Moving to New Zealand is a life decision that many people around the world dream about — and for good reason. Known as Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud) in te reo Māori, New Zealand offers stunning natural landscapes, a safe and welcoming society, world-class education, and a quality of life that consistently ranks among the best on earth.
But moving to a new country takes careful planning. From navigating the visa system to finding housing, setting up a bank account, and staying financially connected to family back home — there’s a lot to organise. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to New Zealand in 2026.
Why move to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a small country with a lot to offer. Here’s why so many people choose to make it their home:
- Outstanding quality of life — clean air, safe cities, excellent public services, and a strong work-life balance culture. Kiwis genuinely leave work on time
- Natural beauty — from volcanic landscapes and geothermal pools in the North Island to fjords, glaciers and ski fields in the South Island
- Safe and stable — New Zealand is consistently ranked among the world’s safest and most peaceful countries
- Multicultural and welcoming — New Zealand has a long history of immigration, with around 25% of residents born overseas
- Strong Māori culture — New Zealand has a rich indigenous heritage that is woven into everyday life, language and identity
- Pathways to permanent residency and citizenship — multiple immigration pathways exist for skilled workers, students, family members and investors
- World-ranked universities — the University of Auckland and other NZ institutions are internationally recognised
Visas and immigration
Before you can move to New Zealand, you’ll need the right visa. New Zealand’s immigration system is managed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), and visa options depend on your skills, circumstances and intentions.
Common visa pathways
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) The AEWV is the primary work visa pathway for most skilled migrants. It requires a job offer from an employer that has been accredited by Immigration New Zealand. The visa can be granted for up to five years and serves as a common stepping stone to permanent residency.
From March 2026, the median wage threshold for the standard 3-year AEWV is NZD $35.00 per hour. Job offers below this threshold may qualify for a shorter visa term.
Green List — fast track to residence: New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations in critical shortage, offering accelerated residency pathways. Tier 1 roles (such as surgeons, ICU nurses and certain engineers) can apply straight to residence. Tier 2 roles (such as registered nurses and software developers) can apply for residence after 24 months of work in New Zealand.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): A points-based residency pathway for skilled workers. Points are awarded for age, qualifications, skilled work experience in New Zealand, and other factors. Processing takes approximately 26 weeks.
Student Visa (subclass 500): New Zealand is a popular destination for international students. The Student visa allows you to work up to 25 hours per week during study periods (increased from 20 hours in November 2025) and full-time during scheduled course breaks.
Working Holiday Visa: For young people (typically aged 18–30, with some nationalities up to 35), the Working Holiday Visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months without a job offer. Visa fees are approximately NZD $770.
Partner and family visas: If you have a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident partner or family member, partner and family visa pathways are available. The Partner Visa allows you to live, work and study in New Zealand, with fees from NZD $860–$5,360.
Investor visas: The Active Investor Plus Visa requires investment of between NZD $5 million and NZD $15 million over four years in eligible New Zealand investments.
For the most current visa information and eligibility requirements, visit Immigration New Zealand.
Cost of living in New Zealand
New Zealand offers an excellent quality of life, but it’s important to budget carefully before you arrive. Costs vary between cities — Auckland is the most expensive, while regional cities like Christchurch, Hamilton and Tauranga are considerably more affordable.
Average monthly costs (approximate, 2026)
| Expense | Auckland | Wellington | Christchurch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city) | $1,800–$2,400 | $1,500–$2,000 | $1,200–$1,700 |
| Groceries | $400–$600 | $400–$550 | $350–$500 |
| Utilities | $150–$250 | $150–$250 | $120–$200 |
| Public transport | $120–$180 | $100–$150 | $80–$130 |
| Health (GP visit) | $35–$55 | $35–$55 | $35–$55 |
Costs are in NZD and are approximate. Note that rent in New Zealand is typically advertised per week, not per month — multiply by 4.3 to estimate monthly costs. A single person can expect to spend NZD $3,500–$4,500 per month in total living costs outside Auckland.
Note on New Zealand homes: New Zealand houses can be cold and damp, particularly older homes. Since 2021, landlords are required to meet Healthy Homes Standards — ensuring insulation, heating, ventilation and draught stopping. Always ask about this when inspecting a rental.
Finding housing in New Zealand
The rental market in New Zealand — particularly in Auckland and Wellington — is competitive. Planning ahead and understanding how the system works will help you secure accommodation faster.
Renting in New Zealand
Most rentals are managed through property management agencies or listed directly by landlords. Popular platforms include:
- trademe.co.nz/property — the largest rental listings platform in New Zealand
- realestate.co.nz
- flatmates.co.nz (for flatmates and shared accommodation)
To apply for a rental property, you’ll typically need:
- Proof of identity (passport, visa)
- Proof of income or employment (employment contract, bank statements)
- References from previous landlords or employers
Tip for new arrivals: If you don’t yet have a New Zealand rental history, consider short-term accommodation — serviced apartments, Airbnb, or flatting (shared housing) — while you establish yourself. Many new arrivals also arrange temporary accommodation before their arrival so they have a base from day one.
