New Zealand is amongst the top destinations for UK expats, with around 30,000 estimated to be living there at present. A shared language, similar culture and stunning scenery, New Zealand has lots on offer.
From how to book your removals to New Zealand, to education and healthcare, this guide will cover all you need to know about moving to New Zealand from the UK in 2024.
Table of Contents
New Zealand Visa Options
Find out the best visa option for your move to New Zealand.
Permanent Residence Visa
To become a permanent resident in New Zealand, you’ll have to first have a New Zealand residence visa before you can apply for a permanent residence visa. You also must live in the country for at least 2 years. To then gain New Zealand citizenship, you will have to live in the country for at least 5 years and meet the requirements.
Working Visas
If you are moving to New Zealand to work, there are various options available to you. Each Visa has its own conditions and some are temporary, some are permanent. Generally, a permanent Visa isn’t issued to anyone who resides outside of New Zealand, so it is likely you will need to begin with a temporary Visa.
One option is a United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa. This is available for UK residents from the ages of 18-30 who would like to work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. This is an individual Visa so you cannot take children, and if you have a partner who also wishes to travel they will need their own Visa.
Another working Visa option is an Essential Skills Work Visa which allows a 3 year stay for someone who has a full time job offer. Your potential employer may need to attempt to recruit suitable New Zealanders who are looking for work before the Visa is approved.
Other working Visa options are a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa or Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa. These are only a few of the options available, for a full list then check out the New Zealand Immigration guide on Work Visas.
Family Visas
If your partner is a New Zealand resident, you can apply to become a New Zealand resident as well with your partner’s support in the application.
There is also the opportunity to gain a Work Visa if your partner is a New Zealand resident, or to join them on a temporary basis for up to 2 years. If you have an adult child who is a New Zealand resident you can apply for a Parent Retirement Resident Visa, but you must have an annual income of NZ$60,000 (£30,000) or more and a further NZ$1 million or more to invest for 4 years.
Children of New Zealand citizens or residents aged 19 and under are able to apply for a Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa for a length of up to 9 months. This enables you to send your children to school in New Zealand for up to 3 months. For more than 3 months a student Visa is required.
Student Visas
To study full-time in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa. You’ll need to enrol in a course with an “approved education provider” and pay your costs. This allows you to study for up to 4 years, and work part-time for up to 20 hours a week.
Work and Salaries in New Zealand
The average monthly salary in New Zealand is $5,112.97 (£2,351.21). This is 2.6% lower than in the UK.
New Zealand has a booming housing market, and construction jobs are always on offer. Usually with no experience required, high wages and an immediate start you could find yourself a well-paid construction job in no time at all.
Below is a guide of average salaries in New Zealand and the UK for some key employment markets.
| Job | Salary in New Zealand | Salary in the UK |
| Construction Project Manager | $133,948 (£66,974) | £50,056 |
| Accountant | $91,792 (£45,896) | £36,768 |
| Administrative Assistant | $50,715 (£25,357.50) | £22,386 |
| Architect | $140,697 (£70,348.50) | £45,796 |
| Chef | $54,600 (£27,300) | £29,600 |
| Civil Engineer | $97,500 (£48,750) | £40,266 |
| Dentist | $180,000 (£90,000) | £76,687 |
| HR Manager | $122,761 (£61,380.50) | £42,909 |
| IT Manager | $122,825 (£61,412.50) | £46,311 |
| Nurse | $71,878 (£35,939) | £36,549 |
Individuals pay Income Tax in New Zealand, which is known at Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) like in the UK. The rates vary from 10.5% to 33% depending on how much you earn. Businesses pay corporation tax at a flat rate of 28%. As well as Income Tax, there is also a tax on goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax, or GST, similar to VAT.
In New Zealand there is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no local or regional taxes to pay. Plus, if you have moved to New Zealand, you may not have to pay tax on your overseas income for the first 4 years as a resident.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
As with most other countries, when moving to New Zealand you will find that the cost of living varies depending on the city or area you are planning to relocate to. The overall cost of living is 6% cheaper than in the UK. Grocery prices are 20% higher in New Zealand, but property prices are lower.
