For many expats, moving to New Zealand is the ultimate dream, but finding the best places to live in New Zealand starts with understanding which destination fits your needs and lifestyle. Thousands of migrants and expats move to New Zealand every year, whether for a working holiday, long-term opportunities, or after falling in love with the country during a visit.
If you’re curious about which New Zealand city could feel like home, this guide explores some of our favorite places for expats and what each has to offer.
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Expatriates love Auckland. Auckland is New Zealand鈥檚 biggest city, with 1.5 million people spread out over an area the size of Los Angeles.
It鈥檚 New Zealand鈥檚 most diverse city and is considered the largest Polynesian city in the world. Auckland has a higher cost of living, but it also offers the most jobs across a wide range of industries.
Auckland can have three times as many , and five times as many as Christchurch.
Inspired by Auckland鈥檚 warm, temperate climate and its gorgeous scenery and beaches, Aucklanders love the outdoors. On the weekends, they may visit their beaches or head out on day trips for surfing, sailing, and hiking. Not in the mood for the beach?
Auckland鈥檚 neighborhoods have all the shopping, dining, fitness, and entertainment you could want. International artists and shows play in central Auckland鈥檚 theaters and a large stadium. You鈥檒l also find meetups and events for every expatriate group.
Auckland does have a high cost of living, with expensive rents and real estate. Many expatriates find that this is balanced out by finding good jobs quickly.
Public transport in Auckland is good and improving constantly. And if you like downtown living, central Auckland apartments are surprisingly affordable. Just read the fine print to check the fees for body corporates or quake-strengthening.
Considerations for Living Outside Big City Auckland
While Auckland is a wonderful option for expats moving abroad from the US to New Zealand, to spread the benefits of expats and migrants evenly, New Zealand immigration visas reward those who can work outside of Auckland.
If you have a job offer outside Auckland, it can be easier to meet your . But Auckland is a large metropolitan area and is a desired destination for many expats!
Wellington: New Zealand鈥檚 Cool Capital
Windswept is a mid-sized city perched on the hills around Wellington Harbor, at the south end of the North Island. Its hillside homes and stunning views remind many visitors of San Francisco.
But Wellington鈥檚 cost of living is much lower than in other New Zealand cities like Auckland. Its creative scene is famous thanks to the success of W膿t膩 FX鈥檚 film empire, founded by Peter Jackson.
And the Wellington job market welcomes expatriates. All these things make Wellington a favorite for expats and migrants.
Wellington is New Zealand鈥檚 capital. As a result, nearly are with government branches and agencies. Many of these agencies accept job applications from qualified migrants and will help sponsor a work-related visa.
Downtown Wellington is lively with bookstores and record stores, sophisticated bars and dining, and New Zealand design boutiques.
After 2020, Wellington鈥檚 many suburbs have had their retail revival, with new cafes and gourmet shops for the work-from-home crowd. The city鈥檚 active film and theater scene has many links to W膿t膩 FX, which is still based in Wellington鈥檚 Miramar suburb.
Christchurch: The Center of the South Island
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It is centered around spacious, tree-filled Hagley Park and the Avon River.
It has always been popular with expatriates, especially those from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan, who find that than that of London or Tokyo. Expats typically find work in software, medicine, and hospitality.
Both expats and families in New Zealand choose Christchurch for its well-priced and well-built housing. Many people cycle to work or school, helped by Christchurch鈥檚 60km of cycleways.
Christchurch draws its share of international performers. Its alternative music scene, including the World Buskers Festival, is going strong.
And Christchurch cuisine makes the most of New Zealand flavors, especially beef, lamb, and fruit from nearby Otago.
Living in Christchurch also makes the South Island’s activities accessible. These include skiing, hiking, and visiting vineyards and craft brewers.
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An hour south of Auckland, the inland town of Hamilton was once a quiet regional center. Workers and families from the countryside came to Hamilton for services.
Its main attraction was and is Hamilton Gardens, a world-famous park that makes the most of Hamilton鈥檚 warm, mild climate.
