Moving to New Zealand

A multi-cultural country blessed with fantastic weather and a laidback way of living; who can blame anyone for moving to the incredibly scenic New Zealand? For those moving from the UK, however, the logistics of getting your belongings around 11,426 miles to the opposite side of the earth can be daunting. With decades of experience helping people move to New Zealand, Britannia Movers International is here to help. Whether emigrating to New Zealand solo or packing up an entire family’s possessions, we can assure you the move from A to B will be seamless.

Removals to New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand is a life-changing decision and we know you will want a first-class service to handle getting your belongings to your new home. With Britannia Movers International, you can be safe in the knowledge that we take care of every single stage of your move. When you first get in contact with us, we will visit your home when it best suits you, so we can go through everything we will be moving for you. This level of diligence throughout the removals process enables you to spend time focusing on your exciting new life abroad.

International Removals to New Zealand

Our international moving survey will be carried out towards the beginning of the removals process. During this process, you can decide what’s coming and what is being left behind. Discussions can also be had, and plans put in place regarding storage and items you would like transported to you at a later date. Timeframe, budget and additional assistance will also be catered to, meaning we can put together a comprehensive and bespoke New Zealand moving plan for you.

Additional Removals Services to New Zealand

Whether you opt for shopping or air freight – or a combination of the two – we know it’s not as simple as loading the items up and making sure they arrive safely. Our staff are experts when it comes to emigrating to New Zealand and they will be able to provide you with a full breakdown of what’s required and assist you with any documentation regarding your move.

Wondering how to relocate your pets to New Zealand? Want to take your car with you? Worried about insurance? Save yourself a headache and get in touch with Britannia Movers  International today, or check out a sample of our additional removal services below.

Arriving in New Zealand

Your items can take up to 14 weeks to reach New Zealand, so we will arrange to have them sent across far in advance of your arrival. Please be aware that, despite your visa having been arranged in advance, there will be the inevitable paperwork that needs completing. Furthermore, you will also need to anticipate customs on arrival. However, most items are cleared within 14 days of arrival and, if you select our door-to-door removal service to New Zealand, we will deliver your belongings to your new home and handle the entire process.

If you are moving to New Zealand and need removal services, then give Britannia Movers International a call today on 0845 600 661. One of our international removal specialists and find out how easy it is to move to New Zealand. We’ll give you a full breakdown of the process and an idea of the costs of emigrating as well.

Emigrating to New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand is a decision heralded by the 210,000+ individuals from the UK who now call the country home. With so much to offer expats, particularly those who are skilled workers, no wonder it features heavily in countless articles revealing the best places for expats to live in the world.

Moving to New Zealand from the UK

Whether you are buying or renting a property in New Zealand, no home will be complete without your possessions. Britannia Movers International specialise in helping individuals and families move their belongings, from grand pianos to cutlery, safely and swiftly to destinations all over New Zealand. With decades of international removals experience and endless local knowledge, moving your worldly goods to New Zealand couldn’t be easier.

Transporting Your Belongings to New Zealand

Depending on timeframes, belongings can be moved from the UK to New Zealand by air or sea.  Container shipments usually take between nine and 14 weeks door to door. However, if you need your possessions more quickly it is possible to have some or all of them flown over. Regardless of which option is best for you, you can rest assured that your shipment will be expertly handled and in perfect condition when it reaches your new home in New Zealand.

New Zealand Imports

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty-free entry into New Zealand. However, you must have owned and used all items for at least 12 months prior to importation. You will be required to provide an inventory and import documentation. Don’t worry, we will help you complete all paperwork.

You and each member of your family must hold a valid passport and visa to enter New Zealand. Once your belongings arrive in New Zealand it normally takes between five and 14 days for customs clearance and delivery.

New Zealand Customs Restrictions

Like all countries, New Zealand is specific about what can and cannot be brought into their country. Restrictions are put on imports so that the country’s community, environment and economy are protected. In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Inflammable goods and substances
• Plants and plant material
• Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise
• Narcotics and dangerous goods
• Offensive materials
• Alcohol and tobacco

Pet Relocation to New Zealand

Pets are a huge part of any family and following the correct procedures means your important family member(s) can relocate with you to be part of your new life in New Zealand.

Britannia Movers International can help with the transport of domestic pets from the UK to New Zealand. We work with a pet transport company who specialises in relocating pets to new countries and they will be able to help you with all the paperwork and vaccinations your pet will need to travel.

