International Removal Guide
Moving to New Zealand
Known worldwide for it’s beautiful climate and home to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it’s no surprise that more and more people are leaving the UK and moving to New Zealand. Swapping a busy life for more outdoor pursuits, many families choose to live in New Zealand not only for the views, but the cost of living and tight restrictions that keep New Zealand a haven for those looking to retire to the outdoors.
So, whether you’re moving to New Zealand for work, family, or just looking to retire there, follow our international removals guide below to ensure you have all the correct information before moving to your new life abroad! Got a Question? Drop us an Email!
1. Why Move to New Zealand?
Quality of Life
Consistently ranking in the top 15 countries in the world for quality of life, New Zealand is almost on a par with the United Kingdom. Boasting excellent healthcare, education and overall well-being, New Zealand has a much lower population density compared to many Western nations. Offering clean air, open space and more outdoor pursuits than you could possibly manage in a lifetime, New Zealand offers a great quality of life for all of it’s residents.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
New Zealand’s key industries of agriculture, tourism and IT have helped maintain a stable economy. With a low employment rate (around 3.5%), there is a high demand for skilled workers, with the government offering a range of visas to entice international talent. The average salary in New Zealand is approximately $60,000 (£27,000 in the UK), but this will vary depending on the industry and location.
Climate and Natural Beauty
New Zealand has some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. With Mount Cook sitting proud (12,218ft) above all others, if you like outdoor pursuits then New Zealand is the place to move to. With an excellent all year round climate and the ability to surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Ease of Integration
As New Zealand is an English speaking country, making new friends and integrating with the locals is relatively easy. Known for their friendly and welcoming nature, Kiwi’s are a proud nation, and take pride in welcoming newcomers to their shores.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about New Zealand as a country:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 5.47 million |
| Official Language | English |
| Currency | New Zealand Dollar |
| Time Zone | GMT+12 |
| Major Cities | Auckland and Wellington |
3. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to New Zealand, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move.
Fortunately there are a range of visa options such as work visas, skilled migrant visa, and even investor visas. Processing time for these visas can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
- Work Visa: Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer
- Skilled Migrant Visa: Based on a points system that considers age, work experience and your qualifications
- Investor Visa: Requires a significant (read at least 6 figures) financial investment in New Zealand itself
4. Preparing for Your Move
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
Located in Australasia, shipping your goods to New Zealand from the UK is the most cost-effective option. Although much quicker, air-freight is a lot more expensive. Being an island nation, a road train is not a viable option.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from 6-8 weeks.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods.
- Road Train: Not an option
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of New Zealand customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport and proof of residence in New Zealand
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
In New Zealand, and most other countries, certain items like alcohol, tobacco and electronics may attract higher duty payments, or may even require special permits! Vehicles can be imported, but require registration and a roadworthiness test. The Kiwis drive on the left hand side of the road too, so you wouldn’t have to make any alterations if you were shipping your vehicle with you.
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Costs
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination, and customs duty! Here’s a further breakdown of these costs:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £5000-£8000. Plus transport costs when you get there. While air freight can be upwards of £10,000.
- Custom Duties: These will vary depending on the value you have put on your goods. If the item is valued at more the NZ$1000 then customs do not collect duty fees. Typically though, New Zealand charges a 15% import tax on items below NZD$1000. For example, if your laptop is worth £200. You would pay a total of £30 to import it into New Zealand. Confused? Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT and duty you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: You may need to factor in the costs of staying short-term if awaiting a visa or a room to become available. Put aside approximately £75-£100 per night for a comfortable night of sleep in Auckland. Whereas a night’s stay in a more urban location will cost less, at between £50 and £75 per night.
6. Settling In: Housing, Schools, and Healthcare
A. Housing
The housing costs in New Zealand depend greatly on where you plan to live. Here are the average house costs in New Zealand depending on location:
- Auckland: $1,000,000
- Wellington: $675,000
- Nelson: $650,000
- West Coast: $400,000
B. Education
If you’re an English speaker, then integrating into the Kiwi education system should be relatively straight forward. International students are charged, but the fees are around half of what a private school would cost back in the UK. With no real difference in results between private and public schools, we’ve listed our top 3 schools in New Zealand below:
C. Healthcare
Fortunately, New Zealand has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom. This means that you will be offered the same level of care in New Zealand as you would back home in the UK.
