Moving to New Zealand from US Guide

New Zealand is a popular immigrant destination for numerous reasons. From its almost ethereal beauty to its superb quality of life, it's a stunning place to call home. Moving to New Zealand from the US is a relatively straightforward process, but it can be loaded with bureaucracy and paperwork. 

Partnering with a company specializing in international moves is an ideal way to streamline the process. Atlas International is committed to helping you live your dream life Down Under. 

Why Choose New Zealand?

People choose New Zealand as their new home for all sorts of reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Stunning Landscape: Natural beauty awaits around every corner in New Zealand. From snowy mountains to warm, rugged coastlines and untamed rainforests, it boasts a range of ecosystems, all within one nation. Nature lovers delight in the ease of outdoor activities, from hiking along rocky canyons to fishing in the sea. 
• Safety: New Zealand frequently ranks as one of the safest countries, with very low crime rates and a high degree of religious tolerance that attracts people from around the world. It also lacks much of the deadly wildlife that exists in neighboring Australia.
• Free Health Care: Health care costs in the US are high. New Zealand's free health care for all permanent residents and citizens is a breath of fresh air. 
• Welcoming to Immigrants: This nation is very immigrant-friendly, granting people with permanent residency the same basic rights as citizens. This includes access to education, travel, voting and health care.
• Laid-back Culture: The culture in New Zealand is one of the most relaxed you'll find, and the people here make it a point to preserve it. Healthy work-life balances are common, keeping you from feeling like you're living to work rather than working to live.
• Ease of Obtaining Work Visas: Before you decide to move to New Zealand permanently, you have the opportunity to receive a work visa through the Working Holiday Visa program.

What You Should Know Before Moving to New Zealand

Navigating the Visa Process

If you intend to stay in New Zealand for more than a few months, you'll need a visa to authorize your presence in the country. New Zealand offers both temporary and permanent options for longer-term stays. 

• Working Holiday Visa: A working holiday visa allows younger people, typically aged 18 to 30, to travel and work in New Zealand. If you're from the US, you can stay for up to 12 months on this visa. However, your primary intention in the country should be to holiday, and you can't accept a permanent job while in New Zealand. You also can't bring children with you, and if your spouse or partner wants to join you, they must apply and qualify for their own separate visa.
• Student Visa: If you wish to study in New Zealand for longer than 3 months, you'll need a student visa. New Zealand has several programs for students depending on their unique circumstances.
• Skilled Migrant Visa: The skilled migrant residency visa allows certain individuals to remain in New Zealand indefinitely. Applicants must aged 55 or younger and meet certain qualifications. You must also already have a job or job offer in New Zealand to apply. Dependent children aged 24 or under and your spouse may go with you.
• Work to Residence Visa: The work to residence visa works similarly to the skilled migrant visa, with slightly different qualifications. You must already have a job or job offer from an accredited employer, which must be full-time and either permanent or fixed-term and lasting at least 12 months. Likewise, you must have spent 24 months working a Green List Tier 2 in-demand role.

Understand the Cost of Moving to New Zealand

The costs associated with moving to New Zealand from the US vary greatly based on numerous factors, including how much you're moving overseas, the visa you're applying for and the number of people going with you. For example, the application for a skilled migrant resident visa is $4,890 NZD for a single person.

Beyond that, moving costs vary from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on how many items need to be shipped. A car, for example, will significantly increase the cost. Since shipping costs are calculated by weight, it can help to pack as lightly as possible. It may be cheaper to purchase new furniture rather than bring what you currently own across the ocean.

Generally speaking, New Zealand is more affordable than the US, but some aspects of life are significantly more expensive. For example, fueling your car with gas is likely to cost you more. However, your housing costs may be significantly lower depending on where you choose to live. The average rent for a small one- or two-bedroom home is about $265 USD ($400 NZD) weekly. This translates to about $1,600 NZD or $1,060 USD per month, which is significantly lower than the US norm.

Life in New Zealand: What to Expect

In New Zealand, you can largely expect the same laid-back, warm community culture, regardless of where you live. As a permanent resident, you'll gain access to public education and health care. However, other aspects of living in New Zealand may vary depending on where you choose to live. Some common cities people immigrate to include:

• Auckland: You'll find just about any urban amenities, including entertainment, dining, and shopping, here. It's New Zealand's biggest city, but housing expenses tend to be higher than in other cities. However, good job opportunities typically make this manageable.
• Christchurch: The largest city on the South Island, Christchurch is a favorite expatriate destination for those looking for great jobs and lower costs. It's also great for people who want easy access to outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking.
• Napier: Napier is a quieter coastal city with beautiful Art Deco architecture and a thriving arts culture. While the cost of living is somewhat high, it has a comfortable, Mediterranean-style climate, which may appeal to those looking to immigrate to New Zealand. 
  
  

Choosing the Right Moving Partner

For efficiency and to save yourself from navigating mountains of paperwork, you need the right moving partner for your international move. We offer comprehensive moving services, from pre-move planning to unpacking your belongings into your new home and everything in between. Your move is as unique as you are, and that's why we work to create custom solutions tailored to your needs.

Making the Move: Step-by-Step With Atlas International

Planning and executing your international move couldn't be simpler with Atlas International. It starts with an initial consultation, where we gather the necessary information and create a quote for your specific needs and wants. From there, we'll handle as much as you want us to. We can take care of the packing process before shipment and handle all the customs paperwork as you cross the seas and settle in your new country. We'll even help you unpack your belongings in your new home if you want us to.

Tips for a Seamless Transition When in New Zealand

Of course, once you arrive in New Zealand, you'll experience a transition period. However, some resources can help you acclimate quickly. 

The New Zealand Newcomers Network can help you settle into your new community, providing vital lifelines to new friends and events in your area. You'll also find local expat communities with people who can help you learn the ropes and adapt to local customs. 

The New Zealand government provides a handy guide to modern New Zealand mannerisms, which can help you learn which behaviors are considered polite and which should be avoided while you settle in. 

Most importantly, get out there and explore! The people of New Zealand are exceedingly friendly and welcoming, and there's no better way to get to know your community than jumping in headfirst.

Start Your New Zealand Adventure With Atlas

Your cross-country adventure awaits. Whether you're in the first stages of considering logistics and building your international moving checklist or you already have a date set up for the big day, we're here to help. After all, we've helped more people like you with moves across the world than we can count. Contact us today for a personalized moving quote, and let us make your move to New Zealand the easiest one ever.