Below we compare the cost of living in the UK with New Zealand.
| Item | New Zealand | UK |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | $1,844.74 (£848.31) | £1,062.88 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre | $9,790.29 (£4,502.09) | £5,004.01 |
| Monthly salary after tax | $5,112.97 (£2,351.21) | £2,398.78 |
| 3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant | $120 (£55,18) | £60 |
| 1 litre of milk | $3 (£1.38) | £1.24 |
| 1kg chicken fillets | $15.87 ($7.30) | £6.57 |
| Monthly travel pass | $191.22 (£87.94) | £70 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | $228.75 (£105.19) | £248.30 |
| Monthly gym membership | $62.79 (28.87) | £32.66 |
| Monthly private preschool | $1,244.45 (£572.26) | £1,265.43 |
Property Prices in New Zealand
Rent prices in New Zealand are 19.3% lower than in the UK and buying prices are 10% more affordable too. Low interest rates, high demand and low supply meant that house prices increased in New Zealand during the last 12 months. Below we look at a property price comparison between New Zealand and the UK.
| Item | New Zealand | UK |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | $1,844.74 (£848.31) | £1,062.88 |
| Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre | $1,530.39 (£703.75) | £859.29 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre | $9,790.29 (£4,502.09) | £5,004.01 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre | $8,236.65 (£3,787.64) | £3,769.14 |
Where To Live In New Zealand
Where to live in New Zealand will depend on your budget and requirements. We’ve looked at some of the most popular places to live in New Zealand to help with your research.
1. Auckland
Situated in the north of the North Island, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand by population. The climate is classified as subtropical which means that Auckland has warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters. Auckland has the highest house prices for buying or renting in New Zealand, but the competitive salaries that are on offer due to it being an economic hub can make up for the high cost of living.
Due to the cosmopolitan nature of Auckland, there are diverse food options available when eating out. You’re never too far from the sea when in Auckland, and due to the warm climate the water is ideal for swimming, scuba diving and surfing.
2. Wellington
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand is situated on the North Island. Although it is the capital, it is the third-largest city in New Zealand by population, behind Auckland and Christchurch.
The climate in Wellington is generally moderate all year round. The summers are warm and the winters are mild. Wellington is known to have a café culture, and the restaurants have diverse options as well as those that have a New Zealand style.
Comparative to other parts of New Zealand, the house prices in Wellington are high and are increasing. It has a good mix of a gentle pace of life, dramatic scenery and a vibrant lifestyle. There are over 100 parks and playgrounds in Wellington if you need to escape the city.
3. Napier
Situated in the North Island, Napier is known for its Mediterranean climate and beachside location. After a large earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1931, it was rebuilt in the style of times and is often referred to as looking like a 1930’s film set. For this reason it is famous as the location of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world.
Due to the Mediterranean climate, Napier is also famous as a producer of local wines, particularly Pinot Gris and Syrah. Adding to the Mediterranean feel are the cafes and restaurants. Because of its coastal location, for beachside property you will be paying a lot more when renting or buying than other areas of New Zealand.
4. Queenstown
On the southwest region of the South Island, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is Queenstown. Although having warm summers, the winters can be colder due to the altitude and high mountain surroundings. There can be snow in the winter, especially in the nearby mountainous areas where skiing and other winter sports are found.
Living costs in Queenstown are lower than Auckland for groceries, eating out and utilities, but for housing, the costs can be over 20% more. A large proportion of the employment opportunities in Queenstown are connected with the tourist and hospitality sectors which have a high turnover, meaning that jobs are available all year round.
Education in New Zealand
New Zealand is ranked 27th in the world for education, according to World Population View. In comparison, the UK is 2nd. The main difference between education in New Zealand compared to the UK is the average class sizes. Years 7 to 10 in New Zealand mostly have 16 students per teacher, this is much lower than the average class sizes in the UK.
