Best Places to Live in New Zealand

Both islands of New Zealand are stunning and full of amazing places to live, exciting career opportunities, high-quality education and countless things to do. And with a lower cost of living in many areas, what else could you ask for in a new international destination?

If you’re currently thinking about moving to New Zealand, you might be wondering where best to set up a home. Discover the best places to live and find out exactly what makes them so appealing before you make your decision. Here are our top picks for places to move to.

And with a lower cost of living in many areas, what else could you ask for in a new international destination?

1. Auckland – The Metropolitan Core

Auckland is the largest and most populated city in New Zealand, and probably where you will first land when you arrive here. It’s an amazing city with a fantastic range of popular leisure activities ranging from kayaking to hiking volcanic landscapes to running along black sand beaches. You can also enjoy a strong foodie atmosphere and fun nightlife, excellent for young professionals. There are also some amazing exhibits year-round at the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery. And because the city straddles the thin point of the North Island, it’s also one of the few places in the world where you can walk across an entire country in an afternoon.

Well known for its access to job opportunities and temperate climate, Auckland is a popular choice for expats seeking a city life. There is however a higher cost of living (when compared to the rest of New Zealand) to consider, particularly if you want to live in the city centre.

If you are relocating with your young family, or are hoping to have children in the future, you’ll be pleased to know that Auckland boasts one of the best education systems in the world and is home to the prestigious University of Auckland.

2. Wellington – The Capital City

The other major city on the North Island is Wellington, home to a massive art scene, creative spirit and a booming tech sector. The capital city is small with a huge sense of community pride. The people here love the outdoors and sports, and they place great value on local produce and appreciating nature. 

The city itself is split into various neighbourhoods, all offering something different for those looking to live there. Families looking for a quiet and safe area often opt for Mount Cook or Brooklyn, whereas young professionals typically favour the vibrant Te Aro. 

For those living in the city, there is plenty to keep you busy, including the National Museum, the Botanic Garden and the Zealandia Reserve. If you have a love for fine dining then the number of food and drink establishments in the capital is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

3. Christchurch – The Heart of the South Island

Hit by four large earthquakes between September 2010 and December 2011, Christchurch is a mix of old and new, situated on the north of the South Island. The ongoing redevelopment in the city means there is a huge demand for those working in the construction sector. If this is your area of expertise, this could be an easy place to find work for you.

There are many suburbs scattered amongst the Canterbury plans and into the Port Hills that are popular with those looking for a quiet, slower pace of life. Housing in the inner suburbs is more expensive but popular for those with an established career. With oceans and mountains at its doorstep, Christchurch is also a very visually appealing place to live

4. Queenstown – The Home of Adventure

Known as the adventure capital, there are plenty of adrenaline-raising activities year-round in this South Island city. The thrills on offer range from skiing, bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, river rafting, the world’s highest cliff jump, and more. For those who like a bit more of a sedate pace, Lake Wakatipu is beautiful to cycle around.

The cost of living in Queenstown is high, with a shortage of housing that results in rapidly increasing prices. However, if you have the finances available to support yourself here and are searching for a destination where people truly follow the ethos of ‘work to live’ and not ‘live to work’, then Queensland could be the ideal place for you.

5. Napier – The Art Deco Capital of the World

Situated in the wonderful Hawke’s Bay, Napier offers city living for a lower cost than many of New Zealand’s largest cities. Employment opportunities vary, with the Napier Port being one of the biggest employers in the area. 

Following a catastrophic earthquake in 1930, huge and immediate efforts to rebuild the city have resulted in a large spread of gorgeous Art Deco architecture filled with Maori artistic touches. The city is also home to large and beautiful vineyards, along with the world-class National Aquarium.

6. Dunedin – The Wildlife Capital of New Zealand

Founded by Scottish immigrants, Dunedin is now known for being a university town. It is characterised by gorgeous Edwardian and Victorian architecture, home to plenty of food, art, and nightlife establishments. The nearby beaches and green areas provide ample outdoor spaces for recreational activities. In short, Dunedin is a shining hidden jewel for expats looking to relocate.

This charming city also boasts a welcoming community feel and friendly locals who are eager to help expats settle quickly. Properties in the area vary in style from large wooden villas to homes with a more modern design, many of which are considered affordable when compared to other destinations in the country. 

When it comes to both employment and education opportunities, Dunedin is often considered one of the best places to live in New Zealand.

7. Tauranga – The Largest City in the Bay of Plenty

Not well-known outside of New Zealand, this city is situated in the heart of the Bay of Plenty and has become increasingly popular amongst expats in recent years.

The city is culturally and historically rich, with unmatched beauty and offering a great quality of life. Unemployment rates are low and temperatures tend to sit between 7 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius year-round. With a mild climate and plenty to do, you should definitely look into Tauranga when considering moving to New Zealand.

There are many water-based activities that are popular in Tauranga, including fishing, sailing, scuba-diving and more. If you do take to the water by boat, there’s a strong possibility of spotting dolphins or whales.

These are just a select few of the major cities that you could choose to move to whilst planning your new life in New Zealand. And with so many factors to consider, making the right decision for you takes thorough research and time. If you are ready for your relocation, get in touch to find out about our bespoke international removals service.