Top 10 Reasons to Move to New Zealand

1. The taxes are low

One benefit of moving to New Zealand is the low tax rate. In fact, New Zealand has one of the lowest tax rates in the world. For the average earner (around 70% of the population) taxes are only 17.5% and there are no capital gains, social security or inheritance tax. Yes, your average wages may be lower, but the money you earn is able to go farther.

2. Land is cheaper and plentiful

Due to a small population (there are about ten times more sheep and lambs than people), land in New Zealand is cheaper and more readily abundant than in most industrialized areas. The standard of living is also lower, with gas and dining out being more affordable than elsewhere in the world.

3. Population is small but friendly

As we already mentioned, New Zealand has a relatively small population (around 4.5 million) a population made up of extremely friendly people known as Kiwis. In addition to being welcoming to expatriates, the pace in New Zealand is also super laid back, with less pressure being put on locals at work and in their day to day lives because of a less substantial class gap. The small population also helps strengthen their sense of community.

4. The weather is subtropical

Depending on which area of New Zealand you happen to be in, the weather can vary drastically, but for the most part it’s consider subtropical with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 61 °F from the South to the North. While the South island is more prone to snow from June through October, it is a less common occurrence on the North Island.

5. There are exotic locales

In addition to nice weather, New Zealand also boasts several tropical beaches as well as a variety of exotic landscapes including volcanic plateaus, glaciers, fiords, mountains and subtropical forests. It’s also the home to wildlife you can’t find anywhere else, like the national icon the kiwi, which is a type of flightless bird indigenous to the area. New Zealand also has more penguin species in their coastal waters than anywhere else in the world.

6. It’s still a developed country

Don’t let all the talk of landscapes and exotic animals fool you, if you’re more of a city person, New Zealand has that too. For urban life you don’t need to look any farther than Auckland, the “city of sails,” so-called because every third household in Auckland can afford and has a ship. With a population of over one million, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand but is built on a volcanic field of 48 volcanoes and is surrounded by forests and national parks.

7. Quality of life is high

According to the Human Development Index, New Zealand has a high standard of living and a higher life expectancy for residents. This is due in large part to affordable housing, a high-quality education, good transportation, relatively low food costs and a high climate which allows people to participate in more outdoor activities. Plus, the crime rate is very low. New Zealand offers a great quality of life to British expats moving there. The country ranks high on the Human Development Index, with good life expectancy and a high standard of living. Quality of life is excellent, with affordable housing, good transportation infrastructure, high-quality education and affordable food prices. Thanks to the generally mild climate and the stunning landscape, outdoors activities and sports are popular, including hiking, cricket, soccer, skiing and mountaineering. New Zealand is also one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with very low crime levels.

New Zealand offers a great quality of life to British expats moving there. The country ranks high on the Human Development Index, with good life expectancy and a high standard of living. Quality of life is excellent, with affordable housing, good transportation infrastructure, high-quality education and affordable food prices. Thanks to the generally mild climate and the stunning landscape, outdoors activities and sports are popular, including hiking, cricket, soccer, skiing and mountaineering. New Zealand is also one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with very low crime levels.

New Zealand offers a great quality of life to British expats moving there. The country ranks high on the Human Development Index, with good life expectancy and a high standard of living. Quality of life is excellent, with affordable housing, good transportation infrastructure, high-quality education and affordable food prices. Thanks to the generally mild climate and the stunning landscape, outdoors activities and sports are popular, including hiking, cricket, soccer, skiing and mountaineering. New Zealand is also one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with very low crime levels.

8. The society is multi-cultural

In addition to locals, New Zealand is also the home to the Maori: a group of indigenous people who originated from eastern Polynesia between 1250 and 1300 CE. People who identify as Maori make up roughly 15% of New Zealand’s population. While only 1 in 5 Maori speak the language (Te Reo Maori), common Maori phrases like “kia ora” have worked their way into New Zealand’s culture.

9. Outdoor activities are favored

Thanks to its vast range of climates, terrain and the ease it takes to get to these areas, New Zealanders prefer outdoor activities as a way of life. In addition to sports such as rugby, cricket and soccer, the area also offers non-team activities like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving and various water sports including sailing.

10. Expats are happier

Overall, expatriates living in New Zealand say they are happier and more stress free because of cheaper taxes, more affordable property and the clean air and natural environment that surrounds them. Bonus: there’s no traffic and you can wear t-shirts in the winter.

Fully convinced that New Zealand is the country for you? Find out what you need to know about New Zealand customs regulations and what is required for your move abroad.