Arriving in New Zealand marks the beginning of your new life, but settling in requires navigating many practical matters—from finding housing to accessing healthcare, getting connected, and understanding your rights. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps for settling successfully.
First Days After Arrival
Immigration Arrival
When you arrive in New Zealand:
Immigration Control: Present your passport and visa confirmation. Answer questions honestly about your plans.
Biosecurity: Complete biosecurity declaration and screening. Declare any food, outdoor equipment, or wooden items.
Customs: Declare goods exceeding duty-free limits.
Entry Stamp: Your visa is endorsed with your arrival date.
Immediate Priorities
Your first few days should focus on:
Accommodation: Confirm your initial accommodation arrangements.
Communication: Get a local phone number for essential contacts.
Basic Orientation: Familiarize yourself with your immediate area.
Transport: Understand how to get around initially.
Getting Your IRD Number
Why You Need It
An IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number is essential:
Employment: Employers need your IRD number for tax purposes.
Banking: Required for interest-bearing accounts.
KiwiSaver: New Zealand's retirement savings scheme.
Government Services: Many services require IRD number.
How to Apply
Online Application: Apply through the IRD website.
Identity Documents: Passport and visa proof required.
Address: New Zealand address needed.
Processing Time: Usually a few days to a couple of weeks.
Number Delivery: Posted to your address or available online.
Get your IRD number as early as possible—ideally within your first week.
Opening a Bank Account
Choosing a Bank
New Zealand has several main banks:
Major Banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank.
Digital Options: Some online-focused banking options emerging.
Features to Compare: Account fees, online banking, branch accessibility, foreign exchange rates.
Account Opening Requirements
Banks typically require:
Identity Documents: Passport, visa.
Proof of Address: Rental agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.
IRD Number: Usually required or can be added later.
Immigration Status: Evidence of your visa status.
Appointment: Many banks require appointments for new accounts.
Types of Accounts
Consider your needs:
Everyday Account: For daily transactions, typically low or no fees.
Savings Account: For longer-term savings, higher interest.
Online Account: Lower fees, convenient management.
Joint Account: For couples managing shared expenses.
Finding Housing
Initial Accommodation
For your first few weeks:
Hotels/Motels: Short-term while searching for permanent housing.
Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals: Flexible while you explore areas.
Hostels: Budget option, particularly in major cities.
With Friends/Family: If you have connections in NZ.
Rental Market
New Zealand's rental market:
Rental Websites: Trade Me Property, Realestate.co.nz, Facebook Marketplace.
Property Managers: Many rentals managed by property management companies.
Private Landlords: Some properties rented directly by owners.
Viewings: Inspect properties before committing.
Applying for Rentals
Applications typically require:
Application Form: Personal details, employment, rental history.
References: Previous landlords, employer references.
Identity Documents: Passport, visa evidence.
Proof of Income: Employment letter, pay slips, or bank statements.
Competition: In tight markets, be prepared to move quickly.
Rental Costs and Bonds
Bond: Usually 2-4 weeks' rent, held by Tenancy Services (not landlord).
Rent in Advance: First 1-2 weeks' rent paid before moving in.
Letting Fee: Up to one week's rent plus GST if using property manager.
Ongoing Rent: Typically paid weekly or fortnightly in advance.
Tenant Rights
New Zealand tenancy law protects tenants:
Tenancy Services: Government agency providing information and dispute resolution.
Healthy Homes Standards: Rentals must meet heating, insulation, ventilation standards.
Termination Rules: Landlords must follow proper process for ending tenancies.
Bond Protection: Bonds held independently, returned at end of tenancy if property in good condition.
Healthcare Access
Enrolling with a GP
General Practitioners (doctors) provide primary healthcare:
Find a Practice: Search for practices in your area accepting new patients.
Enrollment: Complete enrollment forms with practice.
Registration Form: Medical history and contact details.
Appointment Costs: Typically $50-$80 per consultation for enrolled patients.
Accessing Hospital Care
Public hospitals provide:
Emergency Care: Available to everyone regardless of status.
Elective Care: May involve waiting times for non-urgent treatment.
Eligibility: Full access depends on your visa status.
Private Options: Private hospitals offer faster access for a fee.
Healthcare Eligibility
Your visa affects healthcare access:
Residents: Full access to subsidized public healthcare.
Work Visa Holders: May have access depending on visa conditions.
Temporary Visitors: Limited access—travel insurance essential.
ACC Coverage: Everyone covered for accident treatment regardless of status.
