Moving to New Zealand
from Australia
Since 1969, OSS World Wide Movers have provided complete global door to door moving services to New Zealand. That’s over 50 years of specialist international moving, and over 200,000 moves.
Moving to New Zealand: A Modern Guide to Embracing a Unique Lifestyle
Vibrant Cities and Cultural Experiences
Cities like Auckland and Wellington are not just economic hubs but cultural melting pots. They offer a range of job opportunities, educational excellence, and a plethora of cultural experiences. For insights into city life in New Zealand, visit AucklandNZ or WellingtonNZ.
Australia to New Zealand – Making the Move
Moving to New Zealand promises a life amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and a chance to be part of a progressive, environmentally conscious society.
Embracing life in New Zealand means immersing yourself in a world where nature’s beauty harmonizes with a vibrant, modern society. For anyone considering a move, New Zealand offers more than a new home – it offers a new way of living. For further details on making the move, visit New Zealand’s official tourism website, NewZealand.com.
New Zealand, a land of unparalleled natural beauty, offers a unique lifestyle that appeals to many looking to relocate. Known for its stunning landscapes, from the cinematic wonders seen in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy to the serene beaches and majestic mountains, New Zealand is more than just a scenic paradise.
Why Choose New Zealand?
Diverse Landscapes and Outdoor Adventures
The North Island, bustling with major urban centres like Wellington and Auckland, offers a multicultural experience. The South Island, with fewer inhabitants, is famed for its remote beaches, mountain ranges, glaciers, and fjords. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless activities, from hiking and cycling to adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping. Learn more about New Zealand’s outdoor activities at 100% Pure New Zealand.
Commitment to Sustainability:
As a world leader in ecotourism, New Zealand is one of the cleanest and greenest countries globally. Its commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident with 14 national parks and protected wildlife areas. Wildlife enthusiasts will find a sanctuary here, home to species like the kiwi and yellow-eyed penguins. Discover more about New Zealand’s conservation efforts at Department of Conservation.
Quality of Life and Safety
Consistently ranked as one of the safest countries, New Zealand offers a high quality of life, a stable economy, and a welcoming, inclusive culture. It’s an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees seeking a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle. Explore more about living in New Zealand at New Zealand Immigration.
Move to New Zealand With Confidence
Reduced Inspection Delays: Customs inspections can be time-consuming, especially for customer-packed goods. When OSS World Wide Movers packs your belongings, we reduce the likelihood of extensive inspections. Our reputation and compliance with packing standards are recognised by customs officials, often resulting in a smoother inspection process.
By entrusting OSS World Wide Movers with your packing needs, you’re choosing peace of mind, efficiency, and the assurance that your belongings are in the hands of experts who care.
OSS’s Packaging Benefits
At OSS World Wide Movers, we take pride in our professional packaging process, designed to make your international move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our network of FIDI / FAIM accredited partners cover the whole of New Zealand. Our approach to packing is rooted in the understanding that every item you own is valuable and requires careful handling.
Ease and Convenience for You: Our primary goal is to simplify your moving process. By taking on the packing, we alleviate a significant burden from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move. You won’t need to worry about sourcing packing materials or spending time boxing up your belongings – we’ve got it covered.
Adherence to International Moving Standards: Moving goods across borders is a delicate process. Our team is trained in the art of packaging international shipped items, ensuring that your belongings are packed in a manner that meets international standards. This expertise reduces the risk of damage during transit and ensures a smooth customs process.
Efficient and Time-Saving: Our experienced packers work efficiently, significantly reducing the time it takes to prepare for your move. We understand that time is of the essence, especially when coordinating an international relocation. Our swift packing process is designed to keep your move on schedule.
Pair the country’s natural traits with a cultural resurgence that’s seeing local films, literature, painting, sculpture and design gaining more and more attention, and there’s a destination that’s becoming increasingly cosmopolitan.