Most pets will require the following:

• To be a minimum of 12 weeks of age
• Microchip
• Pet passport
• Rabies vaccination
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)

Importing a Car into New Zealand

Bringing any motor vehicle from the UK to New Zealand will be subject to compliance. Furthermore, duty and tax may also apply. Investigate before you decide to import your car into New Zealand as it may be more cost effective to sell or put into storage with us and purchase a car locally in New Zealand.

Currency Transfer to New Zealand

When relocating, you will almost certainly need to transfer money from the UK to New Zealand or make international payments before your arrival. Britannia Movers International can recommend reputable foreign currency exchange services to help protect you from exchange rate fluctuations, and save you time and money on international payments.

Travelling to New Zealand from the UK

When you travel to New Zealand, prepare to spend around 24 hours on an aircraft. Flights from the UK to New Zealand tend to stop at Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. Many choose flights with a short stopover, using the time to freshen up in the airport and have a meal. However, some present the opportunity to spend a night or two in a new country.

Those who have flown to New Zealand before tend to steer clear of flights that go ‘the wrong way round’ via Los Angeles. Many believe this route means you will suffer from less jet lag. But the downside of LAX is having to pass through full customs despite the fact you will not be leaving the airport.

New Zealand Visas

New Zealand has strict immigration rules in place. Those over 18 years of age will need to classify as a skilled migrant and meet all health, character, and English ability requirements. However, despite stringent regulations, the New Zealand immigration department is friendly, helpful, and easy to contact. So, if you are in any doubt at all, it is best to get in touch with them directly.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa New Zealand

If you want to live and work permanently in New Zealand, a Skilled Migrant visa could be the option for you. To qualify you must be under 56 years old, pass a health and police check, speak excellent English and have higher education qualifications and ample work experience. Each category will give you a number of points, which will be added up to create a final value. Expats require a minimum of 100 points. The higher your points tally, the higher your chances of success, but even with the 100-point minimum there is every possibility of selection, although it may take a little longer for your application to be considered.

Work to Residence Visa New Zealand

If you don’t classify as a skilled migrant a Work to Residence visa could be an alternative if you want to live and work in New Zealand. Whilst there are numerous visas and permits geared toward employment in New Zealand the most desirable is the Work to Residence visa. Its popularity, in part, is due to permanent residency being granted after two years of employment.

Permanent Resident Visas for New Zealand

If you have worked temporarily in New Zealand, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa. You would not be a citizen of New Zealand, but a permanent resident, and you can still remain in the country indefinitely.

As a resident of New Zealand, you have access to health care and education, just as a citizen. You can also vote.

To be eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa you must meet at least one of the following criteria, alongside having lived in the country for two years continuously:

• You have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand during each of the two years preceding the application
• You can prove you have tax residence status with proper documentation
• You have made an investment of at least 1,000,000 NZD or more in New Zealand for two years
• You own 24% or more shares in a business in New Zealand that benefits the country in some way
• You own a family home in New Zealand and have maintained paid employment for at least nine months within the two-year period

Essential Skills List / Green List

If you are looking for work in New Zealand and do not fall into any of the categories above, there are further options available. If you secure a valid job offer in one of the fields listed on New Zealand’s Green List, you will qualify for a Straight to Residence visa or a Work to Residence visa, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand.

Living in New Zealand

There are countless aspects of life in New Zealand that draws many to emigrate there. From a relaxed way of living and the beautiful weather to high education standards and employment opportunities, living in New Zealand is a dream for many.

New Zealand Weather

Many move to New Zealand purely to benefit from year-round sunshine and favourable average temperatures. Whilst the North Island enjoys a subtropical climate, the South Island is mostly temperate and maritime. Due to the country’s width, you are never far from the coast, which partly explains the annual mild temperatures. Mostly, New Zealand’s climate is dictated by the sea and mountains which the country is famous for.

To give you a snapshot of New Zealand’s climate, take a look at the information below displayed each location’s average monthly temperature and number of rainy days.

Auckland (North Island)

Wellington (Southern part of North Island)

Christchurch (South Island)

New Zealand Jobs for Expats

New Zealand has a strong economy and with unemployment figures not rising higher than 5.2% since January 2016, the world of employment is fruitful. Skilled workers in the agriculture, construction, education, engineering and finance industries are in great demand and many who move to New Zealand fill roles in these sectors.

