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Moving to New Zealand | Expat Exchange
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Auckland, New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 08, 2023

Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to New Zealand for its stunning natural beauty, its friendly people, and its excellent quality of life. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in New Zealand are Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. People looking for a place to live in New Zealand can search online for rental properties, contact real estate agents, or look for shared accommodation.

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What do I need to know before moving to New Zealand?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to New Zealand, they said:

"Go into town (Warkworth) and just walk the streets. There are 5 or 6 major real estate offices there, and they have hndreds of postings for the entire region. Go to the "Information Centre" (every town has one) and get a good local map. Just drive around and find an area that suits you. If you see a property that is posted by an agent, you can call that number. However, if you aren't afraid to do so, just go up to the door and ask the owners if they are willing to sell directly to you. Then bargain...politely. Everyone saves on that kind of deal...well except the agent doesn't get a fee! Watch out for the direction of and exposure to the wind. And that is true anywhere in New Zealand! The storms off the ocean can be really severe and can last for days. An easy way to see what the wind is doing, is to look at the trees and vegetation in exposed areas or along ridge lines. If everything is leaning over, you can be assured you will be too come May or June," explained one expat living in Warkworth, New Zealand.

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How do I find a place to live in New Zealand?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Found a great real estate lady who listened and then worked really hard to find our home! Chose our home for the views, close to town and is on the peninsula," remarked one expat who made the move to Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.

"We chose to rent a furnished house in a beach-side community (aren't most of them anyway?). We drove around New Zealand for seven weeks and found a spot we liked. We bought a local newspaper and looked at about 10 houses from the rental ads and chose one in Snells Beach. That is 10 kms from Warkworth, which in turn is about one hour north of Auckland," explained one expat living in Warkworth, New Zealand.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in New Zealand?

"We have a 3 bedroom home on about a half acre with mature trees and great views. Most homes have 4 bedrooms, but are smaller and on less land," explained one expat living in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ, New Zealand.

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What is the average cost of housing in New Zealand?

If you are thinking about moving to New Zealand, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"We lived in China before New Zealand, so housing and automobiles are much cheaper, but meat and vegetables are much more expensive," remarked one expat in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ, New Zealand.

"The housing costs are hard to guage against what we were use to in the USA...or elswhere. Kiwi houses are not as well insulated, nor heated as in the USA. Construction standards/techniques are different but the more modern house (less than 15 years old) are as good as anywhere in the world. We live in an exceptionally beautiful area and there is no way we could ever afford to buy a similar house in say California at 5 times the price. An average, well constructed, 3-4 bedroom house in our community costs about US$125,00," said one expat in Warkworth.

"The average cost of housing in New Zealand is generally quite high, with prices varying depending on the location and type of property. Generally, the cost of buying a house in New Zealand is significantly higher than renting, with the median house price in the country currently sitting at around NZ$650,000. Renting is more affordable, with the median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house in New Zealand currently sitting at around NZ$450," remarked one expat who made the move to New Zealand.

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Should I buy or rent a home in New Zealand?

If you have not spent a lot of time in New Zealand, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Whether to buy or rent a home in New Zealand depends on a variety of factors. Buying a home can provide stability and long-term security, while renting can provide more flexibility and freedom. It is important to consider your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals when making this decision. Additionally, it is important to research the local housing market and understand the costs associated with buying or renting a home in New Zealand. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in New Zealand should be based on what best suits your individual needs," said one expat in New Zealand.

What should I pack when moving to New Zealand?

We asked people living in New Zealand to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Should have brought: Spicy food, summer clothes and computer stuff Should have left: DVD's, books and winter jacket," said one expat who made the move to Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in New Zealand?

We asked people in New Zealand if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be aware of the cultural norms in New Zealand and to respect the local customs. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to be respectful of the Maori culture and to avoid making jokes or comments about it. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the environment and to avoid littering or leaving rubbish behind," explained one expat living in New Zealand.

"I have to make myself not use any "slang" from home. It does not work here nor does some of the humor," said one expat in Wellington.

Why do people move to New Zealand?

When we asked people why foreigners move to New Zealand, they responded:

"New Zealand is an attractive destination for expats due to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. The country is known for its friendly people, safe environment, and strong economy. Expats are also drawn to New Zealand's excellent education system, which offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Additionally, New Zealand's low cost of living and high standard of living make it an attractive destination for expats. Finally, New Zealand's proximity to other countries in the Pacific region makes it an ideal place to live and work," stated one expat who made the move to New Zealand.

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How are healthcare services New Zealand?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in New Zealand, they replied:

"Healthcare services in New Zealand are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free or low-cost for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. It includes primary care services such as general practitioners, community health services, and hospital services. The quality of public healthcare in New Zealand is generally high, with a focus on preventative care and access to specialist services. Foreign residents are eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand, however, they may be required to pay a fee for some services. Expats in New Zealand can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Private health insurance is also available for expats in New Zealand, which can provide access to additional services," wrote one expat living in New Zealand.

What are medical services in New Zealand like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in New Zealand, they replied:

"New Zealand has a comprehensive public health system that provides free or low-cost medical services to all citizens and permanent residents. The public health system is funded by the government and is managed by the Ministry of Health. The public health system provides a wide range of services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialist services. Private health care is also available in New Zealand, and many people choose to use private health care providers for additional services or for more specialized care. In addition, New Zealand has a number of health-related charities and organizations that provide support and services to those in need," stated one expat who made the move to New Zealand.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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