The Best Cities to Live in New Zealand as an Expat
The best places to live in New Zealand as an expat include Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Tauranga, and Christchurch, offering an unbeatable blend of natural beauty, safe communities, and a high quality of life. Smaller gems like Napier, Nelson, and Cambridge are also ideal for outdoor lovers.
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Moving to New Zealand is appealing for its peaceful landscapes, friendly locals, and relaxed lifestyle. From vibrant cities to quiet rural areas, there’s something for everyone. Before relocating, secure expat health insurance to stay protected while waiting for public healthcare access.
20 Best Cities in New Zealand for Expats
The top 20 cities for expats in New Zealand include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Dunedin, Gisborne, Nelson, Queenstown, Tauranga, Rotorua, Hokitika, Whangarei, Napier, Taupo, Whakatāne, Cambridge, Blenheim, Invercargill, and Timaru.
English is one of three official languages in New Zealand, with more than 95% of New Zealanders speaking English. This means that expats will have minimal language barriers across the entire country.
North Island vs South Island: Which Is Better for Expats?
In New Zealand, the warmer climates are further north, and the colder climates are further south. You’ll also get a little bit longer days in the summer, further south, but shorter nights in the winter. For expats who want the mildest climates, keep an eye on places on the northern island.
Winter runs from June through August in New Zealand, and summer is from December through March. These seasons are opposite times of the year in the USA.
North Island Climate Overview
- In Auckland, on the north side of the North Island, the highest summer temperatures are in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, and the summer lows are in the high-50s.
- In the winter, the highs are in the high-50s with lows in the mid-40s. Summer rainfall is around two inches per month, and winter is around 5 inches of rain per month.
- In Auckland, you can expect 9.5 hours of daylight in the winter and 14.5 hours in the summer.
Best North Island Cities for Expats
- Auckland
- Hamilton
- Wellington
- New Plymouth
- Napier
- Gisborne
- Tauranga
- Rotura
- Whangarei
- Taupo
- Whakatāne
- Cambridge
South Island Climate Overview
- In Dunedin, on the southern side of the southern island, the climate is still mild but colder than in the north. The average high summer temperature is in the low 60s Fahrenheit, with lows in the low 50s.
- In the winter, highs are in the upper 40s and lows are in the lower 40s.
- In Dunedin, you can expect 9 hours of daylight in the winter but up to 15.5 hours in the summer.
Best South Island Cities for Expats
- Christchurch
- Queenstown
- Dunedin
- Nelson
- Hokitika
- Blenheim
- Invercargill
- Timaru
1. Auckland: Best Big-City Lifestyle (North Island)
Auckland is perfect for expats who want to enjoy big city life and beaches. It has jobs across many sectors, and residents enjoy warm, mild weather. While the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is still not as big as many American cities, making it perfect for those looking for a balance.
New Zealand has visa programs for aspiring residents under age 55 who want permanent residency in the country. Auckland is the perfect place to find a job or entrepreneurial opportunity that meets the criteria.
In addition to the city’s beaches, Auckland has plenty of restaurants and shopping centers. It also hosts the international airport for the country. No wonder it’s a fast-growing city!
2. Christchurch: Nature & Urban Living (South Island)
Christchurch is one of the largest cities on the South Island of New Zealand, and like many cities in New Zealand, it’s a recreational haven. The coastal city is situated along the banks of the Waimakariri River. It has parks, bicycle trails, and scenery. It’s also a great place for shopping.
Some great places to visit in Christchurch, New Zealand:
- The Botanical Gardens with free admission.
- Bottle Lake Forest Park with evergreens, walking trails, and BMX trails
- The International Antarctic Centre, which allows visitors to experience a simulated Antarctic experience
3. Hamilton: Affordable City Near Auckland (North Island)
Hamilton is not far from Auckland and its amenities, like the airport, but Hamilton boasts a lower cost of living than Auckland. This makes Hamilton, in the Waikato district of New Zealand, one of the best places for expats who love exploring on a budget.
If you want to live outside of Hamilton, there are also rural options close by in the Waikato District.
While exploring the greater Waikato area, you’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking area where the Shire from The Lord of the Rings was filmed.
4. Wellington: Best for Arts & Government Jobs (North Island)
Wellington is a fantastic city in New Zealand for expats seeking employment in entertainment and the arts. As the capital city of New Zealand, it’s also a great spot to seek New Zealand government jobs. New Zealand is willing to offer visas to talented individuals with desired skill sets.
