Middle-earth's fictional world, complete with hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and pastoral landscapes.
9. The small Kiwi town of Kawakawa is famous for its colourful public toilets designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The restrooms, complete with vibrant mosaics, glass bottles and quirky sculptures, have become one of the most celebrated attractions in New Zealand.
10. In 1989, the small town of Whangamomona, frustrated with local government changes, declared itself a republic. Independence is celebrated every two years with a Republic Day festival, including passport stamps and a line-up of eccentric presidential candidates.

What is the MoveCube®?

You can ship all your household and personal possessions inside our robust moving pod, the MoveCube®. It acts as your own dedicated container, which we'll bring to your door for you to fill with sofas, kitchen appliances, bikes, sporting equipment, musical instruments, boxes, bags and more!

Each MoveCube® order includes a free Starter Pack. Inside, you'll find a marker pen, a box cutter, a roll of parcel tape and a tape dispenser to help secure your stuff. Plus, three plastic floor sheets to estimate what fits inside a Large, Medium or Small MoveCube®.

You can order multiple MoveCubes®; however, they may arrive on separate days. Grab an instant free quote now for a transparent cost breakdown of the entire overseas shipping to New Zealand process.

Another benefit of choosing our overseas removers is that we handle the customs process in New Zealand for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before packing your boxes and moving household items to New Zealand.

• Like all nations, New Zealand has restrictions on specific items to protect its people and environment. Check out our Prohibited Goods page before packing to avoid delays or fines.
• Log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account to complete your online documents and ensure your inventory (a detailed packing list of everything you're shipping) matches precisely what's in the MoveCube(s)®.
• Upload clear, colour scans of the shipment owner's passport picture and signature pages.
• If you're shipping any wood, plantlife or animal by-product and their derivatives, ensure they are not classified as endangered by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

All new immigrants and returning citizens must complete a customs declaration form NZCS 218 to ship unaccompanied household effects into New Zealand. You may qualify for a concession if you meet specific criteria. Otherwise, you'll pay 15% GST on the total value of your items.

Qualifying criteria include:

• You must arrive in New Zealand before your effects,
• You can prove your New Zealand residence (e.g., with a New Zealand passport, a valid residence visa or residence permit, a valid work visa or work permit, or a valid visitor visa),
• You have lived outside New Zealand for at least 21 months before your arrival,
• You have owned and used all the items in your shipment,
• You do not plan to sell, gift, exchange or dispose of your items once in the country.

If you import your belongings five years after your arrival, concessions are at the discretion of New Zealand customs officers.

Our friendly, multilingual customer service team can answer any customs or removal-related questions.

Extra resources to help with your move to New Zealand

...select a town or city that suits your family's needs and consider renting on arrival to acclimatise before making a big purchase like a home.

Moving to New Zealand checklist

Simplify your big move to New Zealand with our handy checklist:

• Ask friends, family and fellow expats for tips: before making such a life-changing decision, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of living in New Zealand.
• Research the best visa and residency options: learn about the various entry methods, the visa application process and which documents you'll need to provide. Then, choose your most likely option for acceptance.
• Do some calculations: work out if you have enough money to support yourself and your family in New Zealand for several months before landing a job and home.
• Choose where to live and decide to rent or buy: select a town or city that suits your family's needs and consider renting on arrival to acclimatise before making a big purchase like a home.
• Organise bank accounts for your bills and savings: open a New Zealand bank account and transfer money from your home country.
• Secure employment: learn about New Zealand's work etiquette, job-searching tips, application insights and employee benefits.
• Organise schooling for your kids: enrol your children in local schools or register them for homeschooling.
• Understand New Zealand's healthcare system: decide whether to use New Zealand's state-run healthcare service, go private, or opt for a mix of both.
• Discover how to get around the country: learn about New Zealand's varied public transport options, flights, taxis and more.
• Delve into New Zealand's unique history and culture: learn all about the country's formation, customs and present-day melting pot of influences.
• Book an international removal company: research the best overseas removals experts to safely ship your household items to your home in New Zealand.