Best Places to Live in New Zealand as an Expat [A Beginner’s Guide]

For many expats, moving to New Zealand is like a dream come true. Relocating here can fill a person with excitement and joy. But, if you are new to this country, finding the best place to live in New Zealand that match your interests and requirements is important. Every year, thousands of migrants and expatriates come to New Zealand and successfully live here. Some come for work for up to two years, while others stay here after an incredible vacation with the Kiwis. If you’re curious and want to know some of the best cities in New Zealand that you could call home, keep reading. In this article, we will discuss “What are the Best Places to Live in New Zealand.“

We will help you to know about the different places in New Zealand and what you will get if you choose to live there. Deciding where you want to live in New Zealand can help you plan a successful and comfortable stay. It can also help you get success in your immigration visa application. Keep reading to learn about the best places to live in New Zealand.

Auckland: Biggest City in New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, with over 1.5 million people living in an area the size of Los Angeles. It is the most diverse city in New Zealand and is considered the World’s largest Polynesian city. Auckland has a higher cost of living but also offers the most jobs in various industries. There are three times as many jobs as in Wellington and five times as many as in Christchurch, so many, right? That is why expatriates love Auckland.

People here love Auckland due to its warm, temperate climate, beautiful scenery, and beaches. On weekends, you may visit the beaches or head out on day trips for sailing, surfing, and hiking.

No worries if you are not in the mood for a beach outing. Auckland’s neighborhoods have you covered; they have all the dining, fitness, shopping, and entertainment centers you could want. International artists’ performances and shows are in central Auckland’s theatres or large stadiums. They’ll keep you entertained. You will also get to attend meetups and events for every expatriate group.

Auckland does have a high cost of living with rents and other expenses, but many expatriates find it balances out by finding a good job. 

Auckland’s public transport is also excellent, improving constantly. If you like living downtown, the central Auckland housing and apartments are affordable. 

Also Read: Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night

Consider Living Outside Auckland

Auckland is a beautiful option for expats moving abroad to New Zealand. To benefit all expats and migrants, an immigration visa rewards those who have jobs or work outside Auckland. It is easier to meet your visa requirements if you have a job offer outside Auckland. However, as mentioned, Auckland is a large metropolitan city and a desired destination for many expats.    

Wellington: Cool Capital of New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Windswept Wellington is a mid-sized city on the hills around the Wellington Harbor. The hillside homes and beautiful views remind many visitors of San Francisco. However, if we talk about the cost of living, Wellington is much more affordable than other cities in New Zealand, like Auckland. Its creative scene is famous all thanks to Peter Jackson, the founder of Wētā FX’s film empire. Many jobs in different industries are available here, and Wellington welcomes expatriates and migrants. That’s why Wellington is one of New Zealand’s favorite cities for expats and migrants.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Like most other countries’ capital, government branches and agencies hold nearly 20% of Wellington’s jobs. Many of these agencies accept job applications of qualified migrants and expats and help them sponsor their work-related visas.

Downtown Wellington has many bookstores, record stores, bars, dining, and New Zealand design boutiques. The city is based in Wellington’s Miramar suburb, although the city’s active film and theatre scene has many links to Wētā FX’s film empire.

Also Read: Exploring The Vibrant Diversity of New Zealand Cities

Christchurch: The Largest City of the South Island, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is the biggest city on New Zealand’s South Island. It is the center of the South Island and centered around Hagley Park, filled with trees and the Avon River. It has always been popular among expats and migrants, especially those from the United Kingdom, Japan, and Europe. Christchurch offers a lower cost of living to most of the people. Expatriates can fund work here in the fields of software, hospitality, and medicine. 

Christchurch was rebuilt and improved after a severe earthquake hit it in 2011. Many families and expats choose Christchurch because of its well-priced and well-built housing. Many people here prefer to go to work or school by bike, thanks to Christchurch’s 60km of cycleways.

Christchurch stands out for attracting many international performers. Also, the music scene includes the World Buskers Festival, which is very popular and is going strong. Christchurch cuisines make the most out of New Zealand’s flavors. Especially if we talk about beef, lamb, and fruit from nearby Otago.

All the activities of the South Island are easily accessible for the families & expats living in Christchurch. These activities include hiking, skiing, and visiting vineyards and craft breweries.

Hamilton: The Future’s starting

Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton is a city in New Zealand’s North Island. It used to be a quiet, small town and a regional hub. Expats and families moved to Hamilton for its services. The main attraction of Hamilton is the world-famous Hamilton Park. It makes the most of Hamilton’s warm environment and mild climate. In the nineties, “The City of the Future” was the motto Hamilton had chosen. In response, locals gave a short nickname to the city, “Hamilton,” to “The Tron.”

