What Are The Best Cities To Live In New Zealand part 2 – Part one is here.

Best Cities to Live in New Zealand

New Zealand has over 4.5 million people and is located in the South Pacific Ocean to the east of Australia. The landscape is mostly mountainous, with beaches along the coast. New Zealand’s climate varies from cool temperate in the south and warm subtropical in the north.

New Zealand has been ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in. The seven best cities in New Zealand include the following.

1.    Auckland

As the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is also one of the best cities to live in. It has over 1 million people and offers easy access to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on earth.

There are plenty of things to do in Auckland – from green spaces like parks and botanical gardens to outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. Housing is more expensive in Auckland than in most cities around the world, but it has a high per capita income and low unemployment rate.

2.    Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and offers a beautiful and unique living experience. Wellington has over 400,000 people and is known for its strong accent and diverse culture.

The weather in Wellington is typically windy and wet, but this just adds to its charm. Education standards are high in Wellington, with some of the best universities in New Zealand. Housing is reasonable, and the climate is mild.

3.    Christchurch

Christchurch has around 350,000 people and is located on the South Island of New Zealand. The most important feature of Christchurch is its access to the beautiful natural landscape.

There are numerous national parks nearby where you can go walking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing in summer, and skiing in winter. Employment opportunities are reasonable, and there is a relatively high level of disposable income.

4.    Dunedin

Dunedin is located on the South Island of New Zealand and has around 150,000 people as of June 2021. Even though it is not one of the largest cities in New Zealand, Dunedin is still one of the best places to live in.

Education standards are high, and there are plenty of quality public schools in Dunedin. Housing is very affordable, even for large houses with great views. There are regular flights between Dunedin and Auckland which makes it an ideal location to commute to if you work in Auckland.

5.    Nelson

Nelson is located on the North Island of New Zealand and has around 50,000 people as of June 2021. Education standards are high in Nelson, with several universities nearby. It is close to the Abel Tasman National Park, which offers beautiful beaches for swimming, surfing, or long walks.

There are plenty of outdoor activities for an active lifestyle – biking, fishing, surfing, golfing, etc. Housing is affordable, and there are no particular disadvantages to living in Nelson.

6.    Masterton

Masterton is located on the North Island of New Zealand and has around 20,000 people as of June 2021. It is known for its strong accent and unique culture which you won’t find in other cities.

The climate in Masterton is warm, and it has plenty of green spaces where you can go jogging or for a picnic. Employment opportunities are reasonable, close to the Tararua Forest Park for hiking, mountain biking, or camping. Housing is reasonably priced, and Masterton has good public transport links.

7.    Rotorua

Rotorua is located on the North Island of New Zealand and has around 70,000 people as of June 2021. It is well-known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to forests and natural reserves. There are plenty of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, or just walking through the city’s many green spaces.

Rotorua has a warm climate with reasonable humidity levels. Education standards are high, and there is a good disposable income in Rotorua. Housing is reasonable, and the city has good public transport links.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand

Is New Zealand part of Australia?

No, New Zealand is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean to Australia’s southeast. It is approximately 100 miles east of Australia across the Tasman Sea. In fact, New Zealand is closer to the United States (more specifically, Hawaii) than it is to Australia.

What is the currency of New Zealand?

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar. It has a symbol of $ and the code NZD. Each NZD is composed of 100 cents. However, coins are used in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 cents. Paper notes represent the NZD in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, and $20.

What does Māori mean?

The word “Māori” means common or ordinary. It is an indigenous Polynesian name that the original inhabitants of New Zealand gave themselves. The word “Māori” has many meanings, but its most literal translation is common or ordinary.

Conclusion

Living in New Zealand is a life-changing experience for most people. A diverse range of natural landscapes and relaxed geographical location makes it an attractive place to live. Most expatriates who move to the country, especially those who are English speaking, will find themselves easily able to settle into their new homes because of how similar the cultures are. So, check out the cities above.

What Are The Best Cities To Live In New Zealand part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

What Are The Best Cities To Live In New Zealand

New Zealand is a country with a rich history of being home to the indigenous Maori people. Since European settlement in the early 19th century, many immigrants have made New Zealand their home. Today, expats worldwide are invited to take up residence in New Zealand and enjoy a high quality of life that allows them to pursue their goals and dreams.

Those interested in making New Zealand their permanent home are invited to find out more about the process for expats. The immigration officer will want to see evidence of your plans, so bring along a copy of your employment contract or a letter from your spouse’s employer stating that you have been offered a job.

