This is a general guide to working and living in New Zealand. Upon arrival your employer is also required to help settle your transition to living in the community.

Due to the pandemic, world events and our isolated place on the globe, the cost of living in New Zealand has increased in recent times and you may find it more expensive than your home country.

This is offset by high wages for many in demand jobs, so always take whatever you will be paid into consideration. By watching your budget and living within your means it is still very easy to get ahead in New Zealand.

Your cost of living will ultimately match your lifestyle, but here is a modest budget for what you can expect for two people living in Auckland.

For two people living in the city, you will need around $1200-$1500 per week to meet all your basic needs. If you would also like to travel, save money or have creature comforts, it will be more like $1500-$1800 per week. Living in a more rural area is significantly cheaper than living in the city.

When moving to a new country, it’s always a good idea to arrive with enough savings to last you 3 months of living without any income.

New Zealand has a well-funded public health care system and medical treatment is quite affordable compared to other western countries. If you are a resident-visa holder or you have a work visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand for 2 years or more, you are eligible for public-funded healthcare. This includes anyone obtaining a visa through their relationship with you.

Soon after arriving we recommend registering with your local health care provider. Appointments with a general practitioner (GP) cost between $15 - $60 dollars and you can often see the doctor on the same day as you make the appointment. If you are injured by accident, hospital treatment is free at public hospitals. Injuries resulting from accidents are covered by our accident compensation scheme called ACC, regardless of your visa status.

Private medical insurance is also available and some employers included this as a benefit. It is recommended that all visitors and students take out travel insurance before arriving in New Zealand.

If you have a valid overseas licence and have been in New Zealand less than 12 months, you are allowed to drive. After living in New Zealand for 12 months you will be required to get a New Zealand drivers licence, which involves sitting a test to prove you know the road code, and a practical test to prove your driving capabilities.

It's also possible to convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand drivers licence and this can often be easier than applying for a New Zealand licence.

If you are driving in New Zealand there are some important safety factors to be aware of. We drive on the left side of the road and you are required to wear a seatbelt by law. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted.

The New Zealand terrain can make driving dangerous. We have a lot of winding roads, some which have a metal surface, and you may run into animals on the road in rural areas. The weather here can be extreme, drive to the conditions and remain cautious.

Buying a car is simple and there are a range of affordable options. You will be able to purchase a car from a dealer or from a private seller. Buying from a dealer will give you certain protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act. It is your responsibility to keep the car registered and keep up the warrant of fitness (WOF).

Never drink and drive. The limit for people over the age of 20 is 250 mcg per litre of breath, which can be reached after just one and a half standard drinks. There are regular roadside checks for drink drivers, so it pays to stay sober. If you’re under the age of 20, the breath alcohol limit and the blood alcohol limit are both zero.

Due to our low population density, public transport is not as widespread as other countries and most people who need to travel to work rely on a car. Most larger cities have regular public transport and as our population grows this is improving every year.