Salaries in New Zealand are substantially higher compared to the UK, with a top tax rate of 33% and a rate of just 17.5% for the average earner. Most people who move to New Zealand find their pack packets stretch further than they are used to in the UK.

Finding a Job in New Zealand

There are several ways to find a job in New Zealand, from the traditional method of making direct approaches to employers you would like to work for, to using recruitment agencies and job boards to search for opportunities that match your skills and experience. The Internet is an excellent source of information with sites such as TradeMe, WorkHere, Seek, and New Kiwis currently offering many opportunities. Careers New Zealand is a very useful Government website dedicated to helping expat job hunters.

Education in New Zealand

The UN ranks New Zealand’s education system as one of the best in the world. Over 75% of the population have a minimum education level of upper secondary, with many heading on to university.

Parents considering a move to New Zealand will be pleased to know that education is free for children between the ages of five and 19, as long as one of their parents are a permanent resident of the country. Years 12 and 13 (college) are also free for children who are residents themselves, or their parents have residency.

Those who do not have residency can still attend a public school and pay a fee, attend a private school, or attend an international school. It all depends upon the preferences of both parent and child.

Regardless of where you child ends up studying, parents school remember that the academic year begins in late January and ends in mid-December.

Cost of Living in New Zealand

Like neighbouring Australia, many find that the cost of living in New Zealand is higher than that of the UK – according to Numbeo, 1.6% higher. However, rent is considerably lower – 17.4% lower, according to Numbeo.

Salaries in both countries are similar, at an average monthly of £2401 in New Zealand, compared to £2412 in the UK. But with the lower accommodation costs, many expats may find their pay checks stretch further in New Zealand.

New Zealand Currency

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar. Each dollar is divided into 100 cents.  You will often see it written as $, $NZ, or NZD and dollars are sometimes called Kiwis. Exchange rates fluctuate, but the general rule of thumb is roughly two NZD to the pound.

Opening a Bank Account in New Zealand

The country operates a cash, debit and credit card society. Despite a sophisticated infrastructure, banking is very easy to get your head round in New Zealand.

You will inevitably want to open a bank account whilst living in New Zealand. There are a variety of different banks all promoting various offers and rates of interest. It is best to research providers thoroughly before making a decision on which bank to settle with. Some of the country’s most popular banks include Westpac, ASB, Bank of New Zealand and ANZ.

Opening a bank account in New Zealand is easy if you ensure you have the correct paperwork ask for; be aware this will differ from bank to bank. You will likely need to visit your local branch to pick up your debit or credit card.

Cost of Everyday Items in New Zealand

Check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in New Zealand below. Prices are shown in New Zealand Dollars and converted to UK pounds so you can see how prices match up.

Eating Out in New Zealand

Eating and drinking out in New Zealand tends to cost around $20-30 per head, with cheaper options at available at cafes and much more expensive offerings at gourmet eateries. Tips are voluntary and are usually only left in recognition of excellent service, although some restaurants now add a standard 12% to the bill. Where this is has been done it should be clearly marked.

New Zealand Public Transport Costs

Transport in New Zealand is relatively cheap, especially by bus. Buses are the main form of public transport available throughout the country. However, some areas also have trains, ferries and trams. Due to little competition, national air travel can be expensive.

You will always find a bus to hop on in New Zealand. The cheapest form of public transport, they are available for local, regional, and city to city travel. Intercity and Naked Bus are the main bus providers.

Unlike the UK, train travel is far less developed in New Zealand. There are three main train lines in the country: Auckland to Wellington, Picton to Christchurch and Christchurch to the West Coast. Fares start at around $49 (£26.87).

Ferries can be caught to travel between the North and South Islands as well as some offshore islands including Wiheke, Rangitoto, and Stewart Island. In some coastal areas, ferries are used to connect towns as the travel time is quicker than via road.

New Zealand Rentals

Property rental prices vary widely depending on location, style, and size in New Zealand. On average, a one bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around $1,840 per month, and the same size property in a more rural area will cost $1,526. A three bedroom home in the city can cost $2,981, whereas the same size property outside of the city will cost $2,488.

Buying a House New Zealand

Investing in a property in New Zealand is a wise move if you are planning on staying in the country for the foreseeable future. It is easier to buy houses in New Zealand than the UK due to a decrease in mortgage interest rates.