Settling In New Zealand – What To Expect
Relocating to a new country is an exciting journey, and settling in New Zealand offers a unique experience filled with opportunities and discoveries. New Zealand is known for its welcoming community, stunning landscapes, and a high quality of life. As you prepare to make this beautiful country your new home, here are some key aspects to consider for a smooth transition.
Finding Your New Home in New Zealand
The first step in settling into life in New Zealand is finding the right place to live. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city atmosphere in Auckland or Wellington, or the more laid-back setting of smaller towns like Queenstown or Napier, New Zealand offers a range of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
It’s advisable to start your house hunt online using popular real estate websites like Trade Me Property and RealEstate.co.nz. Consider renting before you decide to buy, as it gives you the flexibility to explore different areas and understand the local housing market. Remember to factor in proximity to work, schools, and amenities when choosing your new home.
Understanding Healthcare in New Zealand and Education Systems
New Zealand boasts a high-standard healthcare system and a world-class education system, both of which contribute significantly to the quality of life here. The public healthcare system is heavily subsidised by the government, ensuring that essential healthcare services are accessible and affordable.
For comprehensive information on healthcare services, visit the Ministry of Health NZ. In terms of education, New Zealand offers a range of options from public schools to private and international schools, known for their excellent educational standards and holistic approach to student development. The New Zealand Ministry of Education provides valuable resources for understanding the education system and the enrolment process for your children.
Cultural Adjustments and Social Life in New Zealand
Adapting to the culture in New Zealand may take some time, but the country’s friendly and open society makes this transition easier. Kiwis are known for their laid-back and welcoming nature, making it easy to forge new connections. It’s important to embrace the local customs and participate in community activities to fully experience the Kiwi way of life. New Zealand offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from traditional Māori customs to contemporary arts and sports.
Engaging in local events, joining clubs or groups related to your interests, and simply interacting with your neighbours are great ways to immerse yourself in the social life here. For insights into New Zealand’s culture and events, New Zealand Now is a valuable resource.
Settling in New Zealand and getting to know the New Zealand citizens is an adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities. By understanding these key aspects of your new environment, you’ll be well on your way to making a smooth and enjoyable transition to life in this wonderful country.
The Legal Essentials – Visas and Residency Permits for New Zealand
It’s important to note that Australian citizens have a unique arrangement when it comes to living and working in New Zealand. Unlike other nationalities, Australian citizens do not require a visa or need to apply for a visa to live, work, or study in New Zealand. They are granted a New Zealand resident visa upon arrival in the country, as long as they meet certain health and character requirements. This special provision simplifies the process significantly for Australian citizens, making the transition to life in New Zealand much easier.
For other individuals It is important to note, that knowing the legal requirements for moving to New Zealand is an essential step in your relocation, especially if you’re a citizen or permanent resident planning to live and work there. New Zealand offers a range of visa options, tailored to different needs and circumstances. These include work visas, student visas, and various residency visas, each with their specific eligibility criteria.
For professionals, the Skilled Migrant Category Visa is a popular choice, allowing individuals to live and work in New Zealand based on their skills and qualifications. Alternatively, the Investor Visa is designed for those who are citizens and permanent residents of other countries, like Australian citizens or permanent residents, looking to invest in New Zealand.
It’s crucial to identify the visa that aligns with your status, whether as an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or as an individual seeking an Australian resident visa. The New Zealand Government’s official website, Immigration New Zealand, is a comprehensive resource for information on the types of visas available, their application processes, and the eligibility requirements for citizens and permanent residents. To ensure a smooth process, it’s advisable to begin your visa application well in advance, keeping in mind that approval times can vary significantly depending on the visa category and your individual circumstances as an applicant.
Financial Considerations for Moving to New Zealand
Moving to a new country involves significant financial planning and understanding of the local economy. New Zealand offers a stable financial environment, but it’s essential to navigate these changes carefully to ensure a seamless transition. From managing your finances during the move, and understanding the cost of living, to setting up banking and handling currency exchange, here are the key financial considerations for your move to New Zealand.
