What is New Zealand like?

Question

My boyfriend and I are looking to move to New Zealand in a few years. What are some of the pros and cons? How different is it from the U.S.?
Thanks!

Answer 1

I moved to NZ from The U.S. about a year and a half ago.

The cost of living is extremely high, especially when compared to the income levels. This means that there is rarely enough money left (after living expenses) to see the country--which is very disappointing. And it is very difficult for a non-kiwi to find work. It can take months. Many things are outdated, especially the housing. Houses are rarely insulated properly, and many are still warmed with single log burners (no central heating/cooling to be found). There is also very little variety when it comes to consumer goods.

Education is not highly valued, which would be a consideration if you have children. It could be good for small children, but not for pre-teen or teen kids. The kids here rarely go to school (they are always skipping or dropping out), and if they attempt college (university) they are ill prepared. Education is not generally considered a high priority.

I highly recommend that everyone visit NZ (stunning views), but I would not recommend living there. The standard of living in the U.S. is much higher, and there is much more choice and variety. If you are still committed to making the move, go for a visit first. And make sure you do things like: visit a Realtor, go to a few open homes, check out the prices/selection at the grocery store, etc. Pay attention to the little details that will affect your everyday life.

Good luck with making the big decision, and feel free to email me if you have any specific questions.

Answer 2

I congratulate you on your choice. New Zealand is almost with certainty the most enchanting and gentle place on earth, maybe with the exception of Sweden. Let's see if I can give you your pros and cons:

Pro:
Far away from where the trouble is, nuclear free, socialized healthcare, state pension, breathtaking scenery, comfortable lifestyle comparable to California in the 1970s, relaxed and accommodating mentality, unbelievably open-minded population, strong economy with lots of jobs, huge potential for growth, tiny and well-organized population, total self-reliance in terms of food and resources (if the world were to perish tomorrow, NZ would be able to carry on as usual, possibly forever), and a spirit that is quintessentially British and very endearing. This is a place where things are still as they should be.

Con:
They drive like mad in old Subarus, heating isn't exactly fantastic in a lot of rental properties (but improving now), wages don't really impress, and there's more precipitation and wind than you might find comfortable.
A small price to pay for the advantages, I might add.

Answer 3

well...im a native new zealander and ive lived here for nearly 39 years and i think its a beautiful place.....we have everything you might want for recreation.....snow covered mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes, and also yes things are sometimes more expensive but no we dont import toilet paper LOL!! we produce lots of our own goods....we have paper mills, forestry, and lots of other industries..the water around New Zealand is basically still pristine compared to the rest of the world....and the land is not very polluted either...the air is clean and fresh and nice....without acid rain or smoke coming from factories and stuff..also our health care is mostly free ~ if you dont have insurance you dont get penalised....pregnancy care is freee and all doctors services for under 6's are free, schooling is very reasonable for all levels including college....we grow our own meat, vegies and stuff like that...the people are nice (with the exception of a few ~ coz theres always a few bad ones in a bunch ay) and the country is quite multi-cultural....hows that sound eh? lol ~ Kia Ora from New Zealand :D

Answer 4

I say go for it and you will not be sorry. I have lived my whole life in New Zealand with the exception of a stint in the UK. I have not been to the US but I have heard New Zealand compared to the UK of 30 or more years ago. That does not mean we are backward - you can get everything in New Zealand that you can get anywhere else in the world. I know lots of people that have immigrated here and they would never go back to their respective countries.

Answer 5

I only had a visit for 6 days, but it was fantastic. Weather is great, beachy, but the interior is a lot like Maui, mountains and cold at t he top, but beautiful. Cons? Very expensive. It is an Island, and therefore has almost EVERYTHING shipped to it, like toilet paper, napkins and you have to pay more for these things as they also have to pay shipping charges on them, so the good, beautiful-fun-most peoples dream.... Con, prices, and if you smoke cigarettes-well, better think of quitting-one pack of Marlboros cost $9.25US

Answer 6

tipping isnt normal, no snakes, mc donalds, starbucks, subway. buildings not so tall, lots of older houses but also lots of new. no hamsters or gerbils. I recomend trying a holiday first and going to open homes to get a good idea. also try different parts of the country. my aunt moved here from usa and is happy. the schools are great, and people come from around the world to go to otago university. you can get central heating but most houses come with a fire so why bother. not really any hurricanes or tornados, but earthquakes. no rabies.

Answer 7

New Zealand is a nicer place to live than the USA. I'm Australian and have lived in the USA and NZ.

Answer 8

it is very hilly and the roads are curvy... there are beaches stretched along the sides of cliffs..... depending on the month it is usually not to hot and breezy..... tends to rain there .... lots of green in most places....