It’s great to live and work in New Zealand. Many tourists who visit this area fall in love with it and decide to return to live and work there.
When deciding the best place to live in New Zealand, there are several aspects to consider. Some individuals might like the thrill and culture of a large metropolis.
Some people might prefer a smaller town where they can get to know their neighbors and feel more at home. Then some choose a rural, natural setting for their home. Whatever your preferences, New Zealand has a location that is ideal for you.
Finding a suitable place to live and work is one approach to ensure that your relocation to New Zealand goes well. To determine our top locations, we looked at New Zealand’s greatest areas to live. Here are 8 of the top choices if you’re seeking the best places to live in New Zealand.
Auckland
Auckland is one of the best places to live in New Zealand, which has a population of more than 1.4 million and is the biggest city in New Zealand. Along with being the most ethnically diverse city in the nation, it is also home to over 200 distinct ethnic groups.
There are several gorgeous beaches nearby because the city is located on a small isthmus. There are also plenty of things to do in Auckland, like hiking in the adjacent Waitakere Ranges and seeing the numerous museums and art galleries.
Nearby attractions include the Skytower, Mount Eden, Paihia for surfing, and Waiheke for wine drinking.
The greatest city in New Zealand to reside in for business opportunities is Auckland. The Central Business District (CBD) is where the majority of New Zealand’s largest businesses, as well as international businesses, are located.
Best Places to Live in New Zealand: Auckland – A Vibrant Urban Hub with Expensive Living Costs
There are other occupations in the government, the tourism industry, and other professions. If you want fast-paced, interesting city life, Auckland is a terrific place to call home. In New Zealand, it is also among the priciest areas to live in. In Auckland, living expenses are expensive.
Although you’ll enjoy a high standard of living, budget NZD 1,800 for an apartment close to the city core and an extra $1,500 for living costs.
Living in Auckland has several benefits, one of which is the ability to travel for less money by using the public transit system. Auckland is a bustling city, yet the people there are still quite kind.
Additionally, it’s a highly well-liked student city, so you’ll see friendly students everywhere — typically out having fun at the city’s nightclubs.
Wellington
For foreigners seeking both the laid-back Kiwi way of life and the job prospects that come with living in a major city, Wellington is the ideal place. Despite having less-than-ideal weather, the windy city has a breathtaking landscape to make up for it.
The city is situated on hills that encircle Wellington Harbor, with the imposing Remutaka Ranges serving as a background.
There are many things to do and fantastic alternatives for weekend vacations in the Wellington Region, so you’ll never be short of entertainment in Wellington. Given that Wellington is home to most government departments, a substantial percentage of its residents work in the public sector.
However, Wellington also has a big number of hospitality employees in its numerous cafés and bars as well as creative occupations in the ‘Wellywood’ film industry.
Career possibilities are available in the majority of industries for the 400,000 residents. Renting and purchasing real estate in Wellington may be highly expensive, in part because insurance is so expensive.
A modern flat is worth the extra money because many Wellington houses, especially older ones, have little to no insulation, which is uncomfortable during the chilly winters. Apartments are often preferable over houses. A one-bedroom flat typically costs $1,800 per month to rent. Basic foods run for $500 per person per month.
Christchurch
Christchurch is a one of the best places to live in New Zealand because it offers all the excitement and energy of a big city while also being the ideal starting point for seeing the rest of the South Island. Take advantage of this fantastic position by enjoying weekends spent skiing in the winter or at the beach in the summer.
Given that all goods must be imported by air or sea, New Zealand is not recognized for having cheap living expenses. Although Christchurch’s cost of living is around 10% lower than Auckland’s, this is offset by the fact that rent is often higher than other prices.
Christchurch is continually using innovative and inventive methods to recover after the significant earthquake in 2011. As a result, there are several inventive and fun pubs, restaurants, and activities to help you unwind after a long day at the office.
There are several job openings in the construction industry as a result of the major rehabilitation efforts that are now being made.
In addition, Christchurch has a robust manufacturing and engineering sector. At the airport in Christchurch, Air New Zealand maintains a large engineering unit with numerous employees.
Wanaka
Wanaka, situated on New Zealand’s South Island and nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, stands as one of the best places to live in New Zealand, offering picturesque vistas and a myriad of outdoor activities!
This tight-knit community enjoys proximity to popular hiking trails and the stunning Mt. Aspiring National Park, all set against the backdrop of the lovely Lake Wanaka.
In the sweltering summers, you may cool yourself in the lake’s cool water and go trekking in the bush, while snowboarding and skiing are some of the greatest winter activities in Wanaka.
With so many things to do, Wanaka is also a well-liked destination to reside in New Zealand. However, you should be aware that rent costs are rather high and that it might be difficult to find flats at reasonable pricing. A single room may easily run you NZD 300 or more a week.
When you include in other costs for food, furnishings, clothing, and entertainment, you may estimate that a single person’s monthly living expenses in Wanaka will reach $1,500 to NZD 2,000.
Though the town is very tiny, you may still find intriguing career possibilities that contribute to a great work-life balance, so don’t let the expense of living deter you.
