Moving to Auckland
If you are considering moving to Auckland, or are planning an international removal to New Zealand we understand that you must have a lot of questions. We strive to make the process of moving to some of the most beautiful and desirable places as stress free and efficient as possible, taking the utmost care of your possessions and ensuring that all your queries are answered. We have specialised in international removals to Auckland and New Zealand for over 50 years and our entire team are experts in export packing, understanding the complexity and taking the time to listen and understand your requirements before we begin the moving process.
About Auckland
There are miles of pristine coastline with dramatic black sand bays to the west and sheltered golden beaches to the east. This ‘City of Sails’ also boasts two beautiful harbours where Aucklanders flock to set sail or simply enjoy the views from the top restaurants and cafes scattered around the waterfront. Auckland is a thriving city generating over a third of New Zealand’s GDP, so an excellent choice for work and business opportunities. It is hardly surprising that Auckland consistently ranks in the top five most liveable cities in the world and more and more expats are discovering why for themselves, which is why internationals removals to New Zealand are becoming such a popular choice!
Areas to Live in Auckland
Once you’ve decided to make the move to Auckland, you’ll need to decide on exact location for your international removal. Here are some of the hotspots around Auckland.
Devonport
With sea views and the stunning peaks of Mount Victoria and North Head, Devonport is undoubtedly one of Auckland’s most beautiful suburbs. This harbourside district is a short ferry ride from the city and has plenty of pretty shops and cafes and yet is protected from overdevelopment due to its historic nature.
St Heliers
The sheltered bay of St Heliers is located to the east of the city and boasts one of Auckland’s best beaches, complete with cafes, a boardwalk and a great play area for the children. This is a perfect suburb for families moving to Auckland with top schools and plenty of green spaces to explore.
Grey Lynn
The leafy streets and traditional architecture of this south west suburb are becoming increasingly popular with expats looking for an attractive area close to the city. The large park is a perfect picnic spot and home to the Grey Lynn Park Festival each November, a wonderful celebration of the suburb’s arty, bohemian spirit.
Howick
Located on a peninsula just east of the city centre, Howick is one of Auckland’s most historical suburbs with houses and businesses that reflect this. It also has excellent schools and beautiful, clean beaches including Howick Beach and Cockle Bay.
Transport and Getting Around in Auckland
Our International removal service to New Zealand will ensure your belongings get to Auckland safely, but once you’ve arrived you need to be able to get around the city. Road remains the most popular mode of transport for most Aucklanders and the city is reasonably easy to navigate by car. Many do, however, choose public transport when traveling to and from the main commercial district which is well served by trains, buses and ferries. Public transport is operated by Auckland Transport and is generally quick and reliable. There are also exciting plans to extend and improve the rail network to encourage more commuters.
Leisure Activities and Things to Do in Auckland
Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower has spectacular views which stretch from the central skyscrapers to the harbour and beyond. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamāki is home to a wonderfully broad collection including a beautiful selection of Maori art and has recently been named World building of the year. The city is packed with parks and green spaces, the oldest of which is the Auckland Domain with Winter Gardens, formal gardens and bush walks well worth exploring. Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium and Auckland Zoo are perfect days out for families with a huge range wildlife in pretty, well maintained surroundings. For the grown-ups, a night out in Britomart is a great way to spend a Saturday night, in particular the lively Tyler Street Garage Bar and Bistro. Experiencing the exhilarating atmosphere of an All Blacks game at Eden Park Stadium is another Auckland ‘must do’ for even the most fair weather sports fan. For a more scenic excursion, many of the stunning volcanic islands that surround Auckland are a short ferry ride away. A climb to the peak of Rangitoto Island is rewarded with unrivalled views of the harbour, alternatively the larger populated island of Waiheke is ideal for a longer trip, with wonderful wineries and pristine beaches.
Interesting Facts about Auckland
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- Auckland stretches between two major bodies of water, with Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea to the West and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean to the East. It only takes four hours to walk between the two on the Coast-to-Coast Walkway.
- One in three Aucklanders own a boat, giving the city the nickname the ‘City of Sails’.
- At 328 metres tall, Auckland’s ‘Sky Tower’ is the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world and, with increasing numbers moving to Auckland, is expected to grow by more than 50% in the next 50 years.
Other Popular Destinations
FAQ
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.
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.
There are several items that are prohibited from being imported into New Zealand due to the country’s strict biosecurity regulations. These items include:
- Any food, regardless of whether it is cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged, or dried
- Plants or plant products
- Other biosecurity risk items such as animal medicines, biological cultures, and soil or water
- Animals or animal products, including meat, fish, honey, and dairy products
- Items that have been used for outdoor or farming activities
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.