Prescriptions and Medications
Subsidized Prescriptions: Many medications subsidized at $5 per item for enrolled patients.
Unsubsidized: Some medications not subsidized—costs vary.
Pharmacies: Collect prescriptions from pharmacies throughout NZ.
Repeat Prescriptions: Regular medications can be prescribed for ongoing supply.
Education for Children
School Enrollment
For school-age children:
Zoning: Public schools have geographic zones determining enrollment rights.
Enrollment Process: Contact schools directly to enroll.
Documentation: Birth certificate, previous school records, visa evidence.
Term Dates: School year runs February to December with four terms.
Types of Schools
State Schools: Free for eligible students, government funded.
State-Integrated: Small fees, religious or special character.
Private Schools: Full fees, independent governance.
International Fees: If your visa doesn't provide domestic fee entitlement, international fees apply.
Early Childhood Education
For preschool children:
Kindergartens: Community-based for 3-5 year olds.
Childcare Centres: Full-day care for younger children.
Home-Based Care: Smaller groups in home settings.
Subsidies: Government subsidizes 20 hours per week for 3-5 year olds.
Getting Around
Driving in New Zealand
Overseas License: Valid for 12 months after arrival.
New Zealand License: After 12 months, must obtain NZ license.
License Conversion: Some countries have reciprocal agreements for straightforward conversion.
Testing: Others require theory and practical tests.
Buying a Vehicle
Most New Zealanders own cars:
Used Cars: Trade Me Motors, car dealers, private sales.
New Cars: Dealer networks throughout country.
Inspection: Consider mechanic inspection before purchase.
Registration: Transfer ownership through NZTA.
Warrant of Fitness: Safety inspection required every 6-12 months.
Public Transport
Availability varies by location:
Auckland: Bus, train, ferry networks; AT HOP card.
Wellington: Bus, train with good coverage; Snapper card.
Christchurch: Bus network; Metro card.
Other Cities: Limited but improving public transport.
Phone and Internet
Mobile Phones
Providers: Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees, and budget options.
Prepay vs Plan: Prepay for flexibility, plans for better value with credit check.
Coverage: Good coverage in cities, variable in rural areas.
Bring Your Phone: Most modern phones work in NZ; just need SIM card.
Home Internet
Fibre Broadband: Fast internet available in most urban areas.
Providers: Spark, 2degrees, Skinny, and many others.
Plans: Various speed and data options.
Installation: May take 1-2 weeks; free installation promotions common.
Employment Rights
Minimum Entitlements
All employees receive:
Minimum Wage: Currently $23.15 per hour (verify current rate).
Holiday Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave after 12 months, plus public holidays.
Sick Leave: 10 days sick leave after 6 months' employment.
Written Agreement: Must receive written employment agreement.
Understanding Your Rights
Employment New Zealand: Government resource for employment information.
Unions: Employee representation organizations.
Personal Grievances: Process for workplace disputes.
Visa Conditions: Some visas have work restrictions—know your conditions.
Building Community
Meeting People
Workplace: Often primary source of social connections.
Community Groups: Sports clubs, interest groups, volunteer organizations.
Ethnic Communities: Cultural associations and community groups.
Religious Organizations: Churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship.
Neighbors: New Zealand has relatively friendly neighborly culture.
Settlement Support
Settlement Organizations: Various NGOs support new migrants.
CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau): Free information and guidance.
New Zealand Now: Government settlement information.
Libraries: Community hubs with resources and programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to feel settled?
Settlement is personal—many people feel reasonably established within 6-12 months but building deep community can take years. Early practical settlement happens faster.
Do I need a car in New Zealand?
In Auckland and Wellington city centres, you can manage without a car. Most other locations effectively require vehicle access for normal life.
Is it hard to make friends in New Zealand?
Many migrants find New Zealanders friendly but not always easy to form deep friendships with quickly. Active participation in activities and communities helps.
What's the most important thing to do first?
Get your IRD number and bank account sorted first—everything else depends on being able to receive money and make payments.
Where should I live when I first arrive?
Consider proximity to work/study, public transport access (if not driving), and temporary accommodation near where you'll ultimately want to live. Don't commit to long leases immediately.
How do I find out what services I'm entitled to?
Check the New Zealand Now website, visit a Citizens Advice Bureau, or contact Settlement Support services. Your visa status determines many entitlements.
Need help with your move to New Zealand? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can help ensure your visa is appropriate and advise on settlement preparation.