Before deciding to relocate, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of moving to New Zealand. The country’s stunning landscapes, mild climate, and high standard of living make it a popular destination for expats. From the snow-capped Southern Alps to the golden beaches of the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand's natural beauty is truly remarkable. This is coupled with a relaxed way of life and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place for those seeking a slower pace of life.
However, as with any big move, you should be prepared for the challenges of transitioning to a new country. While New Zealand is a welcoming place, its geographical remoteness and cultural differences can make the adjustment difficult. Take the time to research and understand the local customs and etiquette, especially in the workplace.
The cost of living in New Zealand can be high – be sure to budget carefully and negotiate your salary accordingly. With the right preparation, though, you’ll make the most of your time in New Zealand.
Below, we've put together a list of the pros and cons of moving to New Zealand.
Government and policies in New Zealand
+ PRO: The government is progressive and inclusive
The New Zealand government has been praised for its progressive policies focused on the well-being of its citizens. Five major priorities have been put forward by the government: reducing child poverty, improving mental health, addressing inequalities experienced by the Māori and Pacific Islanders, transitioning to a green economy and thriving in a digital age.
+ PRO: It's one of the least corrupt places in the world
New Zealand was ranked fourth out of 180 countries on Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index. From an outside perspective, any political scandals that do exist tend to be minor compared to those of other countries.
Environment and weather in New Zealand
+ PRO: It has an astonishing amount of beautiful scenery
In terms of natural scenery, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. For such a small country, it has an amazing range of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers, mountains, semideserts, plains, fjords, and a variety of coastlines.
- CON: The risk of skin cancer is high
New Zealand is a gloriously sunny country. Unfortunately, it's right under a hole in the ozone layer. This means that New Zealand experiences higher amounts of UV rays, increasing the prevalence of sunburn and skin cancer. The strong sunshine also means that anything placed next to a window at home will lose its colour very quickly.
+ PRO: The weather is just right
New Zealand's climate is a temperate one. It rarely gets too cold or too hot, although it definitely has more sunshine than rain. Winters are warm on the North Island, but the South Island can experience some snow. New Zealand is just about the only country in the world where one could, theoretically, swim at the beach and ski down a mountain on the same day.
- CON: There are a lot of mosquitoes and sandflies
When moving to New Zealand, prepare to deal with mosquito and sandfly bites. Though not dangerous, they can be extremely itchy, uncomfortable, and annoying. The first summer is always the worst, and you should make sure to use insect repellent when enjoying the warm evenings.
Safety and location in New Zealand
+ PRO: It's one of the safest places in the world
New Zealand was ranked fourth on the 2024 Global Peace Index, a global think tank report produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). The country's high rank is largely due to its political stability, low crime rate, and lack of involvement in conflict, both internally and externally.
- CON: It's rather isolated from the rest of the world
New Zealand is a small island country at the bottom of the world. This means that New Zealanders have to fly a long way if they want to visit any other country that isn't Australia or one of the Pacific Islands, making overseas holidays very expensive. You may also find that you can’t afford to visit relatives back home as often as you might like to. New Zealand's distance from the rest of the world also increases the cost of imported goods.
Lifestyle in New Zealand
+ PRO: It's a laid-back country
New Zealand is the place to go for a relaxed lifestyle. People don't expect too much, and the work-life balance emphatically favours the life side. Community and family are important to Kiwis – making time for friends and relatives is easy.
+ PRO: It's uncrowded
In terms of area, New Zealand is just slightly larger than Britain, yet it has only about 5 million people in it. Auckland is the only place in the country where one needs to worry about traffic. The beaches are peaceful, and people tend to be easygoing.
+ PRO: New Zealand has good food
New Zealand has world-class seafood, lamb, wines, and cheeses. In some parts of the country, it can be difficult to find a bad restaurant, and the café culture is booming. There's plenty of delicious Asian food around, as well as the best of European cuisine presented in a range of fresh Kiwi styles.
- CON: Life in New Zealand can be rather quiet
While there is plenty to do outdoors, and the larger cities do have a thriving, if limited, nightlife, New Zealand does not compare to the busy and bustling streets of cities in the UK and the US. While this may suit those who are looking for a quieter life, young adults and students may find themselves longing for more to occupy their evenings.
Education and Schools in New Zealand
Transport and Driving in New Zealand
People in New Zealand
+ PRO: Really friendly locals
Everyone who's ever been to New Zealand seems to agree that the Kiwis are a friendly people. This has a lot to do with their relaxed attitude towards life in general.
+ PRO: It's very multicultural
New Zealand is a society of immigrants. Even its native inhabitants, the Māori, have only been in the country for about 800 years. Most of the population is of (relatively recent) European descent, and there are also a lot of people from Asia and the Pacific Islands. While the country still bears the scars of colonisation, racism is minimal, and many cultures are joyously evident.
- CON: Tall Poppy Syndrome
New Zealanders are very down-to-earth people who despise pretentiousness. As the proverb goes, tall poppies will be ‘cut down’ – meaning that equality is prized and individual achievements aren't something to be boasted about.
Cost of living in New Zealand
+ PRO: Affordable, quality public services
New Zealand's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable public services has helped to create a high standard of living for its residents and has contributed to the country's reputation as a desirable destination for expats and visitors alike.
The island country is known for having a high-quality public healthcare system that is affordable for its citizens and permanent residents. The National Health Service (NHS) provides access to a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency care.
In addition to healthcare, New Zealand's public education system is also highly regarded and provides free education for children up to the age of 18. Transport in New Zealand is also well-developed, with affordable and reliable public transport options available in most cities and towns.
- CON: Dental treatment can be very expensive
While healthcare is subsidised in New Zealand, dental treatment is not. Although it's free for people under 18, the cost of both appointments and treatments for adults can be high. Because of this, just over half the population of New Zealand does not see a dentist regularly, if ever – it's simply too expensive for lower- and even middle-income people.
- CON: Housing prices in Auckland are extremely high
Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, with half of the total population of the country living in or around it. It's also about the only place where jobs are available, and it's where most migrants go. It's no wonder there's a housing crisis. Rent continues to go up, with some people having to pay nearly half their income towards it. That said, once moving outside of Auckland, although still costly, reasonable rent can be found.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
Healthcare in New Zealand
Accommodation in New Zealand
Work opportunities in New Zealand
+ PRO: Workplaces are egalitarian
New Zealand society is socially fluid. There is little or no talk of ‘class’, and old-fashioned ideas of ‘dressing to impress’ are largely frowned upon. The wage gap has widened significantly since the 1980s, but the Kiwi attitude that wealth has nothing to do with a person's value is still alive and well.
- CON: New Zealand has limited career options
Because of the aforementioned small population, jobs in a specific field can be hard to come by. Many Kiwis who dream big are forced to leave New Zealand upon the completion of their studies. Artists also tend to struggle more here, as the opportunities are limited.