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Changes in climate
Our climate is continually changing. There is evidence, for example from fossils, which tell us that at certain times the world has been much warmer than it is now, and there was little ice on the North Pole. There is also evidence to suggest that at other times the ice cover was much greater than it is today. Since the 1950s, there has been evidence of a steep climb in global temperature compared to the past. This trend is linked to climate change.

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New zealand way of life

A Practical Guide to the Way of Life in New Zealand

Living in New Zealand means immersing in the friendly Kiwi and Māori ways, the efficient and dynamic working culture, and the country’s appreciation for nature. This section will provide you with everything you need to know to understand New Zealand’s way of life.

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Are you wondering what it is like to live in New Zealand? There are many pros and cons. The nature, weather, extremely low crime rate, and the friendliness of the Kiwis are all positive aspects. Yet, expats need to be aware that relocating so far south can have its downsides. The different time zone (GMT+12) can make it hard to keep in touch with loved ones, and expensive long-distance flights will make it even harder to visit them.

You may also find driving to be different from what you are used to. Besides driving on the left side, tackling the narrow and winding roads in New Zealand adds an extra layer of difficulty to your journeys. This guide will help you decide if you need to exchange your current driver’s license for a New Zealand license, or if you need to take a theory and practical driving test.

We also cover the most common public transportation options in the country and their costs, so you can find the best option for you. Beware, New Zealand’s nation-wide transportation system can be slow and expensive. This guide also covers everyday practicalities that may be overlooked, such as the main holidays, where to find embassies or airports or the best way to set up communications. We explore everything you need to know about these practicalities in our guide.

Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand

Practical Information
Culture and Social Etiquette
Driving in New Zealand
Public Transportation in New Zealand
Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
Although moving to the middle of nature resonates with many expats, it is still important to weigh the pros and cons of living in New Zealand before relocating. Living in a different time zone to your loved ones might make keeping in touch more difficult, yet, the natural beauty of New Zealand and the welcoming locals will help you feel at home. The greatest benefits of living in New Zealand are the sunny weather, the diverse natural landscape, and the stress-free lifestyle. The following list will break down the rest of the pros and cons of living in the land of the Kiwis.

The Benefits of Living in New Zealand

Amazing Weather All Year
New Zealand benefits from a temperate and mild climate all year, meaning that there are more days of sunshine than rain. During the winter months, the North Island stays warm and sunny while the South Island can be covered in snow. Nature lovers will enjoy the endless outdoor activities the country has to offer, regardless of the season. Skiing down a mountain in the morning and surfing in the afternoon is definitely possible in New Zealand.

Untouched Nature

Have you ever watched “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” and admired the natural scenery? Did you know the movies were shot in New Zealand? There are still so many untouched and rugged places, even just a few kilometers outside of big cities. You will feel like an explorer setting foot there for the first time. For a small country, New Zealand has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. You will find untouched beaches, rainforests, deserts, fjords, glaciers, and mountains.

A Quiet Life with Excellent Work-Life Balance

Life in New Zealand is quiet and relaxed. Big cities are not overcrowded and if you live in the countryside your neighbor’s home might be kilometers away from you. The population density in New Zealand is 18 people per square kilometer (47 people per square mile). In comparison, the UK has a population density of 281 inhabitants per square kilometer (727 per square mile).

The fact that there are not many people you might cross paths with on your daily walk is not the main reason life is quiet and laidback. A healthy balance between work and play is encouraged and working overtime is a rarity in New Zealand. That does not mean that New Zealanders are lazy or unsuccessful. As a less achievement-oriented society, they see everyone as equal regardless of their type of profession or wealth.

Friendly and Welcoming People
Kiwis are generally friendly people, with a laidback and positive attitude towards life. Compared to European countries, New Zealand is still a young country. Even Māori, the country’s native inhabitants, have only been living on the island for about 800 years. Like many other countries, New Zealand bears the scars of colonization with a society almost entirely composed of immigrants. Kiwis however, don’t delve in the past. They are open-minded, friendly and welcoming of other nationalities and cultures.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

According to New Zealand’s laws, there is very little difference between being a permanent resident and having citizenship. Permanent residents can vote, leave and re-enter the country at any time, and have access to state-subsidized healthcare and education.

Work Opportunities

Due to the fast-growing economy and the low population density, the economic market is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in many fields, such as IT, finance, healthcare, and tourism. To fill these positions, New Zealand has relaxed its immigration rules and welcomes workers, entrepreneurs, and innovative businesses. If you need more information on how to find a job or set up a business in New Zealand, consult our Working in New Zealand guide.

Accessible Healthcare

In New Zealand, everyone is entitled to government-subsidized healthcare regardless of their residency status. Even non-residents with a temporary visa have access to the country’s excellent medical care, although they sometimes have to pay extra fees. Please keep in mind that dental care costs for adults are not included in the public healthcare program. If you want to know more about the healthcare system, read our full Healthcare in New Zealand guide.

Top-Notch Education

The public education system in New Zealand is known for being one of the best worldwide. It is also free-of-charge, except for uniforms, books, and meals. Some schools also require individual annual donation fees.

Low Crime Rate

According to the InterNations 2019 Expat Insider Index New Zealand places 14 as one of the safest countries for expats. The crime rate in New Zealand is extremely low compared to elsewhere in the world. New Zealand even ranked second in both the 2019 Global Peace Index and in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index. Political scandals are minor compared to other countries.

The Downsides of Living in New Zealand

Far Away and Isolated
New Zealand is a very isolated island. Auckland, for instance, is almost 1,400 miles away from Sydney, and around 5,700 miles from Hong Kong. The huge time difference (GMT+12) can also make it very hard to stay in touch with loved ones, and the expensive long-distance flights will make travel and visit them.

Expensive

New Zealand is a small island country, meaning a lot of products ranging from food to electronics and furniture have to be imported. It is not always possible to shop locally for products. If you are looking for specific brands from your home country, it is likely they won’t be available in New Zealand. You might have to have them shipped from somewhere else and risk paying a lot in custom fees.

Apart from goods, living costs in the cities are very high. Rents are increasing with the number of people flocking to the cities looking for jobs.

Bad Infrastructure
New Zealand does not have an established nationwide rail system. Exploring the country via bus or train is almost impossible. The trains that exist are slow, infrequent, and expensive. As an example, the train from Auckland to Wellington leaves once a day, very early, and the journey takes about 11 hours. In comparison, a car ride from Auckland to Wellington takes about eight hours. It is not only very slow but extremely expensive. A train ticket from Auckland to Wellington costs 160 NZD (95 USD).

Low-Quality Housing at a High Price

Until recently, housing standards in New Zealand have been low. Most of the older homes have poor or no insulation and some don’t even have heating. In addition to that, rent prices are extremely high, especially in the biggest cites Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. You can find more information on New Zealand’s housing market in our housing guide.

Ozone Layer and UV Rays

New Zealand has a lot of sunshine days per year, which can be dangerous. The country is positioned directly underneath a hole in the ozone layer, making the UV rays pose a higher risk than in other countries. Due to the increased potential for sunburn and skin cancer, you cannot forget to use sunscreen even on cloudy days.

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