State schools, or public schools, are funded by the government and have 75% of the country’s students attending. State integrated schools are former private schools that have integrated into the state education system, whilst retaining their special character (e.g. religious belief). These are also funded by the government but may charge a fee as well.
5% of New Zealand students attend private schools. They are not government funded and tuition fees are required, typically costing around NZ$20,000 per year. The most expensive schools include Saint Kentigern College and Chilton Saint James School, which both not only perform well in academic performance but also with sports and cultural competitions across the country.
If you are moving to New Zealand to study at university level, there are Visas that you can apply for. University education in New Zealand is very similar to the UK, although the tuition cost can be much lower. There are 8 universities in New Zealand, and all of them are in the top 3% in the world, according to QS World Universities ranking. The highest-ranking is The University of Auckland at number 85.
Healthcare in New Zealand
New Zealand ranks 21st in the best healthcare in the world index. In New Zealand, public healthcare is free, or low cost, if you have a work visa or are a citizen or resident. Non-residents can use the healthcare system but at a cost. There may also be a charge if you need an ambulance, whether you are a resident or not, unless you subscribe to the St John Ambulance Supporter Scheme or are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
The Accident Compensation Corporation is the compulsory government scheme in New Zealand which provides financial compensation to those that have suffered personal injuries. This can be either work or non-work related. As well as for treatment, there are other entitlements such as loss of earning compensation or the cost of home modifications required after injury, that are covered by the ACC.
The ACC is funded through a 1.21% income tax by employees, employers/self-employed people’s tax and some levies from motor vehicle taxes (petrol and license fees). As well as publicly funded healthcare, there are providers in New Zealand who offer private health insurance, much in the same way as they do in the UK.
New Zealand’s Maori Culture
The Maori people are the indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand, and the Maori culture is a big part of the identity of New Zealand. 1 in 7 of the population of New Zealand identify as Maori, and their history and traditions are intrinsically linked with the culture of present day New Zealand.
The language of the Maori people is known as Te Reo Maori, and it is an official language of New Zealand. Many of the official place names in New Zealand are Maori, and there are many words and phrases, such as kia ora (a greeting wishing good health) that are used across the country.
The Maori concepts of Manaakitanga and Kaitiakitanga are important in the daily life of New Zealanders and go a long way towards the attitudes of New Zealanders in respect of hospitality to guests and care of the environment.
Maori people and their culture are evident in the art, language and even sport across the whole of New Zealand, evidence of this is the haka that the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Union team perform before every match.
Government in New Zealand
New Zealand has a representative democracy and the current prime minister is Christopher Luxon, leader of the New Zealand National Party.
The MMP voting system that New Zealand has involves voters getting two votes. They vote for their preferred representative for their constituency and one for their preferred political party. This has been in place since 1996. There are also a number of seats in parliament reserved exclusively for the Maori.
Parliamentary elections are held every 3 years, and since 1950 they have been held on a Saturday. Since 2005 elections have been held on the second-last Saturday of September.
Driving in New Zealand
If you are planning to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you will need to get yourself a New Zealand driving licence. Until then, as long as you have a valid UK driving license and haven’t been disqualified from driving in New Zealand, you can use your UK license on New Zealand’s roads along with an International Driver’s License.
Luckily for any British expats driving around New Zealand, they drive on the left hand side of the road. There are very few motorways in New Zealand, and generally the roads are single carriageways. As with the UK, seat belts are compulsory and it is illegal to use a phone whilst driving.
One difference in driving in New Zealand compared to the UK is that for under 20s there is a zero alcohol limit. Over 20’s have a lower limit than in the UK as well so bear this in mind. The roads in New Zealand are often narrow and hilly, and often more extreme weather can affect driving conditions.
If you would prefer to ship your own car to New Zealand rather than buying one once you arrive, then there are rules and regulations in regards to emissions and safety guidelines that your vehicle will need to comply with. For more information, please take a look at the website of Autoshippers, who are 1st Move International’s sister company. There is a Car Shipping and Import Guide for New Zealand page with all of the information you would need.
