Moving to New Zealand: A Definitive Guide
New Zealand, an island country, is on the list of most safest places to live in. This country is known for its low crime rate, reliable police force and the amazing healthcare system. New Zealand provides a safe living space for all of its residents.
Moving to New Zealand from the US will not be a very hard process. All you need to do is to have a good reason for moving to New Zealand from the United States and to meet all requirements. The living costs in New Zealand are a lot higher than you might expect. So if you are moving to New Zealand you should think about your budget.
Getting a job in New Zealand is easy, as many companies need employees. You can find a job in different industries like arts and media, tourism, farming, fishing, construction, business, IT, education, health, and more. If you want to work, then you can look for a job once you move there.
Why Move to New Zealand?
There are many reasons why you should consider moving to New Zealand. This island country will offer you many opportunities whether it is for work or education.
- The lifestyle of people in New Zealand is unique. During the weekends, many people enjoy going on a hike or on a beach trip, enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
- The environment is another reason to move to New Zealand. This country’s beautiful landscapes are one of a kind perfection, so just sit down and enjoy the view.
- This country is very safe, which is one of the main reasons why people choose to live there. It has a very low crime rate. People that live there also respect people from other religions, so it is very safe for people from other religions. New Zealand is also considered to be one of the least corrupt countries.
- The job opportunities are also another reason. There are many good jobs in New Zealand.
- In terms of health, New Zealand also provides free healthcare. Also the care that hospitals provide for its patients is amazing.
Moving to New Zealand From the U.S.A
If you’re an American moving to New Zealand then you’ll be surprised how different your life will be once you move there. You’ll be also surprised to know that the costs of living are lower than those in the U.S.A.
If you’re planning to move to this country then you might want to learn about the benefits and costs that you will need to pay when moving. You also need to know which popular areas to visit and explore.
Benefits of Moving to New Zealand
There are many benefits to moving to New Zealand from the USA.
- New Zealand has a very peaceful atmosphere. People are very relaxed and friendly. The moment you arrive, you’ll experience a different atmosphere. Even the air is of high quality.
- If you like swimming, fiving, or even sight – seeing, then New Zealand would be perfect for you. New Zealand has many outdoor activities. You can experience all kinds of things and do many activities.
- New Zealand has beautiful scenery. New Zealand has lots of mountains, trees, lakes, volcanoes and more. If you’re a fan of the famous movie “Lord of the Rings”, then you might already know that it was filmed in New Zealand. It captured the true beauty of New Zealand.
- If you are planning to live in New Zealand, then you need to enroll in the public healthcare system. If you have a work visa, you will be able to receive free – to – low healthcare.
- The education system in New Zealand is also on the list of the benefits. The education system in New Zealand allows children to enroll for early childhood to the secondary school level. Most subjects are taught in English, which will be easier for students that moved from America.
Best Places to Live in
There are many good places to live in New Zealand. The top picks include cities like Queenstown, Napier and Rotorua.
Queenstown
Queenstown, also known as the “Adventure Capital” of the world, has many exciting activities for people. During the winter vacations you can go skiing and later you can enjoy the mountain view. If you like wine, or you are an expert in wine tasting or winemaking, then it will be a perfect choice for you.
Napier
Napier is known as a cheap city in which to live. It has many free tour centers, which you might need when exploring the city. Napier is the perfect choice for people who want to stay close to the city center. In this city, you can relax by driving around to many exciting places, especially during the summer.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a historical city. Its name means “second lake” in Maori, as the city has the most lakes in New Zealand. It is the perfect choice for people who want to spend their weekend fishing or camping.
Popular Areas in New Zealand
There are many attractions and popular places to visit in New Zealand. Some of the most popular areas that you can visit in New Zealand are:
Bay of Islands
If you like fishing, surfing, scuba diving, or some other water sport, the Bay of Islands should be a place to visit. You can go by car, which should take you around three hours. You can enjoy the beauty of many islands. You can explore underwater and see some animals.