Managing Your Finances During an International Move
An international move requires meticulous financial planning. Start by creating a comprehensive budget that includes all moving expenses, such as shipping, travel, temporary accommodation, and emergency funds. It’s advisable to keep track of currency exchange rates, as fluctuations can significantly impact your budget.
Consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in international relocations to help navigate tax implications and financial planning. Utilising international money transfer services like Wise or OFX can offer more favourable exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks, making them a cost-effective option for transferring funds globally.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand varies depending on the region and lifestyle choices. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to be more expensive in terms of housing and entertainment, whereas smaller towns and rural areas offer a more affordable living. Expenses to consider include housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and leisure activities.
New Zealand’s consumer prices are generally higher than in many countries due to its geographical location and import costs. However, the overall quality of life and access to natural resources balance this aspect. For a detailed guide on living costs, websites like Numbeo and Expatisan provide up-to-date information and comparisons based on cities and lifestyle options.
For Australians living in and moving to New Zealand, understanding the exchange rate between Australian dollars and New Zealand dollars is important. The value of New Zealand dollars often fluctuates in comparison to the Australian currency, impacting everything from daily expenses to larger financial commitments. It’s essential for Australians moving to New Zealand to monitor these exchange rates closely, as it directly affects their cost of living and financial planning in a country where transactions are primarily in New Zealand dollars.
Opening a Bank Account and Handling Currency Exchange
Setting up a local bank account is one of the first steps you should take upon arriving in New Zealand. This will facilitate easier management of your day-to-day finances, including receiving a salary if you are working, paying bills, and accessing local services. Major banks in New Zealand, such as ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac, offer services for newcomers, including the option to open an account before you arrive in the country. Additionally, understanding how to handle currency exchange is crucial.
While banks offer currency exchange services, exploring other options like dedicated currency exchange services or online platforms can provide better rates and lower fees. Keep in mind the importance of monitoring exchange rates, as they can impact your financial planning significantly.
Navigating financial considerations is a critical aspect of your move to New Zealand. By understanding and planning for these elements, you’ll be better positioned to enjoy a smooth transition and a comfortable start in your new home.
MOVING YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO NEW ZEALAND
Information on Immigration when Moving to New Zealand
Because of the close historical relationship between Australia and New Zealand, trans-Tasman immigration is easier than you may expect.
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, you won’t even need to get a visa in advance. The Australian Resident Visa is available to apply for upon your arrival in New Zealand.
If you are an Australian citizen moving New Zealand, all you need to do is be able to prove that you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident and are of “good character”. This means that you don’t have a criminal conviction, haven’t been deported from another country and aren’t an official security risk to New Zealand.
New Zealand High Commission Canberra, Australia
Includes contact information for the High Commission and the Consulate-General, and also a brief comment on the New Zealand-Australian relationship: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/australia-and-pacific/australia/new-zealand-high-commission-to-australia/
New Zealand Visa Information
General visa information can be found here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/work
New Zealand Passport Office
Apply for an adult New Zealand passport, a child passport, or renew an existing. You won’t need to print off forms, mail us anything or visit a Passport office: http://www.passports.govt.nz/
New Zealand Immigration Information
New Zealand immigration information. Learn about visa requirements and how to apply for work, business, study and visitor visas: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
New Zealand Citizenship Information
A guide to citizenship: http://www.dia.govt.nz/New-Zealand-citizenship
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Learn about exporting from New Zealand, buying New Zealand products and key investment sectors: https://www.nzte.govt.nz/
Moving to New Zealand – Recent Blogs
Moving Your Family To New Zealand
Moving your family overseas can be an exciting adventure but it also comes with plenty of challenges. From packing up your belongings and transportation to finding a new home and new schools, the whole process can be a little overwhelming. Here you will find some important things to consider before you move to New Zealand.