Buying property in New Zealand
Overseas investors and temporary visa holders are generally restricted from purchasing existing residential property in New Zealand under the Overseas Investment Act. Permanent residents and citizens have the same property rights as New Zealand-born residents.
Setting up a bank account in New Zealand
You’ll need a New Zealand bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and manage day-to-day finances. Most major banks allow you to open an account online before you arrive.
Major New Zealand banks
- ANZ
- BNZ (Bank of New Zealand)
- ASB
- Kiwibank
- Westpac
What you’ll need to open a bank account
- Passport and visa
- New Zealand address (some banks accept a temporary address)
- IRD number (see below) — you can apply once you arrive
Getting an IRD number
Your IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number is your New Zealand tax identifier — equivalent to Australia’s TFN. You’ll need it to work legally, file tax returns, and open a bank account. Apply through Inland Revenue (IRD) once you’re in New Zealand.
Healthcare in New Zealand
New Zealand has a strong public healthcare system, but access and cost depend on your visa status.
Public healthcare
New Zealand’s public health system provides free hospital treatment and subsidised GP visits for residents and most work visa holders (after two years on a work visa). GP visits typically cost NZD $35–$55 for enrolled patients; children under 14 are generally free.
ACC — Accident Compensation Corporation
One of New Zealand’s most unique features is the ACC scheme. If you suffer an accident — whether a trip, a car crash, or a workplace injury — ACC covers your medical costs and a portion of lost income. This applies to everyone in New Zealand, including tourists and visa holders, regardless of fault. It’s one of the most comprehensive accident compensation schemes in the world.
Private health insurance
Even with public healthcare access, many residents take out private health insurance to reduce specialist wait times (which can be 6–18 months in the public system) and access private hospital treatment. For some visa conditions, health insurance is mandatory.
Enrolling with a GP
Once you arrive, register with a local GP (general practitioner) as soon as possible — enrolled patients pay lower fees and have better access to ongoing care.
Working in New Zealand
New Zealand has a strong job market with high demand for skilled workers across healthcare, construction, technology, engineering, education and hospitality.
Finding work
Popular job search platforms in New Zealand include:
- seek.co.nz — the largest job board in New Zealand
- trademe.co.nz/jobs
- linkedin.com
- careers.govt.nz — for government sector roles
Minimum wage and employment conditions
New Zealand has strong worker protections. The minimum wage is reviewed annually. Employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, and sick leave under the Employment Relations Act.
For current minimum wage rates and employment conditions, visit employment.govt.nz.
KiwiSaver
KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s voluntary workplace retirement savings scheme. Employees can choose to contribute 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of their gross salary, with employers contributing a minimum of 3.5% from 1 April 2026. The government contributes up to NZD $260.72 per year for eligible members — halved from the previous $521.43 following Budget 2025 changes effective 1 July 2025. When you leave New Zealand permanently, you may be able to withdraw your KiwiSaver balance.
Tax in New Zealand
New Zealand uses a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax system — your employer deducts income tax before paying your salary. Tax rates are progressive, ranging from 10.5% to 39%. GST (Goods and Services Tax) is 15%, applied to most goods and services.
New Zealand has no capital gains tax on most investments — a notable difference from many other countries.
Getting around New Zealand
Public transport
New Zealand’s major cities have public transport networks, though coverage is less extensive than in larger cities overseas.
- Auckland: AT HOP card for trains, buses and ferries — contactless bank cards and devices are also accepted on most services
- Wellington: Snapper card for buses and trains — contactless bank card payments also accepted on most routes
- Christchurch: Metro Card or contactless bank card payments
- Queenstown and Dunedin — both use the Bee Card (Orbus network). Bank and credit cards cannot be used on buses to pay for a bus fare — only cash or a Bee Card is accepted.
- Hamilton and Tauranga — Bee Card system, cash also accepted
- A national ticketing solution called Motu Move is in development to eventually replace Bee Card with a single contactless system nationwide, but it’s not yet live.
Outside the major cities, public transport is limited. A car is strongly recommended for anyone living in regional New Zealand or Auckland’s suburbs.
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. If you hold a valid overseas driver’s licence in English, you can generally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months after arriving. After that, you’ll need to obtain a New Zealand driver’s licence from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
International licences not in English must be accompanied by an official translation or an International Driving Permit.
Domestic travel
New Zealand’s two main islands — the North Island and South Island — are connected by the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry services between Wellington and Picton. Domestic flights between major centres are operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar.
Education in New Zealand
If you’re moving to New Zealand with children, you’ll need to enrol them in school. New Zealand has a strong public education system with free schooling for eligible children.