5. New Plymouth: Scenic Coastal Living (North Island)
New Plymouth is on the northwestern coast of the northern island of New Zealand, and it’s another great spot for enjoying the coastline. The small town is home to the Coastal Walkway, a 13.2 km trail along some of the most gorgeous coastlines.
It’s a popular location because it has a slower pace of life than the big cities. Housing is limited but more affordable than in the larger cities.
6. Queenstown: Adventure & Winter Sports Hub (South Island)
Queenstown is the best city in New Zealand for expats who love winter recreation. The area around the town offers ski resorts during the winter months in New Zealand (summer months in the USA). You can always travel a short distance to the coast for surfing in the summer!
Queenstown is further from the major cities, so it’s a fabulous spot for expats who don’t want to find themselves inside a busy city.
7. Dunedin: Historic Charm & Coastal Views (South Island)
Dunedin is a rural oasis on the southern island of New Zealand. For expats who love the charm of old castles, this is the spot for you! Dunedin is home to the only castle in New Zealand, Larnach Castle.
8. Napier: Wine Country & Ocean Views (North Island)
Napier is the largest city in Hawke’s Bay, a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. It’s home to the National Aquarium of New Zealand, which features an underwater glass tunnel for visitors to see sharks. It’s also a popular area for wineries and surfing.
Due to its tourist nature, Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region can have a higher cost of living than other cities in New Zealand.
9. Gisborne: Māori Culture & Beaches (North Island)
Gisborne is the perfect city for expatriates who want to dive into the indigenous culture and colonial history of New Zealand because its museum, the Tairawhiti Museum, offers artifacts and education about the indigenous people and colonization.
Gisborne is also a great coastal city with wineries and surfing available.
10. Nelson: Sunshine Capital & Trails (South Island)
Nelson is a city on the north coast of the South Island of New Zealand, and the town offers awesome opportunities for expats who want beaches but also want to go caving. The area offers more of New Zealand’s famous scenery and trails.
Maitai Cave is one of the nature preserves near Nelson where expats can explore caves. There’s a bit of a hike to see the caves.
11. Tauranga: Beaches & Family-Friendly Living (North Island)
Tauranga is a city on the Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand with many surrounding towns and attractions for expats. Across the bridge from Tauranga is Mount Maunganui, another town on the bay with hot saltwater pools.
The area has an extinct volcano and an active volcano accessible by boat or helicopter. The Bay of Plenty and its natural features will make a beautiful home for any expat.
12. Rotorua: Geothermal City for Nature Lovers (North Island)
Rotorua, New Zealand, offers more inland recreational opportunities for expats. The city is on the rim of a volcano’s water-filled caldera, Lake Rotorua. It also hosts a regional airport that makes accessing the international airport and other regional areas easier.
The area is full of geothermal wonders like mud pools and Pohutu Geyser. You can visit the geyser and the neighboring arts and crafts museum on the same visit.
13. Hokitika: Quiet Coastal Escape (South Island)
Hokitika is the perfect retreat for expats seeking exquisite scenery and fewer crowds. Hokitika is a tiny town on the South Island. It’s situated on the coast and the Hokitika River. The river has shockingly turquoise water. Since this town is remote, it’s probably best for digital nomads.
Hokitika Gorge is a scenic area where you can enjoy the gorgeous glacial waters of the Hokitika River. Also, enjoy the nearby hiking and camping track.
14. Whangarei: Waterfalls & Relaxed Lifestyle (North Island)
Whangarei is another gem in New Zealand, off the beaten path for expats who like to retreat from the hustle and bustle of major cities. Like most of the country, this is a gorgeous area with unique recreational experiences, like plenty of waterfalls.
Whangarei Falls is sure to please you because of its beautiful scenery. There’s also a 3 km loop trail at Taheke Waterfall Track, a conservation area a short distance outside of Whangarei.
You’ll also want to stop by the Whangarei Museum.
15. Taupo: Lakeside Living & Outdoor Adventure (North Island)
Taupo, on the North Island of New Zealand, is the last city in our top 20 spots for expats. It’s in the central area of New Zealand on Lake Taupo, an area with more of New Zealand’s ample recreational activities like jet-boating and fishing.
You won’t want to miss Huka Falls! There’s a bridge you can walk across over the tumbling waters of the famous waterfall. The water is a gorgeous mix of white rapids and turquoise waters.