Top 3 Rated Hospitals in New Zealand:
7. New Zeland and Similar Destinations
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | New Zealand (NZD) | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) | USA (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bed, city centre) | 3,000 | 3,500 | 2,800 | 2,500 |
| Utilities (monthly) | 250 | 220 | 300 | 180 |
| Public Transport | 150 | 160 | 180 | 120 |
| Groceries (monthly) | 800 | 750 | 850 | 700 |
Pros of Moving to New Zealand Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- High Quality of Life: Clean environment, outdoor focused and low crime rates.
- Strong Economy: Strict immigration rules have allowed skilled workers to attract higher salaries.
- English Speaking: With English as the main language, it’s much easier to integrate.
- Good Healthcare and Education: Public services in New Zealand are generally of high quality.
Cons of Moving to New Zealand:
- High Cost of Living: The cost of living is significantly higher in cities like Auckland and Wellington.
- Strict Biosecurity Laws: Moving personal items requires careful compliance with the numerous regulations.
- Distance: Travelling from Europe and the US is not only lengthy, but is also costly!
- Limited Public Transport: If you don’t live in a big city, then owning a car is a necessity to get around.
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in New Zealand
Depending on what your interests are, you may wish to choose a location that will suit your needs and desires. So if you’re looking for something specific when moving to New Zealand, we’d suggest the following locations to explore in your new Kiwi home:
- Urban Life: Like the urban life? Explore the vibrant city of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest metropolis, with stunning harbour views, a diverse cultural scene and some of the best dining experiences available. The capital of Wellington also offers a dynamic arts and music scene, not forgetting the iconic Te Papa Museum.
- Coastal and Beach Life: If you like the ocean, consider moving to Tauranga. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate. Don’t gloss over The Bay of Islands either. It too offers stunning scenery and also plenty of fishing opportunities.
- Outdoor and Adventure Lifestyle: Queenstown is the ultimate destination if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Not only does it offer world-class skiing and trails, it is host to several bungees sites as well. If Queenstown is too busy for you, we’d suggest Wanaka for it quieter, yet breathtaking lakes and mountain views.
- Like Food and Wine?: Did you know that the Marlborough region in New Zealand is known for it’s wine? Offering exquisite reds in the form of Sauvignon Blac, food lovers can also enjoy freshly caught sea-food, alongside the country’s famous lamb dishes.
- Festivals: Proud of their Maori heritage, there are plenty of festivals all across the country. The biggest of which is the Waitangi Day celebrations. Don’t forget the Wellington International Arts Festival that links with Rhythm and Vines; a renowned New Year’s even music festival that takes place in Gisborne.
9. FAQs About Moving to New Zealand
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to New Zealand?
Sea freight using 20ft or 40ft shipping containers usually takes between 6-8 weeks, whereas air freight can be as little as 5 days. As in island nation, shipping goods via the sea is the most cost-effective option.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to New Zealand?
Yes, the majority of European pets such as cats and dogs can be brought into New Zealand. However, they must meet specific import regulations, including vaccines, quarantine and micro-chipping if they've not been tagged already. You'll also need several documents to go through NZ Customs. These may include:
• proof of purchase or evidence of ownership, if available
• permit to import the animal
• veterinary certificates
• Air Waybill
• Exempting Statutory Declaration — for dogs
• NZCS 231 Bringing a Pet or Other Animal into NZ
copy of your photo ID.
Q: What are the Living Costs like in New Zealand
Compared to the United Kingdom, the cost of living in New Zealand is approximately 16% lower. For a single person, monthly expenses, including rent, typically range from $1,748 to $1,935. However, a family of four may need upwards of $3,990 to live comfortably
10. Conclusion: Moving to New Zeland
Moving to New Zealand from the Uk can be a daunting, yet enriching experience. Offering a great work-life balance and career prospects, set against a stunning natural environment, moving to New Zealand could be the easiest move you’ll ever make! With English as the main language, integrating is relatively straight forward, however, the slightly lower cost of living means there are fewer job opportunities. If you compare New Zealand against the UK and US, the Kiwi option offers a better work-life balance, but at the cost of higher living expenses. However, if you’re pretty skilled, then getting a visa and job shouldn’t be much of an issue!
For a seamless move to New Zealand from the UK, the team here at Euromovers can help you every step of the way. We’re here to assist with packing, shipping and even customs clearance to ensure a stress-free transition abroad.
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