Milford Sound
In Milford Sound you can do lots of activities like rising cliffs to the mountains and waterfalls. The landscape here is very unique and pretty, and remains the same every year. It is a perfect choice for people that love nature.
Auckland
In Auckland you will be able to explore the beautiful metropolis before visiting other places. It would be a perfect choice for people that like museums and participating in adventure activities.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is known for its wine and delicious meals. This small island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, so you will need a boat to get there. It’s the best choice for people who love wine, art, and nature.
Christchurch
In Christchurch you can experience the beautiful botanic gardens. These gardens have the largest, tallest and oldest trees in the entire country.
Steps Before Moving to New Zealand
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand then there are some things that you will need.
- You’ll need a visa. If you’re planning to move and work in New Zealand, then you need to get a work visa. In many cases, however, you’ll need to secure a job before arriving.
- Find a job is also very important before moving. Thankfully, New Zealand has a high demand for employees in different sectors, such as registered nurses, teachers, IT professionals, electricians, and many more.
- Travel by plane is the common option. You’ll have to check if your passport is valid for the whole stay, and then obtain a visa based on the reason why you are moving. Then book a flight. Usually, you can book your flight to an airport such as Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
- Get a place to stay upon your arrival.
- Plan your move and check some international moving companies before booking them.
Must Do’s Upon Your Arrival
There are also some things to consider after arriving in New Zealand. These are especially important, as they will become a crucial part of your life there.
- Getting to know your neighborhood, local stores, close pharmacies, and emergency phone numbers.
- Notifying your employer and getting guidance on the next steps.
- Opening a local bank account.
- Checking the requirements for a driver’s license in New Zealand.
- Applying for a Kiwi Access Cars and getting an IRD number.
- Learn about the public health care system and explore private health insurance options.
- Setting up your cell phone.
Pros of Moving to New Zealand
- New Zealand has a lot of natural beauty. Both the South and the North islands have very pretty and unique scenery. There is a rainforest, mountains, icy glaciers, and other things that you will see in New Zealand.
- New Zealand is very safe, making it a good reason for moving there. Unlike other countries, one of the pros that New Zealand has is safety. The country has low crime rates and high religious tolerance. On the list for least corrupt places worldwide, it is tied with Denmark for first place.
- The roads are clean and safe. There is zero policy for guns, and generally, it is very safe to live a good life and potentially raise children.
- The food is delicious too. New Zealand has some British influence when it comes to the cuisine. New Zealand also has a very strong influence from the South Pacific Islands, which means you can find seafood, oysters and scallops on most menus.
- Free healthcare is also one of the pros. Unlike other countries, permanent residents can receive the same treatment as citizens. These include the right to vote, to travel freely, to education, and to free healthcare.
- Very friendly and easy going people. One of the pros is the ability to adapt into the relaxed lifestyle and people in New Zealand embrace.
- It is considered easy to get a work visa. If’re younger than 30 and want to live and work in New Zealand, then getting a visa might be easier.
- The country has excellent wines and local dishes.
- New Zealand is the best for outdoor activities. People who like being active can move to New Zealand and start enjoying their lives.
- The country has a great work-life balance.
- Opening a bank account is not a problem. It is a very simple process.
Cons of Moving to New Zealand
- One of the cons is that summer days can be very hot. Summer days are full of sunshine, and because the country is located under a hole in the ozone, people can easily get sunburnt. It is also possible to get skin cancer from all the sum.
- During winter the days are very dark and gray. Many of the houses, especially older houses are not built with insulation, meaning the days are very cold, but the nights are even colder.
- New Zealand is disconnected from the rest of the world. If you live on this far secluded island then your limits of seeing the rest of the world are very low.
- If you want to travel anywhere, you will have to pay a lot of money.
- Even though healthcare is free, dental care is very expensive. If you’re an adult, dental care will be very expensive for you.