16. Blenheim: Wine Region Lifestyle (South Island)
Blenheim, located in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, is perfect for expats who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by scenic vineyards. The region is famous for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, and wine tourism plays a major role in the local economy.
Expats moving to Blenheim often find work in the wine industry, agriculture, or hospitality. The town has a small but friendly community, and the cost of living is lower than in larger cities.
With long sunny days and mild winters, Blenheim offers one of the most pleasant climates in New Zealand. Outdoor lovers will enjoy cycling through vineyard trails, exploring the nearby Marlborough Sounds, and taking advantage of Blenheim’s high sunshine hours.
17. Invercargill: Affordable Southern City (South Island)
Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, is known for its affordable housing, wide streets, and slow pace of life. The city is a gateway to Fiordland National Park and Stewart Island, making it ideal for expats seeking a natural lifestyle with fewer crowds and a lower cost of living.
Many residents work in farming, education, and the seafood industry. Despite being one of New Zealand’s lesser-known destinations, Invercargill has a rich history and a strong Scottish influence.
18. Timaru: Small Coastal City Charm (South Island)
Timaru, situated between Christchurch and Dunedin, is a charming coastal city with a small-town feel. It boasts beautiful Caroline Bay, a popular spot for beachgoers, and a historic town center with Edwardian-style architecture.
Since Timaru is a dairy and meat processing hub, many expats work in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. The local economy is stable, and housing is cheaper than in big cities. Skiing, hiking, and fishing are great in Timaru due to its proximity to the Southern Alps.
19. Whakatāne: Sunny Coastal Retreat (North Island)
Whakatāne is a hidden gem on the east coast of the North Island, known for its beautiful beaches and access to New Zealand’s active marine volcano, White Island. The town is also considered the cultural capital of the Māori people, making it an excellent place to experience indigenous traditions.
As one of the sunniest places in the country, Whakatāne offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and a coastal lifestyle, like water sports and fishing. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, and job opportunities exist in tourism, agriculture, and forestry.
20. Cambridge: Equestrian Town near Hamilton (North Island)
Cambridge, often referred to as “The Town of Trees and Champions,” is a picturesque town in the Waikato region known for its equestrian culture and vibrant rural charm. Located just 20 minutes from Hamilton, it offers a more relaxed lifestyle while still being close to a larger city’s amenities.
Expats in Cambridge can find opportunities in agriculture, education, and the growing technology sector. The town has excellent schools, boutique shops, beautiful riverside walks, and a strong community feel.
Located near Hobbiton and Lake Karapiro, it’s home to many rowing and cycling athletes and a great place for weekend adventures. With a strong emphasis on health and wellness, Cambridge is an excellent choice for expats seeking a balance between nature and modern living.
Conclusion
With gorgeous scenery, lots of beaches and coastlines, as well as a mild climate, New Zealand is the perfect place to call your new home! While you are waiting to qualify for subsidized healthcare in New Zealand, make sure you’re covered with an international health insurance policy.
If you’re still on the fence about a location in New Zealand, explore locations for expats in Australia, Europe, and Asia! Countries like India can be other great places for expatriates.
If you have any questions about international health coverage, contact an insurance expert at Pacific Prime.
With her background as an avid traveler and as an exchange student in Spain, Palida values the benefits of insurance and understands the frustrations that may come with making the best decisions for your health and safety in an unknown environment. Here at Pacific Prime, she aspires to create content that will help expats and travelers understand international health insurance with ease.
In her spare time, Palida enjoys reading short stories as much as binging on sitcoms. She is also a self-proclaimed "foodie" with the goal of trying as many cuisines from all over the world as possible. Combining her passion for writing with her love for food, she is an aspiring Google Local Guide reviewer.
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What are the typical childcare options available for expats in smaller New Zealand towns like Dunedin, and how do the costs compare to larger cities?
In smaller New Zealand towns like Dunedin, childcare options for expats typically include daycare centers, home-based care providers, and kindergartens, with availability often being less competitive compared to larger cities. Costs in smaller towns are generally lower, with daycare averaging NZD 6-8 per hour, compared to Auckland or Wellington, where rates can reach NZD 10-12 per hour. However, availability in smaller towns may require early enrollment planning due to fewer providers.
If you’re relocating to New Zealand, securing comprehensive health insurance is essential for you and your family. Reach out to Pacific Prime via our Contact Us page for personalized guidance on international health insurance options.
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