Living in New Zealand: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in New Zealand.
If you dream of moving to a faraway land to discover stunning natural landscapes along with new cultures, why not turn to New Zealand?
Located in the South of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a top destination for expatriation thanks to its economic growth along with numerous professional opportunities. By moving here, you will enjoy a modern and dynamic lifestyle which go side by side with Maori traditions.
Aptly known as Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) to the Māori, New Zealand stretches over 260,000km² with over 15,000km of coastline, the 9th longest coastline in the world.
Even though Auckland is the most populated city, New Zealand's capital is Wellington, located at the bottom of the South Island. This is also where the government is based. Auckland is the largest city with 1.673 million people (almost a third of the population!).
The demography of New Zealand
Over 4.9 million people call New Zealand home, with roughly a quarter of Kiwis born overseas, according to the most recent census. A range of ethnicities calls New Zealand home, including Māori, Pacific Islanders, Europeans and Asians. There are three official languages in the country - English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. English is the most widely spoken, with Maori, Samoan and Hindi being spoken by some communities.
New Zealand economy
New Zealand ranks among the easiest countries in the world to start a business in. It has also been rated the fifth freest economy in the world. Economically, New Zealand has not been immune to the impact of the global pandemic. Still, when compared to many other countries, New Zealand has done relatively well, aided by government support, strong exports, and domestic spending. One of the outcomes of the pandemic has been big labor shortages in New Zealand, meaning this could be a great time to move if your industry is one of those most impacted.
New Zealand is known for its agricultural industries, but tourism and construction have quickly become two main industries. As of 2022, New Zealand's GDP is 375 billion New Zealand dollars.
Politics in New Zealand
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. This means it has a democratically elected House of Representatives who advise the head of the State (Prime minister). The Queen represents New Zealand. However, the Queen's head of state duties are carried out by a representative within New Zealand, called the Governor-General. The Governor-General is appointed by the Prime Minister and is currently Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro.
The House of Representatives (Government) is typically made up of 12 Members of Parliament, or MPs. They are elected every three years by a mixed-member proportional representation voting system. Everyone gets two votes -one for their local MP, the other for their preferred political party. The party wins by getting the highest number of seats in the House of Representatives - the winning local MPs receive those seats, followed by other party members. In 2020, New Zealand's Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, won the election in a landslide victory against the National Party (then led by Judith Collins). Jacinda Ardern resigned in early 2023 and was succeeded by Chris Hipkins as Prime Minister. The next election will take place in October 2023, with Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon of the National Party going head-to-head.
New Zealand's climate
New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means summer is from December to February. Auckland and the upper North Island are closer to the equator, indicating a warmer climate, whereas the Deep South of the South Island is closer to Antarctica and much colder. Temperatures range from 20-30º Celsius, while in winter - from June to September - New Zealand has temperatures ranging from 0-15º Celsius.
Due to the geography of the country, the climate is strongly affected by the sea and mountains. The north is almost sub-tropical. Wellington has a more maritime climate, and the South Island has large temperature ranges and snowfall throughout winter. New Zealand gets more sunshine per year than Europe, but with the ozone hole above the North Island, you will need sun cream all day.
Key facts
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Generalities
Get an overview of living in New Zealand with general information to discover the destination.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to New Zealand.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in New Zealand.
Work
Dive into the New Zealand labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in New Zealand.

Working in New Zealand
Over the years, New Zealand has become a top destination for foreign professionals looking to boost ...

Labor market in New Zealand
New Zealand has a large economy that requires an extensive workforce. This, combined with a ...

Jobs in New Zealand
Discover professional opportunities in New Zealand and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in New Zealand. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in New Zealand
You may not want to jump straight into buying a house or finding a long-term rental when you arrive ...

Accommodation in Dunedin
Dunedin is home to around 130,000 people and is one of the southernmost cities in New Zealand, ...

Accommodation in Hamilton
If you are looking to settle in Auckland, but can't afford the ever-inflating prices, then ...
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in New Zealand.

Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place for further studies, whether you are looking to attend a university, polytechnic or vocational school, learn English, or ...
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in New Zealand: public and private health system, health insurance...

Healthcare in New Zealand
New Zealand's healthcare system is a complicated one, relying on both a public health system ...

Accidents and emergencies in New Zealand
New Zealand has a unique Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) system available to all New ...

Health insurance for expats in New Zealand
Protect your health during your expatriation.
Bank
Navigate the banking system in New Zealand: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in New Zealand.

Paying taxes in New Zealand
No matter how you earn money in New Zealand or what kind of visa you are on, you will need to pay some of your income into the New Zealand tax ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in New Zealand.

Getting around New Zealand
There's no point going all the way to New Zealand and not exploring it as much as possible once you're there. Whether you're in the ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in New Zealand, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand may sound easy, but once you factor in different road rules and the varying terrains and driving conditions, it can be ...
Removal
Moving to New Zealand? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.

Relocating to New Zealand
Different people relocate in different ways. Some sell up everything at home and move with only a ...

Relocating to New Zealand with your pet
If you are moving to New Zealand long-term, you are probably not willing to leave any member of ...

Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to New Zealand.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in New Zealand.
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in New Zealand.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in New Zealand looks like? Here's a taste.

Raising children in New Zealand
New Zealand's relaxed culture, strong healthcare system, and focus on outdoor activities make it an excellent place to raise a family. However, ...
Articles from the magazine
Kimilena in Wellington: "The pace of life is very pleasant"
Kimilena first moved to New Zealand in 1995. After an overseas experience in East Africa and back to the UK, she came back to Wellington in 2013, where she now lives with her husband and children...
Barbara in Wellington: "It is a nice compact city that is easy to get about"
Barbara grew up in Scotland. She lived in Copenhagen with her Swedish husband before settling with him in Wellington, New Zealand, in January 2013...
Debbie in Auckland : "There is a breadth of culture which is world-class"
Debbie was born and and grew up in New Zealand before moving abroad. After spending many years in the Middle-East and in UK, she moved back to Auckland in 2014 with her British husband and children.
Kimberly and Tyler in Tauranga: "Everyone is extremely nice and welcoming here"
Kimberly and Tyler left Southern California for Tauranga three months ago with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). The particularly like the beaches in the area and the proximity with Auckland.
The Migrating Swans
My name is Bianca and I was born in Cape Town, South Africa where I lived until I was 40 years old. I worked in advertising before I had my children and now I am a stay-at-home mom. I am presently living in Auckland, New Zealand with my husband and our three children.
A Swede in New Zealand
I am from Sweden, Stockholm and origin was Nacka in the archipelago of Stockholm. Country now: New Zealand, city Auckland, I live by the sea central of Auckland.
Further than you think
My name is Whitney Cox and I'm a 25-year old American living in Christchurch, New Zealand. I moved around a lot when I was growing up, so there's not really any one place I would say I'm 'from': I'm just a general American.
New-Zealand: Toughening up in the requirements for a work permit
The changes are part of a bigger immigration reform in New Zealand. The requirements for the Talent Work Visa, one of the most sought after ways of settling in New Zealand are toughening up. The changes will come into effect on the 7th of October this year.