In the nineties, Hamilton chose the motto, 鈥淭he City of the Future.鈥� In response, amused locals nicknamed the city “Hamiltron,” shortened to 鈥淭he Tron.鈥�
Today, the ambitious motto is coming true. Hamilton is on the rise, and more expats are moving there. They have good reasons.
Houses and stly than in Auckland. Businesses are choosing to locate in Hamilton and the Waikato because their workers want to be there.
New rail services connect Hamilton and Auckland. Hamilton is also only an hour and a half from Auckland International Airport. If you want to stay connected to the world while living affordably in New Zealand, give 鈥渢he Tron鈥� a chance.
New Plymouth: Affordable Kiwi Charm
New Plymouth may be one of the best places to live in New Zealand for families seeking a calmer daily routine, as it’s a smaller, quieter city.
It is the main city in the Taranaki region, on the North Island鈥檚 west coast. Expats often get jobs here in teaching, oil and gas engineering, or food technology.
Those who move to New Plymouth are rewarded with a beautiful area and an affordable lifestyle. , though rentals may be a little hard to find.
The region has a strong local music and comedy scene, as well as many outdoor events and festivals. Families love the beautiful parks and playgrounds, as well as the easy beach access.
New Plymouth鈥檚 beaches shelter many great surfing spots, with surf schools to get you started. To experience classic New Zealand life, try New Plymouth!
Moving to New Zealand with Family
New Zealand鈥檚 smaller regional centers may be the best places to live for families. You may be tempted by a job offer there, particularly in teaching or medicine at one of New Zealand’s hospitals.
People who enjoy these areas love the outdoors. They may have a background in farming or primary industries. Families also do well in New Zealand鈥檚 regions.
Having children in local schools and activities helps everyone make friends and enjoy New Zealand culture.
Be aware that New Zealand鈥檚 regional towns don鈥檛 have international airports. Flying from the regions to Auckland or Christchurch can be costly: driving may take 3 to 6 hours. Visit these places to see if they are a match for you.
Dunedin: The Edinburgh of the South
Families and professionals often find New Zealand鈥檚 South Island town of Dunedin rewarding. Dunedin perches on hills around a clear blue harbor, enjoying four clear seasons.
The brings events, opportunities, and lively students from around New Zealand. Dunedin鈥檚 Edwardian villas and draw New Zealanders and migrants alike.
Budget-Friendly Living in New Zealand
For expats on a budget, the best place in New Zealand will come with affordable living. More havens for a reasonable cost of living in New Zealand are in the North Island: the towns of Taup艒 and Rotorua, and the region called Northland.
These areas are great for early retiree expats who want to live affordably and host family and friends. Taup艒 and Rotorua are well known to visitors. In the early 2020s, both towns had a building boom with new housing.
Northland, called 鈥渢he winterless North,鈥� is the warmest part of New Zealand. It has rolling farms, sand dune beaches, forestry land, and national parks.
Its climate delights those who want to work in a garden and those who want to relax. Whang膩rei is a popular city in the Northland and is often referred to as . The city is rich in history and home to the largest native forest in the Northland, Waipoua Forest.
Luxury New Zealand Living
For affluent expats, three regions offer some of the most upscale experiences in New Zealand, with real estate prices to match.
The Hawke鈥檚 Bay region of the North Island is a vineyard district that offers elevated dining and cultural events.
Napier and Hastings are its main towns. In the heart of the South Island, Queenstown鈥檚 dramatic lake setting makes it a global destination. Recent developments and high-quality facilities give it a North American feel.
At the top of the South Island, Nelson鈥檚 golden sand beaches and small, pretty towns draw expatriates who love coastal living at its finest. The Nelson area is also just a few hours from Wellington via interisland ferry.
Find the Best Place to Live in New Zealand
To find the best place to live in New Zealand, go for a visit! We recommend renting for your first three to six months so you can be confident that where you鈥檙e starting your new life in New Zealand is right for you.
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Emily Cotlier is an experienced communications consultant and business analyst, senior analyst at New Zealand鈥檚 Parliamentary Counsel Office, specializing in visas, immigration, international relocation, and managing finance, insurance, and real estate.
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