School system
- Primary school: Years 1–6 (ages 5–12)
- Intermediate school: Years 7–8 (ages 11–13)
- Secondary school: Years 9–13 (ages 13–18)
- Higher education: Universities, polytechnics (now called Te Pūkenga) and wānanga (Māori educational institutions)
Public schools are free for permanent residents and citizens. International students on student visas attend fee-paying schools.
New Zealand’s universities are internationally ranked. The University of Auckland is ranked in the global top 100, and all eight New Zealand universities hold international rankings. Tuition fees are significantly lower than equivalent degrees in the UK or USA.
Learning te reo Māori
New Zealand is a bicultural nation — English and te reo Māori are both official languages, alongside New Zealand Sign Language. While English is the primary language of everyday life, learning a few words and phrases in te reo Māori will enrich your experience and show respect for the country’s indigenous culture.
Common words you’ll encounter:
- Kia ora — Hello / Thank you
- Aotearoa — New Zealand (Land of the Long White Cloud)
- Whānau — Family
- Kai — Food
- Haere mai — Welcome
Staying connected with family back home
For many new arrivals in New Zealand, staying financially connected to family overseas is one of the most important priorities. Whether you’re sending regular support, helping with emergency costs, or sharing in family milestones from afar, having a reliable and affordable way to send money matters.
Sending money home from New Zealand with OrbitRemit
OrbitRemit is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand — making it a home-grown solution for Kiwis and new arrivals who need to send money overseas.
- Many popular corridors are completely free from NZD — including Bangladesh, Pakistan and South Korea
- Transfers typically arrive same day or within 1–2 working days
- Send to bank accounts, mobile wallets or cash pickup depending on the destination
- Flexible payment options including bank transfer, POLi, debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 33,000 reviews
- Supervised by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as a licensed money remitter in New Zealand
Public holidays in New Zealand
New Zealand has 12 public holidays per year, including national holidays and regional anniversary days that vary by province. As a new arrival, knowing when public holidays fall is important for planning — banks, government offices, many businesses and some public transport services operate on reduced hours or close entirely on these days. Transfer times for international money transfers may also be slightly longer around public holidays.
National public holidays include New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day (6 February), Good Friday and Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 April), King’s Birthday, Matariki (Māori New Year — a public holiday unique to New Zealand), Labour Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
In addition to national holidays, each region observes its own anniversary day — for example, Auckland Anniversary Day falls in late January, Wellington Anniversary Day in late January, and Canterbury Anniversary Day in November.
For a full list of New Zealand public holidays in 2026 and tips on planning your transfers around them, visit our guide:
📋 Public Holidays 2026 in Australia & New Zealand →
Useful contacts and resources for new arrivals in New Zealand
- Immigration New Zealand (visas): immigration.govt.nz
- Inland Revenue (IRD number, tax): ird.govt.nz
- Health New Zealand (healthcare eligibility): tewhatuora.govt.nz
- Employment New Zealand (work rights, minimum wage): employment.govt.nz
- New Zealand Transport Agency (driver’s licence): nzta.govt.nz
- New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA — qualification recognition): nzqa.govt.nz
- Citizens Advice Bureau: cab.org.nz
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I move to New Zealand permanently?
The most common pathways to permanent residency are through the Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List, or the Residence from Work pathway (after two years on an AEWV at or above median wage). Citizenship requires five years of permanent residence, with at least 1,350 days physically present in New Zealand during that period.
Can I work in New Zealand on a student visa?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 25 hours per week during study periods and full-time during scheduled course breaks (expanded from 20 hours in 2026).
Do I need health insurance to move to New Zealand?
It depends on your visa. Temporary visa holders in their first two years may not have full access to publicly funded healthcare and are strongly recommended to hold private health insurance. Some visa conditions make it mandatory.
How much money do I need to move to New Zealand?
Immigration New Zealand requires proof of NZD $20,000 per year to support living expenses for student visa applicants. As a general guide for any new arrival, having NZD $15,000–$25,000 in savings before arriving is advisable to cover initial costs including accommodation bonds, flights, transport and living expenses while you settle in.
What is an IRD number and do I need one?
An IRD number is your New Zealand tax identifier. You need one to work legally, have tax correctly deducted from your pay, file tax returns, and open some bank accounts. Apply through Inland Revenue after you arrive.
Can I send money home from New Zealand?
Yes. There are no restrictions on sending money overseas from New Zealand for personal purposes. OrbitRemit is a New Zealand-headquartered transfer service that allows you to send money to 50+ countries with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
Is New Zealand a good place to raise a family?
Yes. New Zealand consistently ranks highly for safety, education quality and quality of life. Public schooling is free for residents and citizens, healthcare for children under 14 is generally free, and the outdoor lifestyle makes it an excellent environment for families.
Nau mai, haere mai — Welcome to New Zealand
Moving to New Zealand is the beginning of an extraordinary chapter. Aotearoa is a country that rewards those who embrace it — its culture, its landscapes, its people, and its unique way of life.
And when it comes to staying close to the people you love back home, OrbitRemit is here to make every transfer fast, secure and affordable.