You will also need to present evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your family without always having to rely on public assistance. However, bank statements and investment portfolios can be used as supporting documentation. In addition, the immigration officer should be able to give you an idea of how much time it may take before being issued a permanent visa.

New Zealand is an attractive place to live for many reasons. It has a temperate, maritime climate with four distinct seasons and plentiful sunshine hours each year. The country boasts incredible landscapes perfect for outdoor activities, including stunning beaches, majestic snow-capped mountains, and serene forests full of native birdsong.

Have you been surfing the web to find out more about life in New Zealand? If so, are you planning to relocate there? If you have any questions about living in New Zealand as an expat, we’ve got you covered today. Read further to know more about what we have!

Things to Know About New Zealand Cultures

If you’re thinking of a New Zealand vacation, then you might want to learn a few things about the country’s cultures. Here are seven cultural aspects that may help you understand what it’s like in New Zealand.

1.    Social Values

Anyone traveling here should be aware of some traits associated with social values among Kiwis. Respect for visitors is an important part of New Zealand culture. Many are friendly and are used to meeting travelers worldwide, who come here on holiday or to visit family. However, Kiwis can be somewhat reserved compared to some other cultures, so always ask before making friends with someone you don’t know.

2.    A Sense of Humour

Kiwis are well known for their good sense of humor, and they prove it every day on social media. They also like to tease each other, so if you meet someone here who seems to be joking around a lot with you—don’t take offense.  It’s not meant in a bad way, and it doesn’t mean they don’t like you.

3.    Social Networks

Social media Kiwis love online social networks, so if you plan to visit this country, be prepared for lots of updates from locals when you’re here! Digital technology is popular in New Zealand—so much so that there are plans to make the country a fully wireless one in the future. Kiwis are also very experienced when it comes to using social media. So if you need any advice or help with this aspect, they’ll know best.

4.    Sports and Food

In New Zealand, sports have always been a popular activity among locals. Even when the All Blacks (their sports team) aren’t playing, you can often find Kiwis enjoying a game of rugby or cricket in their free time. Sports are also played at school here, which is how many Kiwis get involved early on.

Their sports games are usually held outdoors since the weather is rather mild most of the year. Even when it rains, Kiwis often take their raincoats and go out for it.

Food is also an important part of New Zealand culture. You should try some traditional dishes while you’re here—like pavlova (a cake made with fruit and cream) or hokey pokey ice cream (vanilla flavored with small chunks of honeycomb toffee).

5.    Politics and the Economy

You should also be aware of how their political system works when you’re here—you might find it interesting! New Zealand has a parliamentary democracy where most decisions are made by elected representatives (like members of Parliament) and not directly by voters.

As for the economy, they’re currently developing their technology sector to ensure long-term economic growth. A lot of talented Kiwis are working on new technologies that would serve people all around the world (not just locally), which is why it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in New Zealand right now.

6.    Popular Music

New Zealand also has a lively music scene, with artists producing unique tracks that have gained international recognition. The Kiwi band Split Enz was one of the first to gain worldwide popularity back in the ’70s, after which many other bands emerged on the local scene—like Crowded House, Lorde, or Kimbra. Their music is well known for its distinctive sound.

7.    Unique Flora and Fauna

If you’re a nature lover, visiting New Zealand is a must! This country has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, which means it’s teeming with unique plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else. Here are seven things to know about New Zealand cultures.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand

The island nation of New Zealand is a beautiful country located in the South-western Pacific Ocean and has recently become well known for its quality of life. With much green space, an idyllic lifestyle, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder that many people are beginning to turn their eyes toward New Zealand as one of the best places to live in the entire world.

New Zealand has much to offer for those who wish to live there. However, it isn’t without its downsides. These are just a few of the pros and cons of living in New Zealand.

Pros

The Weather Is Great

As one of the sunniest countries on earth, New Zealand is an excellent destination for those who enjoy spending their time outdoors. Year-round mild temperatures are accompanied by high levels of rainfall which promote lush greenery in much of the country. In fact, a whopping 80% of New Zealand is covered in forest.

The Scenery Is Amazing

New Zealand boasts breathtaking vistas, including snow-capped mountains, vast forests, rugged coastlines with white sand beaches, and volcanoes. With so much to see, those who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities will be in heaven. However, for those who prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of museums and other interesting attractions if they get tired of the great outdoors.