There are no restrictions on the homes which permanent residents can buy. However, those living in on a temporary visa in New Zealand can only buy properties which sit on less than 12 acres of land.

The average price per square meter to buy rurally is around $8,169 (£3,851), whereas city locations see this rise to $9,712 (£4,578).

Maori Culture

Much of New Zealand’s heritage stems from the ancient practices, traditions and art forms of the indigenous Maori people. The Maori were New Zealand’s first settlers and named tangata whenua; people of the land. Today, Maori people make up around 18% of the country’s population. However, due to countless ethnic groups settling in New Zealand, New Zealand presents a population rich in different beliefs and customs.

Maori Traditions

New Zealand’s coveted rugby team, the All Blacks, are how many first experience Maori culture. Before every match kicks-off, the entire team perform the haka in the middle of the pitch. The haka is an intimidating Maori battlefield dance which symbolises unity, strength and great Kiwi pride. You will also see it performed at weddings and birthdays by groups of men.

New Zealand is dedicated to keeping Maori culture as part of everyday life for all New Zealanders. Powerful Maori stories and legends are still passed down through the generations and skills such as carving, weaving and moko (tattooing) are kept alive through educational programmes and the Maori citizens of New Zealand themselves.

New Zealand People

In general, New Zealanders (known colloquially as Kiwis) are relaxed and open. These qualities are also applied to the way in which they live their lives, which is often a welcome break for those who move to the country from the UK. Things are taken at a steady pace and enjoying life with family and friends is at the top of everybody’s agenda.

New Zealand has an egalitarian society. This means it is illegal to discriminate anybody as everyone is equal regardless of race, gender, and religion. New Zealand is a very open-minded country which makes it a fantastic place to live.

Languages of New Zealand

English is the most widely spoken language in New Zealand. However, as of 1987, Maori was recognised as the country’s official language. New Zealand was also the first country to give sign language official status in 2006, with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) being given the title.

The Maori language is used nowhere else in the world and keeping the language alive is something all New Zealanders are passionate about. Only around 5% of the population use it on a day-to-day basis but many media and art schools teach in the language and encourage its use.

New Zealand Food

Prepare your taste buds because New Zealand has some incredible cuisine on offer. The food is a unique blend of Polynesian, European and Asian influences, with lamb and seafood being popular choices for many dishes.

Dairy farming is big business in New Zealand and as a result, the nation consumes a relatively large amount of milk, cheese and butter. Thanks to its diverse climatic conditions, New Zealand produces a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and is also home to the distinctive Manuka honey, which is unique to its shores. Traditional Polynesian dishes feature sweet potato, fish, seafood, corn, watercress and other indigenous ingredients in abundance.

The main meal is eaten in the evening, and barbecues are common during the summer season. Eating out offers plenty of choice, especially in the main urban centres of Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Many expats are delighted to find that fish and chips is almost as common in New Zealand as it is back in the UK.

Public Holidays New Zealand

There are 10 national public holidays per year in New Zealand:

• New Year’s Day – 1^st January
• Day After New Year’s Day – 2^nd January
• Waitangi Day – 6^th February
• Good Friday – changes annually (usually March/April)
• Easter Monday – changes annually (usually March/April)
• ANZAC Day – 25^th April
• Queen’s Birthday – 2^nd June
• Labour Day – changes annually (October)
• Christmas Day – 25^th December
• Boxing Day – Friday 26^th December

In addition, each province in the country celebrates its Anniversary Day once per year. However, the date for these celebrations changes annually.

Explore New Zealand Further

Chances are, if you are considering a move to New Zealand, you have your heart set on living in a particular location. Perhaps it is one of the famous cities of New Zealand below. If not, explore Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Moving to Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populous cities; home to around 60% of all expats calling the country home. Surrounded by water, Auckland is a haven for water sports. Read more about moving to Auckland.

Moving to Wellington

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, is much greener than you would expect. With a beautiful harbour and ranked as one of the best cities to live in the world, how could Wellington not be a consideration? Read more about moving to Wellington.

Moving to Christchurch

Known for its English heritage, Christchurch is South Island’s largest urban area. A popular city to live in, you don’t need to travel far to be in the great outdoors. Read more about moving to Christchurch.

If you are thinking about moving to New Zealand and want to find out more about our New Zealand removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.