New Zealand Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in New Zealand

1. Before You Move to New Zealand

1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements

Most people moving to New Zealand to live, work or study require a visa. Typical visa pathways include:

• Work visas – for people with job offers, skills in demand or employer sponsorship
• Resident visas – for skilled migrants, some work-to-residence pathways, and certain family categories
• Student visas – for full-time study at recognised institutions
• Visitor visas & NZeTA – for tourism and short visits (some nationalities require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
• Family and partnership visas – for eligible partners and dependants of New Zealand citizens or residents

1.2 Working in New Zealand

New Zealand’s economy has demand for skills in areas such as:

• Healthcare and aged care
• Engineering, construction and infrastructure
• Information technology and digital services
• Agriculture, horticulture and food production
• Tourism, hospitality and adventure travel
• Logistics, warehousing and international trade
• Education and training

1.3 Housing & Accommodation

Housing options range from apartments in city centres to townhouses and stand-alone homes in suburbs and regional towns. Popular locations for newcomers include:

• Auckland: Newmarket, Mt Eden, Ponsonby, North Shore, Howick
• Wellington: CBD, Te Aro, Karori, Kilbirnie, Lower Hutt
• Christchurch: Merivale, Riccarton, Fendalton, Wigram
• Hamilton & Tauranga: growing regional cities with family-friendly suburbs
• Queenstown & Wanaka: lifestyle and tourism hubs in the South Island

Typical rental requirements:

• Bond (usually up to 4 weeks’ rent, lodged with Tenancy Services)
• Rent in advance (often 1–2 weeks)
• Signed tenancy agreement
• Proof of identity and, sometimes, employment or references

1.4 Banking & Finances

The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Many migrants open a local bank account soon after arrival. You may need:

• Passport and valid visa
• New Zealand address (temporary or permanent)
• IRD number (for tax), which you can apply for after arrival

1.5 Healthcare & Medical Coverage

New Zealand has a predominantly publicly funded health system providing many hospital and primary care services at low or no direct cost to eligible residents. Private health insurance is optional and used by some families to access additional providers or shorter wait times.

1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival)
• Visa approval or NZeTA confirmation
• Job offer or employment contract (if applicable)
• Academic and professional certificates
• Birth and marriage certificates for family members
• Medical and vaccination records
• References from previous employers and landlords (useful for job and rental applications)

2. Your First Weeks in New Zealand

2.1 Arrival & Border Checks

On arrival, border officials will check your passport, visa or NZeTA, and may ask about your onward travel and accommodation. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules, so you must declare risk items like food, plant material and outdoor equipment that could carry soil or pests.

2.2 Getting an IRD Number

A tax number (IRD number) is required for working and paying the correct amount of tax. You can apply for it once you are in New Zealand, using your passport, visa and local address details.

2.3 Registering with a GP & Accessing Care

Once eligible, you can enrol with a general practice (GP) to access primary health care. Enrolment may reduce the fees you pay for doctor visits and prescriptions.

2.4 Everyday Setup

• Set up a local SIM card and mobile plan
• Open or activate a bank account
• Arrange long-term housing if you started with temporary accommodation
• Register children at school or early childhood education services
• Consider joining local community or migrant support groups

3. New Zealand at a Glance

3.1 Geography & Major Regions

New Zealand is made up of the North Island, South Island and several smaller islands. Major centres include:

• Auckland – largest city and main economic hub
• Wellington – capital and government centre
• Christchurch – South Island gateway
• Hamilton & Tauranga – fast-growing regional cities
• Dunedin, Queenstown, Nelson and others – key regional hubs with strong lifestyle appeal

3.2 Politics & Economy

New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy. Its economy includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing, services, tourism, education and technology, with an emphasis on trade and international connections.

3.3 Climate & Weather

New Zealand’s climate is generally temperate, with mild, wet winters and warm summers. The far north is subtropical, while the south can experience colder winters and alpine conditions.

4. Why Many Canadians Choose New Zealand

• High quality of life with a strong focus on outdoor living
• English-speaking country with a familiar legal and social framework
• Stable institutions and relatively low population density
• Strong demand for skilled workers in multiple sectors
• Stunning natural landscapes, from beaches and lakes to mountains and national parks

5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life

Costs vary between cities and regions. Auckland and Wellington are typically more expensive, while some regional areas can be more affordable. Typical monthly expenses include:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utilities (electricity, gas in some homes, water, internet)
• Groceries and household goods
• Transport (public transport, fuel, parking)
• Childcare, school-related costs and leisure activities

6. Transportation & Getting Around

6.1 Public Transport

Public transport networks are strongest in larger cities:

• Bus services in most cities and towns
• Suburban trains and ferries in Auckland and Wellington
• Integrated payment cards (e.g. AT HOP, Snapper) for buses, trains and ferries in some regions

6.2 Driving in New Zealand

New Zealand drives on the left-hand side. Many newcomers use their overseas licence for a limited period before converting to a New Zealand driver licence, depending on their country of origin and how long they plan to stay.

6.3 Domestic & International Travel

Domestic flights connect major and regional airports across both islands. International flights arrive mainly through Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, linking New Zealand to Australia, the Pacific, Asia and beyond.

7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit

7.1 Everyday Culture

• New Zealand is a bicultural nation founded on the Treaty of Waitangi, with Māori as tangata whenua (people of the land) and a multicultural modern population.
• English is widely spoken and is the primary language of government, education and business, alongside Te Reo Māori as an official language.
• Workplaces value teamwork, flexibility and work–life balance.
• Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, water sports and camping are part of everyday life for many families.

7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions

• Auckland: Harbour, islands, city beaches and urban dining
• Wellington: Waterfront, Te Papa museum, arts and culture
• Rotorua & Taupō: Geothermal areas, lakes and adventure tourism
• Queenstown & Wanaka: Skiing, lakes and adventure sports
• Christchurch & Canterbury: Gardens, coast and Southern Alps
• Fiordland & Milford Sound: World-famous fjords and hiking

8. Useful Websites for Newcomers

• Immigration New Zealand – Visas, Work & Residency
• New Zealand Government – Immigration & Visas Information
• Moving to New Zealand – Official Guidance for New Residents
• New Zealand Ministry of Health – Health System & Services
• Government of Canada – Travel Advice for New Zealand