Areas to Consider Living in New Zealand
New Zealand offers an expansive list of fantastic choices when it comes time to decide where to live. As English is the dominant language everywhere in New Zealand, quality of life factors like city life, landmarks, activities, climate, and food and wine culture may play a more vital role in this decision. Determining if you would like to be on the North Island or South Island is a smart place to begin.
The North Island is famous for its white sand beaches and geothermal hot springs. Desirable cities like Auckland and Rotorua can be found there as well. The South Island houses populous urban areas like Christchurch and Dunedin and is renowned for being the home of Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s largest mountain. Both islands enjoy proximity to Australia, another major draw for many travelers.
As with most other places, real estate prices in New Zealand vary by province and proximity to urban areas. For instance, the large cultural focal point of Auckland will present a higher cost of living than the less densely populated Greymouth. New Zealand offers a frequency of waterfront properties and accommodations of a more generous size than what’s typically found for the same square footage in other countries with equivalent economies.
Interested expats can use popular sites like New Zealand’s own Trade Me to locate sublet or tradable housing, appliances, furniture, services and other basic essentials for getting settled within the country.
Primary Ways to Immigrate to New Zealand
Immigrating to New Zealand can be accomplished in a number of different ways that will depend on your unique situation. Visa options range from temporary to long-term or permanent. The first step to obtaining your New Zealand visa is to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand. The New Zealand government particularly asks for the creation of an EOI for those who qualify under the skilled migrant category as an early means of identifying interested workers.
The visa application process in New Zealand varies depending on the type of visa that you are seeking. The available visa categories in New Zealand include:
- Visit: This type of visa is good for vacationing in New Zealand for a time but does not come with working privileges. One alternative here is the New Zealand working holiday visa, which is available to travelers between the ages of 18 and 30 who wish to spend up to 12 months in New Zealand and work while exploring the country.
- Work: This standard visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand for a preset period of time and can be a pathway to becoming a permanent resident. This type of visa is temporary and does not come with the full range of access to public benefits that are available under resident visas.
- Study: Students wishing to partake in New Zealand’s world-class education system can apply for this type of visa for the duration of their enrollment at a recognized educational facility.
- Join family: If you already have family in New Zealand or need to bring your family over to join you, there are a wide range of family-oriented options available in the New Zealand visa system. Particular emphasis is given to elderly parents and dependent children.
- Business and investment: Entrepreneurs and investors enjoy special New Zealand visa options all their own. While specific regulations and rules apply in order to qualify, these visas can provide the bearer quick access to the unique business opportunities in New Zealand.
- Residence: The resident visa allows for much greater access to public benefits and state-funded services. It allows the bearer to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely but is not the same as acquiring full New Zealand citizenship.