Things To Do Before Moving To New Zealand
Using Sea Freight For Moving Overseas To New Zealand
When it comes to moving internationally and transporting your household contents, choosing the right shipping method is crucial. While air freight may seem like the fastest option, sea freight offers numerous benefits that make it an ideal choice for many. OSS World Wide Movers explores the advantages of using sea freight for your international household move. Using Sea Freight to move to New Zealand.
A Guide to Health Insurance for Australians Living In New Zealand
Becoming an Australian expat living abroad is an enriching experience that offers a fresh perspective on the world. As you embrace the excitement of a new culture and environment, it’s essential not to overlook your health and well-being. For more information regarding Health Insurance, click here.
Sydney to Auckland – Moving Home
Moving home to Auckland, New Zealand? Moving to New Zealand is commonly enticed by a change in lifestyle, often caused by a recent retirement, change in jobs or moving closer to family and friends. To read more about your move home to Auckland and moving to New Zealand in general, click here.
What to Think of When Moving Overseas to New Zealand
Are you moving your household goods overseas to New Zealand? Whether you’re moving to New Zealand for work, study, or just a change of scenery, there’s a lot to think about! Here are our top moving tips to help make your transition as smooth as possible: Moving Overseas to New Zealand
Moving Reviews about Moving to New Zealand
Helpful, Took Worry Out Of The Move
Moved Melbourne to Wellington NZ, only part of a household. Helpful hints and up to date docs on their web site. Survey, quote, easy. Pack and pickup polite and friendly. My worry was how long it might take to make up full container but operations people kept me in loop. Suddenly at 7 weeks it was go and got ship advice. Able to track container ok. Wellington partner of OSS Transworld, fast, polite also, no problems. So two and half months overall. No breakages!
This post about moving from Melbourne to Wellington, NZ, was made by Denis W in August 2024.
OSS provide exceptional service to their customers. Misha Hamilton has many years experience in the shipping business so she knows exactly what she is talking about. Moving from Oz to NZ involved taking our entire home as well as our motor home, motor bike and trailer and 2 cars. By no means was this a small move. We felt fully supported through the entire process by Misha and the OSS team. Packing our home was done efficiently and professionally by Matt and Ronnie. Not only are the packers great at their job they are fun to be around. They take the stress out of the move with their laid back attitudes and providing reassurance during any stressful moments. The administration was taken care of by Gabby who kept us up to date with all the paperwork. OSS also helped us with transport to NZ for our much loved cats by using their corporate partner ‘Jetpets’ who provided us with amazing service at a reasonable price (thanks again to Misha).
Highly recommend OSS for your overseas move – do yourself a favour and go with the best in the business – OSS!!
This post about moving from Australia to New Zealand, was made by Madjude in June 2024.
This review is for the first part of our move as we haven’t received our things on the other end in NZ, however Misha was absolutely amazing in quoting and organising our move. She really made it all so smooth and went above and beyond for our family, I literally cannot fault her. We had a 3 bedroom house to pack and she was so accommodating when we would ring to adjust inventory. So so happy with the service from her and the removal guys.
This post about moving to New Zealand, was made by Olivia on 28 February 2024.
Moved from. Christchurch, NZ to Gold Coast, Australia, using OSS World moving, absolutely fantastic company to deal with. Especially with the stress of moving but these guys made it a breeze with communication, on time performance and friendly staff and of course price. Would definitely recommend OSS World moving 10 out 10 guys & girls.
We moved our belongings from New Zealand to Australia & it was relatively easy. The move started & finished on time & we had regular updates along the way. We would definitely use their service again if we ever need too.
This post about moving from New Zealand to Australia was made by Amy in July 2023.
Moved part of a 2 bedroom unit from Brisbane to New Zealand. Received earlier than expected with no hitches. Packers very experienced & professional. Would recommend OSS.
This post about moving from Brisbane to New Zealand was made by TBA on 14 January 2023.
Moved From Brisbane To Auckland
From the outset, OSS took full control and care of all our moving needs – I felt like a weight had been lifted from the start. Communication was clear, concise, informative and helped us to understand the process every step of the way. The packers were very professional and friendly arriving as planned and worked quickly and efficiently. Our Move Manager was excellent in providing updates and following up queries and was always prompt, courteous and friendly. I am so thankful we used this service and would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking at moving.