Due to Wanaka’s popularity as a tourist destination in New Zealand, employment in the hospitality and tourism sectors is very straightforward to come by. You won’t want to leave Wanaka after you experience its way of life since it is simply too picturesque.
Dunedin
Dunedin is referred to be a “student city” due to its thriving university campus and is well renowned for its lively, welcoming neighborhoods and also one of the best places to live in New Zealand.
Dunedin offers a very good quality of life and is a wonderful fit for people seeking work-life balance.
Due to the short commute times and pleasant weather, locals take advantage of their surroundings by going outside to enjoy the beaches (the surf is awesome! ), participate in sports for the various clubs and organizations, gather for coffee in the Scottish-inspired town center, and explore the city parks and bicycle routes.
As the principal city in the area, it is home to several significant buildings, including a covered stadium that often hosts stars like Ed Sheeran and Elton John.
Royal albatross birds, endangered yellow-eyed penguins, small blue penguins, sea lions, seals, and other local other birds are among the city’s other well-known residents.
There are many job prospects here in addition to a fantastic lifestyle. The Dunedin Hospital and the University of Otago are two of the largest employers, although the city also has major sectors for agriculture, general business, tourism, and food production.
For a couple, the average monthly cost of living in Dunedin is about $2,000 NZ. This includes extremely affordable housing expenses of NZ$500, NZ$150 for utilities, NZ$160 for internet and mobile, NZ$200 for transit, NZ$600 for food and NZ$400 for dining out or entertainment.
House sharing, which is quite common among students, allows individuals (or couples) to save money.
Mount Maunganui
On the eastern coast of the North Island, Mount Maunganui stands out as one of the best places to live in New Zealand, nestled within the relaxed neighborhood of Tauranga, one of the country’s larger yet still cozy cities.
Its convenient location makes it an excellent choice for expats searching for a residence close to Auckland that is also quieter and more centrally located to the rest of the North Island.
However, the major draw of Mount Maunganui is Maunganui Beach and the breathtaking shoreline. This beach, which stretches for kilometres, is among the nicest in New Zealand.
The top lodging options in Mount Maunganui may be located close to Mauao and the main drag. Any local will be kept occupied in this tiny township’s wonderful taverns, restaurants, stores, and markets.
However, it would usually cost more to locate a place to stay here, so staying outside of town would be a more affordable option. The cost of living in Mount Maunganui is comparable to that in other New Zealand cities.
An expensive lifestyle on the beach with your own home may easily run you $6,000–$8,000 per month, with more than half of it going towards rent. On the other hand, there are less expensive choices, including gorgeous accommodations that cost under $300 per week.
Flatters may afford to live in Mount Maunganui and enjoy all of its attractions while still keeping monthly expenses under $2,000.
Queenstown
Queenstown in South Island is unquestionably one of the most beautiful and one of the best places to live in New Zealand. It draws a lot of international backpackers on Working Holiday Visas to the area, where they stay for a year or two to work and socialize.
Due to the high rent and the fact that there is a shortage of housing, this town is also among the most costly places in the nation to reside. The cost of a two-bedroom flat in a decent area is from $450 to $600 a week. Therefore, if you want to live comfortably in Queenstown, you need to make at least $500 each week.
Because Queenstown is a popular tourist destination, the majority of the jobs here are in the tourism industry, and the salary is sometimes not much better than the minimum wage.
Despite this, Queenstown remains one of the best places to live in New Zealand, offering a genuinely beautiful lifestyle. With an array of amazing hikes, adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, skiing, and mountain biking available, it’s no wonder this mountain town draws so many foreign residents..
But don’t worry; Queenstown also has a tonne of inexpensive things to do. The climate is beneficial as well, with typical summer temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius and snow in the winter although it should be noted that the town doesn’t get much snow.
Consider joining neighbourhood Facebook groups like Queenstown Houses to Rent before relocating there; you may locate flats for rent as well as local events where you can meet people.
Waiheke Island
The Hauraki Gulf’s Waiheke Island is a stunning destination close to Auckland, accessible by quick ferry. Around 9,000 people reside on the island, which is well-known for its sandy beaches, wineries, and olive trees.
The island also has a large population of artists, which gives it a unique and varied vibe. Living expenses on Waiheke Island are comparable to those in Auckland. Rent will cost you around NZD 1,800, and basic costs will cost you about NZD 1,500.
However, it’s important to note that the island’s limited public transit options may necessitate owning a car, a factor worth considering while planning your budget.
Overall, if you seek a serene escape from Auckland’s bustling city life while staying within reach, Waiheke Island stands out as a fantastic choice among the best places to live in New Zealand.
Useful Resources
Nomad List (https://nomadlist.com/)
New Zealand Now (https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/)
Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking (https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings)
Conclusion
There are many best places to live in New Zealand, and it all depends on what you’re searching for. If you want to experience the authentic Kiwi lifestyle, we recommend Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, or Queenstown.
Auckland or Wellington may be better choices if you’re seeking a more metropolitan setting. Just keep in mind to consider the cost of living and employment opportunities while deciding where to reside. If you live in New Zealand, I don’t think there’s much you can do wrong.