Today, the motto that was chosen back then is becoming true. Hamilton is one of the favorite places for expats and migrants due to many reasons. Houses, flats, and rents in Hamilton are almost 20% to 25% cheaper than in Auckland. Businesses relocate to Hamilton and its Waikato region because their employees want to live in Hamilton.

The New rail services connect Hamilton City and Auckland, only an hour and a half from the Auckland International Airport. If you want to stay in New Zealand and have affordable living, give “The Tron” a chance.

Also Read: How to Make Incredible Family Memories Traveling Abroad

New Plymouth: Affordable and Quite City of New Zealand

New Plymouth, New Zealand

New Plymouth is a smaller, quieter city in New Zealand and could be ideal for expats and families looking for a steady daily routine. It is the main city on the North Island in the Taranaki region. Expats and migrants generally get jobs here in teaching, oil & gas engineering, or food technology. Those who move to New Plymouth enjoy an affordable lifestyle and a beautiful place to live. The housing prices are within budget, though rentals might be hard to find here.

The region is actively involved in the local music and comedy scene. They also have many outdoor events, activities, and festivals. People love to visit the beautiful parks and playgrounds. They also have easy access to the local beaches. New Plymouth’s beaches are a hub for great surfing spots and schools if you don’t know “How to surf.” To experience the classic New Zealand life, you must try New Plymouth!

Also Read: Best Beaches in Southern California

Smaller Regional Centers for Families in New Zealand

Mount Cook New Zealand

The Smaller regional centers may be the best cities for families to live in New Zealand. These smaller regional centers generally offer jobs in the field of teaching or medicine at one of the hospitals in New Zealand. People who love outings enjoy living in these areas because of the beautiful views. Families can do quite well in this region by sending their children to local schools and attending local activities to make some friends and enjoy New Zealand’s culture.

Remember, New Zealand’s regional towns do not have international airports. So if you want to fly abroad, you must travel to Auckland or Christchurch. That can be costly as driving also may take 3 to 6 hours. So, think before moving to regional cities in New Zealand to see whether they match you. 

Dunedin: New Zealand’s Southern Edinburgh

Dunedin – City in the South Island, New Zealand

Dunedin is located on New Zealand’s South Island and is a popular choice for families and professionals. Settled on hills by Blue Harbor, the city enjoys four clear seasons. The University of Otago adds energy to the area by bringing events, opportunities, and students from all around New Zealand. Dunedin’s Edwardian villas and affordable living costs attract the local people, expats, and migrants here.

Also Read: 8 Of the Best Hikes in New Zealand

New Zealand on a Budget: How to Make it Work

New Zealand Map

For expats, those who are on a budget, the best place to live in New Zealand has to be one with an affordable cost of living. More places to live with a reasonable cost of living are on the North Island. The towns of Taupō & Rotorua and the region called Northland. These places are significant for expats with early retirement, generally who want to live the rest of their lives affordably and host their family and friends. Taupō and Rotorua are well-known towns to visitors. In the early 2020s, both towns had a lot of new homes built.

Northland is also known as “the Winterless North.” It is the warmest part of New Zealand that offers farms, beaches, forestry land, and national parks. People who love to work in gardens or those who want to relax love the climate of this place. Whangārei, the famous city of the Northland, is often referred to as the city with 100 beaches. It has an entire history and is the home to the largest native forest in the Northland, Waopoua Forest.

Also Read: Fun Places to Travel with Friends

The Luxurious Lifestyle in New Zealand

Piha beach in Auckland,New Zealand

For expats with no budget issues, three regions offer some of the best Luxurious Lifestyles in New Zealand. The Hawke’s Bay region is on the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a vineyard district that offers dining and cultural events to the people there. Hastings and Napier are the main towns in the Hawke’s Bay region.

Queenstown is a town on South Island, New Zealand, with a dramatic lake setting, making it a global destination. Recent development, infrastructure, and quality facilities that this place offers give most visitors a North American feel. At the top of the South Island, Nelson attracts those who love coastal living with its golden beaches and charming towns. The Nelson area is just a few hours from Wellington City and can be reached via the inter-island ferry.  

Conclusion: Best Place to Live in New Zealand

In conclusion, finding the best place to live in New Zealand for an Expat or family involves more than just a place marking on a map. To truly find the right place for you, it is important to visit the area first and then decide. We recommend you rent a home or apartment for the first three to six months, as it allows you to experience the neighborhood and lifestyle. It also allows you to assess whether the place meets your needs or preferences or not. By taking these steps, you can ensure that the place you are moving to in New Zealand is a place where you can feel comfortable and happy. A place you can call home. So with this we will end this blog and as always Travel Till You Drop!