This post about moving from Brisbane to Auckland was made by Roger K on 9 December 2022.
Cannot express how easy and simple our experience was. Have never shipped/moved belongings internationally before and so we were really nervous and cautious about shipping our things from Melbourne Australia over to Wellington NZ for the first time. From the time we called to get quotes to pick up, right until delivery at new destination we were kept up to date regularly. Our experience was amazing to say the least from their customer service to the loading team up until the delivery staff were treated seriously like we were priority, cannot recommend these guys enough!! Thank you guys so much and a huge shout out to GABBIE DOUST for checking up regularly even after everything was completed to make sure we had received everything safely!! Huge thank you!!!
Our Second New Zealand Move With OSS
We used OSS World Wide Movers three years ago to move us from Sydney to New Zealand and then back to Australia this year. They were a pleasure to deal with online and in person. Our move from New Zealand back to OZ was of a four bedroom house and a split shipment wherein half went into their storage. They handled it with no problem. We’ve just had the remainder moved into our new house in the Blue Mountains and it was easy as. I highly recommend OSS and would gladly use them again.
This post about moving from NZ to Australia was made on October 25 2022
Across the ditch without a hitch – Moving to New Zealand
We moved 133 of boxes and furniture items, being 35cubic metres of household effects from Australia to New Zealand into storage. The pickup went off without any problems as did the transit into storage and no damage. All the staff and contractors we had contact with were very professional and we always had our original contact to fall back to should we have any concerns and they were always so helpful. We could not commend them highly enough.
This post about moving from New Zealand to Australia was made by Malibu on October 6 2022
OSS were incredible & affordable from start to finish! They made a stressful situation bearable as I had to ship my fathers estate in Sydney, 20 yr, two story apartment of valuable antiques & so forth…where my wrapping handy work was sub-par at best they swooped in & made the necessary adjustments-I wish I knew they would of helped with that from the beginning as that would of made my life so much easier, but truly truly grateful none the less !!! Please dont hesitate to use this Co. they were superlative in every way, also it was all delivered relatively fast within 1-2 mth window, door to door to a remote region in New Zealand, unbelievable service. Thank You!!!!
This post about moving from Sydney to New Zealand was made by LP on July 26 2022
Moved 1cbm from Brisbane to Auckland. The whole process was fast and smooth, excellent service and communication. No problems at all, any questions I had was answered in a timely manner…was told would take minimum of 12weeks and with all the COVID restrictions easing I assumed it would take at least 6months to get here but it was here and delivered in 13weeks. Was not the cheapest quote I got but by far the best reviews and I’m so happy I chose them because their service was excellent.
Thank you team !!
This post about moving from Brisbane to New Zealand was made by Ana H on July 26 2022
We were only moving to New Zealand from Melbourne but excellent communication with Kylie throughout and then the packers, wow! Never seen a couple of guys work so fast and efficiently as well as being friendly and lugging an old sofa out to the kerb for hard pickup from the council. Everything was done on time. Would recommend them without a qualm.
This post about moving to New Zealand from Melbourne, Victoria was made by Pamela on June 6 2022
Moving From Aaustrqalia To New Zealand – Positive Experience
From the moment I contacted OSS World Wide Movers to freight my gear from Australia to NZ, I had positive experiences. They always phoned back promptly. Their price was reasonable. The man who packed my gear was prompt, professional and friendly. The management kept me informed of the progress of my freight. They also answered all my questions and helped me fill in the customs paperwork when it got confusing. I would gladly recommend this company to anyone moving.
This post about moving from Australia to New Zealand was made by Michelle in May 2022.
Are you Planning on moving furniture and other household goods to New Zealand? OSS World Wide Movers provides safe and reliable moving & relocation services to all parts of the New Zealand. Our professional international relocation service can quickly and efficiently move your effects through customs via our New Zealand moving partners.