Retiring in New Zealand
The pension system in New Zealand is known as Superannuation. To qualify you must be over 65 years and a New Zealand citizen, resident or Visa holder. New employees are also automatically enrolled in a work-based saving scheme called KiwiSaver, which they can opt out if they wish.
If you are eligible for a UK pension once you have moved to New Zealand, you are able to claim it if you have paid enough into the UK National Insurance scheme. This may reduce the amount you receive from the Superannuation scheme, to ensure that New Zealanders are given the same amount whether they have lived overseas or not.
Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
Below we break down the pros and cons of moving to New Zealand from the UK.
Pros
- Beautiful Scenery – It’s no coincidence that Peter Jackson decided that New Zealand would be the perfect backdrop to Middle Earth, the natural settings are stunning and varied.
- Friendly People – Due to their relaxed attitude, the people of New Zealand are very friendly and accommodating.
- Temperate Climate – New Zealand rarely is too hot or too cold, it is one of the very few countries when in theory you could go to the beach and ski in the mountains on the same day.
- Good Quality Healthcare – The standard of the Government subsidised healthcare is high, which is also available to non-residents.
- Excellent Education – The low class numbers and teacher to student ratio help to make the education system in New Zealand one of the best in the world.
Cons
- Isolation – New Zealand is a long, and generally expensive, flight from everywhere. Even “close” neighbours Australia are 3-5 hours away.
- Expensive Imports – Due to the above remoteness, and lack of local production, lots of goods that need to be imported are expensive.
- Expensive Groceries – Partially due to the expense in imports, and partially due to high profit margins demanded from the limited suppliers, your food shop can be costly.
- High UV Levels – Due to the sunshine, and it’s location underneath a hole in the ozone layer, New Zealand is second only to Australia in the world rankings for skin cancer.
Shipping Your Belongings to New Zealand
If you have decided that moving to New Zealand is for you, then get it touch with 1st Move International to book your removals. Due to the way that we pack your household goods and furniture on pallets, we can utilise commercial shipping companies and benefit from their pre-booked weekly shipping services.
Simply fill in our quick and easy form to get a free tailored quote for your removals to New Zealand. Alternatively, you can call us on 0800 389 0784 / +44 (0) 117 982 8123 or fill out our contact form.
We hope you’ve found this guide useful and hope to hear from you soon, whether you have decided that you would like to move to New Zealand or relocate elsewhere in the world!
FAQs
Can a UK citizen move to New Zealand?
Yes, but you must apply for a Permanent Residence Visa to call New Zealand home. You’ll need to have lived in New Zealand for 2 years and meet certain requirements.
Is it worth moving to New Zealand from the UK?
New Zealand offers a high standard of living with a lower cost, beautiful scenery and a more relaxed way of life. Sharing a similar culture and the same language, expats find it easy to settle into their new life in New Zealand from the UK.
How much does it cost to move from UK to New Zealand?
For a 3-bedroom house move, it’ll cost between £4186 and £4708 to ship your belongings to New Zealand from the UK. To get a tailored accurate quote, fill out our quick and easy form today.
How much money do I need to move to NZ?
You’ll need to factor in the costs of your removals, flights and upfront buying or rental costs. The cost of living in New Zealand is slightly lower than in the UK, so if you stick to your current living cost budget you won’t go far wrong. The average monthly salary in New Zealand is 2.6% lower than in the UK at $5,081.21 (£2,355.03)
Can I take my pet to New Zealand?
It is possible to take your pets with you to New Zealand. Other than cats and dogs, only Chinchillas can be taken to New Zealand from the UK (as well as some species of fish).
The UK is considered as a Country where Rabies is Absent or Well Controlled, which is a category 3. This means that you require an Import permit, post-arrival quarantine of 10 days and a post-arrival inspection to import your dog or cat into New Zealand.
There are also considerations on the breed of dog, as some breeds (and hybrids) are prohibited. Separate import processes are required for assistance or guide dogs.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and insurance for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international removals UK to New Zealand service here.
