Are you planning to move to Wellington or considering international removals to anywhere else in New Zealand? We are intercontinental removal experts helping our customers to move and settle in some of the most exciting, appealing and unique cities around the world. Our top priorities are to take the greatest care of your possessions, your wellbeing and eliminate the associated stresses involved with moving, all whilst offering an efficient service. We care that your move fills you with excitement, not dread and that you have faith in us to meet and exceed your standards. We have specialised in international removals to New Zealand for over 50 years and trained our team using our host of experience to ensure your move runs as smoothly as possible.
Our team are exceptionally well trained, kind and very experienced movers that you can rely on to get the job done in a timely, polite and highly efficient manner. However, if you have a specific request or would just like to know more about our services please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Wellington is the cultural heart of New Zealand, home to dozens of galleries and museums, both the National Symphony Orchestra and Ballet and the centre of New Zealand’s now booming film and theatre industry. Wellington also boasts extraordinary natural beauty, located between the stunning harbour and picture perfect green hills. The climate is mild with temperatures typically ranging between 11°C in the Winter and 20°C in the Summer, ideal for enjoying the outdoors all year round. Cost of living is lower than Auckland and many Australian Cities yet salaries are, on average, the highest in New Zealand, so moving to Wellington could also make great financial sense for potential Expats. With culture, beauty and great opportunities, Wellington really is the little capital that could.
As part of our international removals to New Zealand service, we like to look after our customers from start to finish, including acquainting you with your new home city. Below are a few areas to consider when moving to Wellington.
Petone
Located in the Lower Hutt area north of Wellington City, Petone is perfect for those looking for a seafront location away from the city. It has a large, pristine beach with kayaking, hiking, shopping and golfing right on the doorstep, a great choice for a busy, active family moving to Wellington.
Seatoun
East of the city on the gorgeous Miramar Penninsula, the coastal suburb of Seatoun is a desirable, picturesque area with great views over Wellington Harbour. Dundas Street, in the centre of the suburb, is home to boutiques, bookshops, cafes and restaurants and there’s even a small nearby beach.
Roseneath
Less than 10 minutes east of the city centre, Roseneath still maintains a laid back, village feel and boasts stunning sea views. There is also an excellent school and the golden sands of Oriental Bay are just a stone’s throw away, perfect for a weekend picnic and dip.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the quintessential Wellington hillside suburb, bursting with local history and just 10 minutes from the city or the sea. It is separated from the city by the spacious Central Park and home to the quirky Penthouse Cinema and its very own wind turbine on Pol Hill.
Wellington is the most Southerly capital city in World.
Due to its location in the ‘Roaring Forties’, Wellington is known for its strong breezes giving it the nickname ‘Windy Wellington’.
Built in 1876, the Old Government Building is the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere and is still used today as part of the Law Faculty of Victoria University.
Maori legend has it that the North Island was created when a giant fish was pulled to the surface by a navigator called Maui. The fish became the North Island, giving Wellington its earliest name ‘the head of Maui’s fish’ or ‘Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui’ in Maori.
While most still chose to travel by car, Wellington has several first-rate public transport options. There are regular, reliable bus and train services around the city and out to Porirua and Upper and Lower Hutt. Further afield, the Northern Explorer rail line links Wellington with Auckland with spectacular views along the way. Wellington is home to the only guided electric bus network in Oceania, known as Trolleybuses. There are also ferries linking the city with the suburbs of Eastbourne, Petone and Seatoun and even Picton on the South Island.
For more information or to ask our expert team any questions about international removals to New Zealand and the various benefits of moving to this breath-taking and vibrant country then please visit the Moving to New Zealand page, or check out our guide to moving to New Zealand. For specific regional information, you can look at the Moving to Auckland and Moving to Christchurch international removals pages below:
There are dozens of great days out around Wellington to keep even the most restless family busy. Take the cable car up into the hills and visit the Botanic Gardens for a picnic and a stroll in beautiful surroundings. There are plenty of fantastic walks, the Makara Peak Track and City to Sea Walkway out to Island Bay are both well worth getting your hiking boots out for. This cultural city also has an abundance of galleries and museums including the fascinating Museum of Wellington City and Sea and the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa which is packed with fantastic interactive exhibits to keep the kids occupied. If you fancy a wilder day out, visit the exotic creatures at Wellington Zoo or head to Zealandia Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to see some adorable wildlife and admirable conservation work. For nightlife, Wellington punches well above its weight with a host of excellent restaurants, bars and music venues concentrated around the bustling Cuba Street and Courtenay Place.
Yes, UK citizens can indeed move to New Zealand. The process involves selecting the appropriate visa, making sure you meet eligibility criteria and completing the application with the required documents. It is important to be prepared for health checks and character references, and we always recommend allowing for varying visa processing times. Once approved, follow entry requirements, make arrangements for accommodation and employment, and consult official sources for guidance. This is where we come in, John Mason’s international removals service offers comprehensive support, including packing, shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and even pet relocation. Our experienced team of professionals are on hand to provide personalised assistance for a smooth transition.
When bringing pets to New Zealand, remember that strict regulations exist to protect the environment. Requirements vary on the pet type, including vaccinations, health checks, and quarantine, for example microchipping and rabies vaccinations are a must for cats and dogs, costs for these treatments should be expected. Most pets are allowed in New Zealand, such as cats, dogs, and chinchillas from the UK. However, birds, ferrets, mice, rats, reptiles, and snakes are prohibited. Certain dog breeds also have restrictions unless meeting specific criteria, like being a registered service animal. Our dedicated pet relocation team ensures excellent care for your animals, during all aspects of your move to New Zealand.
Yes, it is possible to move to New Zealand when you’re retired. But there are specific visa options and rules you need to meet. One of your options is the Parent Retirement Resident Visa, which is for parents who rely on financial support from their adult child in New Zealand. Alternatively, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is designed for individuals aged 66 or older, allowing a stay of up to two years with requirements including adequate funds and insurance. Keep in mind that visa rules can change, and that there are financial and sponsorship criteria for these visas. You may also need to consider things like healthcare and the cost of living before you decide to make the big move to New Zealand.
There are several items that are prohibited from being imported into New Zealand due to the country’s strict biosecurity regulations. These items include:
It’s important to note that prohibited items will be disposed of upon arrival in New Zealand, so it’s best to leave these items behind when packing for your move.
Moving to New Zealand without a job can be challenging, as most immigration pathways require a job offer or proof of relevant skills to obtain a job once in the country. The visa options without a job include, Partner of a New Zealander Visa, Dependent Child Resident Visa, Parent Resident Visa and more. As always, we recommend you check the latest immigration policies, and consider the financial aspects of relocating to New Zealand without a job.
The cost of relocating to New Zealand varies based on factors like visa type, location, and personal situation. Core expenses include visa fees, airfare, lodging, daily living, healthcare insurance, shipping, settling costs, education charges, and transport. Shipping belongings to New Zealand typically ranges from £1,500 to £10,500 for containers, the final price depends on where you’re moving from, what and how much you’re moving, how you’re shipping it, and the container size you need. We can also ship extra baggage starting at £150. For a quick cost estimate of your removal to New Zealand, try our Instant Online Quote generator. For additional information on any of the above this can be found in our expert online moving guides.
The visa requirements for moving to New Zealand can vary depending on your situation. Generally, if you are planning to move to New Zealand for work, you will need a work visa. If you are planning to move to New Zealand permanently, you will need a resident visa. There are also temporary visas available for those who want to live and work in New Zealand for a set period of time. The application process for visas can be complex, so it’s important to work with a trusted and experienced immigration advisor to ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations.
