What You Need to Know About Living in the Land of the Long White Cloud

If you are considering moving abroad, whether permanently or temporarily, and New Zealand is on your shortlist, then you really need to know what you are getting yourself into. Moving abroad can be bittersweet, inducing feelings ranging from excitement to fear; after all, you are practically jumping into the unknown. New Zealand, or “The Land of the Long White Cloud” as its native inhabitants the Māori call it, may be a destination on the bucket list of many, but is it the ideal destination for a long-term stay? Here is what you need to know about living in New Zealand.

Kind and Welcoming People

The first thing you should know about New Zealand is its people. Kiwis are kind and welcoming people, which can make all the difference, particularly for a newcomer. These traits, coupled with an open-minded and positive attitude towards life, are perhaps why you can also find so many foreigners around the islands. 

However, it is important to note that New Zealand’s population adds up to about 4.8 million people, which is not a lot compared to multiple countries; and since over 86% of them live in urban areas, you can easily get the best of both worlds as far as the company is concerned. For those who are not particularly fond of humans, you will find the countryside a pleasant and relaxing experience. You will however find sheep in abundance all over New Zealand, outnumbering Kiwis by a ratio of six to one!

Roller Coaster Kiwi Weather

You would expect the Kiwi weather to be as warm as you hear about its not too distant neighboring country, Australia. While this may be somewhat true, seeing as New Zealand has a mostly temperate climate and experiences more days of sun than rain, you will often hear locals speak of experiencing “four seasons in one day.” This is because New Zealand is surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, some of the wildest seas in the world, which can make the weather a rather interesting experience. Some days can start out warm and sunny and end up being an unwarranted cold and rainy day, and other days the opposite can be true. 

Although the weather can be unpredictable, one thing a Kiwi knows for sure is to protect themselves whenever the sun is out. The ozone layer above New Zealand is much thinner than elsewhere, meaning that there are dangerous amounts of UV radiation, so even if it does not feel particularly hot, you still need to stay safe.

Pricy Cost of Living

Because New Zealand is a small island country, a lot of the goods sold across the country are imported, meaning they are pretty expensive, ranging from food to electronics. Naturally, this affects expenses across the economy, resulting in high living costs. Rent prices are certainly no strangers to the equation, which are rising as more people flock to urban life, and have little to show off for their worth, as a lot of houses in New Zealand lack proper housing standards. Even the internet, which is considered to be a basic human right, is very expensive. If you are serious about moving to New Zealand, then you will certainly need to formulate a budget before you take the next step. That being said, you are still going to find a rainbow at the end of the storm. 

New Zealand is a fast-growing economy, so there are a lot of work opportunities, particularly for skilled workers in fields such as technology and healthcare. Quality of life in New Zealand is also a huge plus, with accessible and government-subsidized healthcare, an excellent public education system, and one of the lowest crime rates in the world!

Breathtaking Scenery

There is an obvious reason why “The Land of the Long White Cloud” is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. New Zealand is a seriously breathtaking country, full of an assortment of mountains, lakes, beaches, and stunning landscapes. You can opt to visit the hot mud pools of Wai-O-Tapu on the North Island, the beautiful waters of Milford Sound fjord on the South Island, and a bunch of protected national parks, which make up about one-third of New Zealand. It is no surprise that “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” chose New Zealand to shoot all the natural scenery. Beyond sightseeing, there are a lot of activities you can do in New Zealand packed with adventure and fun. Suffice it to say, you are always about an hour’s drive from a beach when in New Zealand.

You have a lot to consider if you are going to make the move to the land of the long white cloud. Moreover, where in New Zealand will you be moving? Are you someone who enjoys an isolated and relaxed existence? Or do you enjoy a more crowded and busy living? While it largely comes down to your preferences as a person, be sure to keep these factors in mind, and ultimately come up with a clear and structured plan detailing your move.