Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
Last updated on Apr 13, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in New Zealand include its stunning natural beauty, with its lush green landscapes, rugged mountains, and stunning beaches. It also has a high quality of life, with a strong economy, low crime rate, and excellent healthcare system. Additionally, New Zealand is a very diverse and multicultural country, with a wide range of cultural activities and attractions. The cons of living in New Zealand include its relatively high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and strong winds. Finally, the country is quite isolated, with long distances between cities and towns, making it difficult to travel.
What are the pros and cons of living in New Zealand?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in New Zealand responded:
"Dunedin is a delightful town. The University adds vibrancy and helps create a real sense of place. The mix of people and cultures create a wealth of amenities from cafes to museums, art shows, conferences, keynote speakers, films, music and recreation activities. The city itself is beautiful with rolling hills and stunning beaches. There are sea lions and penguins lurking on the beaches. And it is mostly a dog friendly place. Public transportation could use some improvement as could the roads. Overall it is an incredibly safe and inviting place to live," said one expat in Dunedin.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the natural beauty of New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes, lush forests, and rugged coastlines. They also enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals. The country is also known for its excellent healthcare system and high quality of life. On the downside, the cost of living in New Zealand can be quite high, and the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the country is quite isolated, making it difficult to travel to other countries," remarked one expat in New Zealand.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in New Zealand appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in New Zealand appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and the friendly, welcoming attitude of the locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its mountains, beaches, and forests. The country's diverse culture, with its mix of Maori, European, and Pacific Island influences, is also a draw for many expats. Additionally, New Zealanders are known for their sense of adventure and enthusiasm for outdoor activities, which is something that many expats find appealing," remarked one expat in New Zealand.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in New Zealand often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the laid-back attitude and relaxed pace of life to be a challenge, as it can be difficult to adjust to a slower pace of life. Additionally, the lack of a strong sense of community can be difficult for expats to adjust to, as they may be used to a more close-knit community in their home country. Furthermore, the lack of diversity in New Zealand can be a challenge for expats, as they may be used to a more diverse culture. Finally, the cost of living in New Zealand can be a challenge for expats, as it is often higher than what they are used to," said a person living in New Zealand.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- New Zealand Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in New Zealand
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in New Zealand
- Best Places to Live in New Zealand
- Guide to Real Estate in New Zealand
- Pros & Cons of Living in New Zealand
- Cost of Living in New Zealand
- How to Get a Driver's License in New Zealand
- 15 Best Places to Live in New Zealand
- 10 Best Places to Live on the Coast in New Zealand
- Insider's Guide to the Health System in New Zealand
- Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to New Zealand