What's Life Like in New Zealand?

Fantastic - of course we're biased - but don't take our word for it, click here to read what recent migrants think. Or, check out our recent ranking as the third best country in the world to live in!

With a temperate climate, and stunning variations in our geography - all surrounded by the Pacific and Tasman Oceans – people in New Zealand happily lead an outdoor life. Knowing that you'll spend far less time commuting in New Zealand than in most world cities, you'll also enjoy far more time with your friends and family. No matter where you live in New Zealand, for instance, you are probably less than an hour from the ocean, and less than 4 hours from a ski field. Which means on the same day you can mountain bike, snowboard and surf!

At the same time, cafe society and cultural activities rival those anywhere. New Zealand has produced some of the world's top opera singers, musicians, writers, painters - all of whom are easily accessible for your enjoyment. New Zealand cuisine and regional wineries are well-regarded internationally - so you'll have plenty to tempt your taste buds.

With just over 4 million people living in New Zealand, it's easy to find - or get away from - the crowd. So if your preference is access to big-city shopping, check out Auckland (the largest city with over 1.5 million residents), Christchurch, Wellington (the capital) or Dunedin. But one of the joys of New Zealand is that you can also choose to live a more rural lifestyle, and still live within an hour's drive of the centre of any of these cities. Or you can choose to settle in the country - there's plenty of room for expansion here! 

New to New Zealand?  Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) gives you a clear point of contact in your new community, helping you find the resources and information you and your family need to settle in comfortably.

SSNZ is supported by both local and central government, so assistance is free. To find out more, including the Settlement Support location nearest you, visit the Settlement Support website.  www.ssnz.govt.nz.

Click here to see the Longitudinal Immigration Study – the most comprehensive migrant research ever done in New Zealand. 7000 people were tracked over their first three years here, and the results show that most of our new residents are satisfied, well settled and even recommending New Zealand to their friends and family overseas.
 

Life in Auckland
Auckland's islands, glistening harbours and forest ranges are set against the backdrop of a modern city environment, providing a lifestyle ranked one of the best in the world - in 2010 Auckland was voted 4th in the world on the Mercer Quality of Living scale and the top in the Asia-Pacific region.

A large, vibrant, business-friendly city, Auckland offers a wide variety of exciting work and lifestyle opportunites. With a thriving economy and a strong cultural mix, Auckland has a rhythm all of its own. Whether you want an outdoors lifestyle, an urban playground or something in between, Auckland has something for everyone. Everything is just a stones throw away, giving you the ability to balance your life to suit.

Helpful Links:
Workingin-newzealand.com 
Investauckland.com 
Aucklandnz.com