- Living costs in general are high. As many goods are imported, such as food, electronics and clothes, prices can be very high.
- This country can experience earthquakes.
- Even though New Zealanders can be friendly and warm, most of the time, they will stick to themselves.
- Natural disasters are very common.
- Public transportation in New Zealand is non-existent, but when there is public transportation, it is not really great.
- Housing is not great. Many older homes are not in good condition as either they lack insulation or heating.
Interesting Facts About New Zealand
There are many interesting facts about New Zealand. You might be familiar with some of them, while for others you will be hearing them for the first time.
- New Zealand is a home to Maori culture, and it plays a very important role in the identity of the country.
- New Zealand is a country that has no snakes.
- The country is known for the stunning landscapes, which can be seen in “Lord of the Rings”.
- The longest single-word place name is located in New Zealand, and it’s hard to pronounce.
- New Zealand is known to have more Scottish pipe bands than Scotland.
- Auckland is the home to the largest number of boats.
- Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand is the first person to climb Everest.
- New Zealand has a lot of different penguin species.
- The Wiki bird is New Zealand’s most famous animal.
- For those who love golf, New Zealand is rich with golf courts.
- There are many volcanoes in New Zealand.
- There are more sheep than people.
- The beaches are very close.
- In New Zealand, you can actually pay with hobbit money.
- In this country, there are three official languages, not just one.
Legends and Myths
There are many legends and myths about the Maori people that live in New Zealand. To arrive in New Zealand, the Maori people had to travel by canoes for a very long time. Their trip later became known as the “Great Fleet”. Today, most of the Maori people live in the North side of New Zealand. Many tourists visit the areas to experience the culture, history and food.
Some of the most popular legends and myths include:
- The myth for the first Maori woman, Hineahuone. This myth is similar to the story of Adam and Eve. In order to create land and sky, the god Tane Mahute destroyed the father of the sky and the mother of the earth. Then, Tane Mahute and his brothers made the world we live in today. Later, Tane Mahute asked the other gods for permission to bring a woman to earth. This woman became the first Maori woman on earth and was named Hineahuone.
- Taniwha are mythological supernatural creatures. They lived in oceans, rivers, lakes and caves. It is believed that they were first born as sharks. One day it was reported that a chief caught a creature that he kept as a pet. With time, the creature developed scaly skin and webbed feet. It had the head of a bird and wings, and today it is known to look like a reptile.
Conclusion
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful island countries that people choose to move to. With its amazing food, wine, and architecture, New Zealand surely attracts lots of people. Not only does it have many beautiful places to visit, but it also has many activities to do.
As an American moving to New Zealand, then getting a work visa will not be a problem. Before moving, all you need is to get a job and a home to live in. The living costs in New Zealand are not cheap, but they are cheaper than in the U.S.A. Unlike in the US.A., healthcare in New Zealand can be free. Overall, New Zealand is a very safe country to move to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens move to New Zealand?
Yes. If you are considered among the US citizens, you can move to New Zealand. However, remember that you still need to be prepared for the immigration process. You can visit New Zealand without a visa up to three months as a US citizen. But if when the plans are to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a specific visa and get permanent residency.
When your intention for moving to New Zealand is to work, you can apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa or Essential Skills Work Visa. These two visa types are aimed for those with skills in demand in New Zealand’s job market.
As an entrepreneur, you can also plan to start your own business in New Zealand by showing a strong business plan and sufficient funds for your own business idea.
How much money do I need to move to NZ?
It depends. If you have a family, for example, the cost of living in New Zealand can be higher. It might be based on your lifestyle, location and family size. However, there is a general fact that New Zealand is considered as an expensive country compared to many European countries when we look at the factors like housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and education. Moving to a new country may change your expectations for budget planning as well. Moreover, New Zealand might be seen as an isolated country so you may consider this for your finances planning.
