The total cost to move from the UK to New Zealand in 2026 is between £10,000 – £20,000+ depending on your circumstances.
When planning a move from the UK to New Zealand it’s essential to consider the financial aspects to ensure a smooth transition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the various costs involved in relocating to New Zealand, providing you with valuable insights to make informed decisions.
From visa fees and travel expenses and moving costs to living costs and healthcare, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a realistic budget.
Breakdown of the costs of moving to New Zealand
Visa and Document Costs
- Skills Assessment: A skills assessment (IQA) is often required for visa applications to ensure your qualifications meet the required standards in New Zealand. This costs NZ$445 (£191) for a Standard IQA or NZ$610 for the Skill Shortage List IQA.
- Authentication Fees: Copies of documents may need to be certified by a solicitor or notary public. Expect to pay NZ$70 – NZ$175 (£30 – £70) per document.
- Mandatory Medical Check: New Zealand requires an acceptable standard of health criteria. A health examination is required as part of the visa application process. The cost can vary but typically averages around NZ$700 – NZ$930 (£300 – £400). For more information see the New Zealand government portal for Standard of Health criteria.
- Police Certificate: Before a visa can be issued, the New Zealand government will check if you have a criminal record. They do this by way of a police certificate which is issued in your home country. Moving from the UK to New Zealand you can apply for this in the UK. The cost for this is NZ$150 (£65) for the standard service (up to 10 working days) or NZ$267 (£115) for the fast-track option. You can apply for a UK police certificate through the Criminal Records Office.
- Visa Application Fee: New Zealand offers a wide range of visa opportunities that will allow you to live and work in New Zealand, these include: Care to Workforce Visa, Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa and working holiday Visas. If you are moving to New Zealand permanently the visa application fee is NZ$2,880 (£1,240) plus a NZ$3,570 (£1,535) immigration levy, so around NZ$6,450 (£2,775) in total.
- Visa Assistance: Hiring a migration agent can help streamline the otherwise daunting visa application process but expect to pay an average of NZ$6,000 (£2,580).
Travel and Relocation Costs
- Flights from the UK to New Zealand: Airfares can vary significantly based on season and airline. Budget around NZ$1,400 (£600) for an off-peak one-way ticket, more in peak season.
- Removals to New Zealand: This is the big-ticket item. The cost of moving your personal belongings from the UK to New Zealand will depend on the volume/size of your move and the destination in New Zealand. Below are the average costs involved for removals to New Zealand from the UK. Note that prices will vary depending on additional services like packing and removals insurance. Always check these costs with your mover.
| Household Size | Transit Time | Cost |
| Small Move | 7 – 10 weeks | £791 to £928 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 7 – 10 weeks | £1580 to £1990 |
| 2-bedroom house | 7 – 10 weeks | £1950 to £2650 |
| 3-bedroom house | 7 – 10 weeks | £4190 to £4800 |
| 4-bedroom house | 7 – 10 weeks | £6020 to £6900 |
| 5-bedroom house | 7 – 10 weeks | £7200 to £8900 |
- Rental Deposits & Advance Rent: Typically, you’ll need to pay a deposit and advance rent for your new accommodation. The legal caps are 4 weeks deposit and 2 weeks rent in advance, so for a property costing the national weekly average of NZ$650 (£280) per week, budget around NZ$3,900 (£1,680).
- Health Insurance: New Zealand has an excellent public health system and if you have a valid visa that entitles you to remain in New Zealand for 2 years or more then you will be eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. This is free.
- Shipping Your Car: Shipping your car to New Zealand will cost around NZ$3,200 (£1,369). Check the rules and regulations with a company like Autoshippers before you move.
- Shipping your Pet: Pet shipping costs can vary depending on the type of pet and quarantine requirements, but expect to between NZ$4,650 – NZ$11,000 (£2,000 – £5,000).
Average Salaries in New Zealand
Pay in New Zealand is best understood through two national figures. The median salary, the midpoint where half of workers earn more and half earn less, was NZ$69,836 (around £30,700) in the year to June 2025, according to Stats NZ. The average, or mean, was higher at about NZ$81,484 (around £35,850), pulled up by top earners in sectors such as IT, finance and specialist healthcare. Both figures combine full-time and part-time workers, so a full-time skilled salary will usually sit above the median.
If you are moving on a skilled work visa, the more useful benchmark is the immigration median wage, which Immigration New Zealand set at NZ$35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026. That works out to roughly NZ$72,800 a year (around £32,000) based on a 40-hour week, and many skilled visa categories require a job paying at or above this rate.
Salaries also vary by region. Auckland and Wellington tend to pay the most, reflecting their concentration of corporate, government and technology roles, while many provincial areas pay roughly 15 to 20 per cent less for equivalent work. Higher pay in the main centres is usually offset by higher rents, so it is worth weighing salary against local housing costs rather than looking at headline pay alone.
Salary figures are approximate and converted at around NZ$1 = £0.44 (June 2026).
Final Thoughts
While the initial costs of relocating to New Zealand can be substantial, the long-term benefits often make it a worthwhile investment. Known for its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and strong economy, New Zealand offers a myriad of opportunities for those seeking a fresh start.
The migration process involves various expenses, including visa fees, travel costs, and relocation expenses. However, with careful planning and budgeting, these upfront costs can be managed. The potential rewards, such as a higher standard of living, access to world-class education and healthcare, and a vibrant community, often outweigh the initial financial outlay.
For those who dream of living in New Zealand, the journey may require sacrifices, but the long-term benefits can be significant. With the right preparation and mindset, the cost of moving to New Zealand can be a worthwhile investment in your future.
Moving to New Zealand – We Can Help
When you have finally committed to make that move from the UK to New Zealand don’t hesitate to contact us. We are specialists in household removals and offer the complete shipping service from packing, shipment protection cover, and door-to-door delivery. Click here for more information on our UK to New Zealand Removals Services or find out more about shipping furniture and personal belongings to New Zealand.