Moving to New Zealand from UK: Auckland guide 2027
Moving to New Zealand from the UK is a popular choice for Brits who want a slower pace, more time outdoors and an English speaking country. To move, you need the right visa (such as a work visa, the Skilled Migrant Category resident visa or a working holiday visa if you are 18 to 35), a plan for work and housing, and a way to get your belongings there. For many British expats, Auckland is the first stop.
But is Auckland the right fit for your lifestyle, family and career? This guide explains how to move to New Zealand from the UK step by step, then looks at the real pros and cons of life in Auckland to help you decide.
Moving to New Zealand from UK: how to move step by step
- Choose your visa. Use the Immigration New Zealand visa tools to compare routes. The main options for UK citizens are listed in the next section.
- Check your skills and qualifications. If you plan to work in a regulated job such as nursing, teaching or engineering, you may need New Zealand registration. Check whether your role is on the Green List, which can offer a faster route to residence.
- Find a job or employer. Most work visas need a job offer from an accredited employer. Seek, Trade Me Jobs and LinkedIn are popular for job hunting.
- Apply for your visa. Applications are made online through Immigration New Zealand. Be ready for health and character checks, which may include a medical and police certificates.
- Plan your budget. Factor in visa fees, flights, shipping, a rental bond and living costs until your first pay day.
- Book a home survey and get a removals quote. Decide what to ship, sell or store. Our removals to New Zealand team can talk you through sea and air freight options.
- Arrange pet travel early if you have pets. New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sets strict rules for importing cats and dogs.
- Sort your UK affairs. Tell HMRC, your bank, pension providers, council and GP. Our guide on who to inform when moving house can help.
- Book flights and short term accommodation for your first few weeks while you look for a rental.
- Settle in. Apply for an IRD (tax) number, open a bank account, enrol with a local GP and check how to convert your UK driving licence with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
For a full plan, see our moving abroad checklist and our guide to moving to New Zealand.
Visas and work: what you need to know
New Zealand's visa system supports skilled migration. Common routes for UK expats include:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa: for people with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: a points based route to residence for skilled workers.
- Green List roles: some in demand occupations offer a straight to residence or work to residence pathway.
- United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa: for UK citizens aged 18 to 35. According to Immigration New Zealand, you can stay for 12, 23 or 36 months depending on the visa you apply for, and you need at least NZ$350 a month to cover living costs.
- Partner and family visas: if your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Demand is strong in fields such as healthcare, engineering, teaching, construction and IT. Visa rules change often, so check immigration.govt.nz before you apply.
Why move to New Zealand from the UK? Auckland's appeal
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and economic hub. It offers a mix of urban convenience, coastal scenery and a multicultural atmosphere.
Here is what makes it appealing for British expats:
- Language and culture: English is the main language, so it is easy to settle in.
- Climate: Auckland has a mild, temperate climate with warm summers and wet winters.
- Natural beauty: the city is built around volcanoes, harbours and beaches, which makes it ideal for outdoor lovers.
- Opportunities: Auckland has a growing job market and is home to many multinational companies, start-ups and healthcare employers.
- Lifestyle: salaries may be lower than in London, but many people find the work-life balance makes up for it.
Pros and cons of living in Auckland as an English expat
Before moving to Auckland, try to visit once or twice to see how it suits you and your family. If you cannot, the lists below will help you weigh up the benefits and challenges.
Pros of living in Auckland:
- Relaxed lifestyle with a good work-life balance
- Access to beaches, volcanoes, parks and hiking trails
- Safe, clean and family friendly
- Mild climate with warmer winters and more sunshine than most of the UK
- English speaking, so communication is easy
Cons of living in Auckland:
- A slower pace may feel limiting if you are used to a busy UK city
- Long, costly flights back to the UK and Europe
- Higher costs for housing and groceries
- Wet and humid winters
- Local slang and cultural differences can take time to get used to
UK vs Auckland: quick lifestyle comparison
| Category | Auckland | UK (London) |
|---|
| Rent (one bed flat) | £1,050 per month | £1,700 per month |
| Groceries (weekly) | £95 to £120 | £80 to £100 |
| Utilities and internet | £95 to £145 per month | £150 to £200 per month |
| Commuting | Public transport around NZ$215 per month | £150 per month |
| Work culture | Informal and collaborative | Structured, longer hours |
At Pickfords, we know moving abroad is a big step, which is why our expert team is here to make your move to New Zealand as smooth as possible.
Shipping your belongings to New Zealand
Most families ship furniture and household goods by sea, either in a full container or a shared (groupage) container for smaller loads. Air freight is faster and suits essentials you need straight away. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules, so outdoor furniture, bikes, camping gear and garden tools must be clean and free of soil, and food items must be declared.
The cost of your move depends on the volume of belongings, shipping method, packing and access at both ends. Request a free quote for an accurate price. If you are keeping some belongings back home, self storage starts from £18, with drive-up self storage for long term needs. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times. Moving with a pet? Our pet shipping service can help.
Living in Auckland: adapting to New Zealand life
Moving brings practical and emotional challenges. From learning new systems to adjusting to the time difference and local customs, the first few months take patience.
Connecting with expat communities online and through local groups can give you useful tips and support.
Māori and Pacific Island cultures shape daily life in Auckland. Public holidays such as Waitangi Day and Matariki give a meaningful insight into the country's values and history.
Is Auckland the best place to live in New Zealand?
Ask yourself:
- Do you want more balance between work and life?
- Are you ready for a slower pace and a smaller city feel?
- Will distance from family in the UK be manageable long term?
- Are you open to a different housing market and climate?
If you answered yes to most of these, Auckland could be the right next chapter for you. It offers space, a slower pace and a fresh outlook on life.
If you would like to compare other parts of the country, Wellington, Christchurch and Tauranga are also popular with Brits.
Torn between New Zealand and Australia?
Auckland offers a relaxed lifestyle and scenery, while Australia has its own appeal. Our guide to moving to Australia from the UK may help you decide which destination suits you best.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I move to New Zealand from the UK?
Start by choosing a visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or the UK Working Holiday Visa if you are 18 to 35. Find work in an in demand field, apply online through Immigration New Zealand, then book a removals survey and sort your UK affairs. Pickfords can handle packing, shipping and customs for your move.
- Can I move to New Zealand from the UK without a job?
Yes, if you are 18 to 35 you can apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa, which does not need a job offer. Most other work routes need a job offer from an accredited employer, while residence routes usually depend on skills, qualifications and points.
- How long can Brits stay in New Zealand on a working holiday visa?
According to Immigration New Zealand, UK citizens can stay for 12, 23 or 36 months depending on the visa they apply for. You must show at least NZ$350 a month for living costs.
- What is it like living in Auckland?
Auckland offers a relaxed lifestyle, a mild climate and easy access to beaches, volcanoes and parks. It is New Zealand's biggest job market, with roles in healthcare, tech and finance. Housing is the biggest cost, and the distance from the UK takes some getting used to.
- What is the best place to live in New Zealand?
It depends on your priorities. Auckland has the most jobs and amenities, Wellington suits people working in government and the arts, and Christchurch offers more affordable housing and quick access to the South Island. Tauranga and Queenstown appeal to people who want an outdoor lifestyle.
- Can I take my pet to New Zealand from the UK?
Yes, but cats and dogs must meet MPI import rules, which include health checks, documents and a period in an approved quarantine facility. Start planning several months ahead, and consider a pet shipping service to manage the process.
Ready to make the move? Request a free quote for your move to New Zealand or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.