Exciting Options for Nightlife and Entertainment

If you love to go out and party, New Zealand can definitely deliver. The people are laid-back and welcoming, the music scene is great, and there’s no shortage of pubs or nightclubs if you know where to look! For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, many towns and cities offer museums, art galleries, and even sporting events.

Great for Any Budget

New Zealand isn’t a costly country to visit or live in; the currency is highly valued compared to the US dollar. Property prices are also quite affordable compared to Australia, Canada, and the UK. The only downside is that it can be difficult to find paid work there without a visa or special skill set, but for those who are willing to do the research, it’s possible.

The Lifestyle Is Very Laid Back

New Zealanders take pride in their relaxed atmosphere and freedom of expression. No one will judge you for wearing sweatpants around the city, and on the weekends, they love to go hiking, swimming, and camping. Of course, not everyone enjoys this type of lifestyle, but if you’re happy with taking it easy, then New Zealand is the perfect destination.

The Job Market Is Growing

While it’s true that finding a job in New Zealand without a specialized skillset and work visa can be difficult, those who are willing to put in the effort will find that there is much opportunity for growth. The economy has been on an upward trend for several years now, and many businesses are beginning to branch out into Asia, leading to more hiring.

The Health Care System Is Excellent

New Zealand’s healthcare system has consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, and it is known for being quick, efficient, and with little red tape compared to systems in other countries. Should you become injured or sick while visiting New Zealand, you can rely on the excellent staff of doctors and nurses to patch you up quickly.

Easy Visa-Free Travel for Most Countries

New Zealand is part of the five eyes intelligence-sharing network, meaning that citizens of New Zealand can visit the UK, US, Australia with minimal fuss when passing through immigration. However, if you’ve got plans to go to China or Russia for a vacation, you’ll need to get a visa in advance.

Low Crime Rates

New Zealand is generally a very safe place to visit and live, with low levels of violent crime. Of course, there are exceptions from time to time, just like anywhere else, but it’s extremely unlikely that you would become a target of opportunity there. Moreover, there are few dangerous animals, and the people will go out of their way to help if you get into trouble.

Education Is Free

Public education in New Zealand is provided by the state and for free for everyone, though there can be fees attached for certain sections such as sports lessons or music classes. This means that someone who wants to become a primary or secondary school teacher can do so without worrying about paying for their education.

Cons

Housing Is Too Expensive

New Zealand has a housing crisis that is only worsening every year, with house prices increasingly out of reach for young people and families living there without adequate shelter. While various reasons have been proposed for the cause of the crisis, they all point to an overabundance of demand in relation to supply.

Although it may be possible to find a house or apartment to rent, these are often small and not well maintained. In addition, the cost of even a modest rental accommodation is expensive. With high values on owning property in New Zealand, renting can be more trouble than its worth.

Poor Relations with Maori

Although New Zealand has been a country for over a century, its Native inhabitants, the Maori, have been historically bad. The colonization of New Zealand by settlers from Europe all but decimated the Maori population and their right to live on lands they traditionally occupied.

Despite an official policy of reconciliation with the Maori implemented by many recent governments, most notably that led by Helen Clark, the relationship is still strained. Although New Zealand has a very low rate of violent crime overall, tensions between Maori and Europeans have been linked to a number of high-profile murders in recent years.

Lack of International Diversity

The majority of New Zealand’s population is white and European, with Asians and other ethnicities making up a small proportion. While it is certainly possible to live in the country without any significant contact with people from different cultures, this does mean that travelers do not always feel as welcome as they might elsewhere.

However, this could also be seen as a positive aspect of living in New Zealand, as it allows those who enjoy the company of others from their own cultures to find friendship and networking opportunities more easily.

Earthquakes

One of the reasons New Zealand remains relatively cheap is the frequency of natural disasters, specifically earthquakes. This risk is exacerbated by the country’s location on top of several tectonic plates, constantly moving and crashing together under the earth’s mantle.

There are over 15,000 earthquakes in New Zealand every year, although most are so small that most people never feel them. However, many major quakes cause significant damage every year. The risk of earthquakes is one most people know before moving to New Zealand, but it is worth bearing in mind when considering the costs of moving abroad.

Life Can Be Boring

One reason why so many people are drawn to New Zealand is its natural beauty. The wide-open spaces and access to the sea make it a beautiful place for travelers looking for somewhere fresh and new to explore. For people who enjoy living in big cities with lively nightlife, however, New Zealand may be somewhat dull, particularly if they move away from the main urban centers of Auckland or Wellington.