NEW ZEALAND

Living In New Zealand

When deciding on living in New Zealand you’ll probably find it hard to choose where to live with such a diversity of landscapes. It is an Island located in the South Pacific Ocean, neighbouring countries such as Fiji, New Caledonia and Tonga.

New Zealand is a small country made up of two larger islands North and South, and many smaller islands. New Zealand is hardly like the usual metropolitan society most people are used to. As it is largely a rural country, its ‘city’ centres are very small, and more reflective of country life then the bigger busier cities of the world.

Its rural areas are very much like villages. Auckland, which is home to over a million people, and, 25% of the overall population, is somewhat an exception. New Zealand’s overall population is just under 4 million, and most of it lives on the North Island. Therefore wherever you live, it will never be too overcrowded, rather, you will enjoy a more relaxed and casual environment.

Being very open and friendly people, and with that, extremely cultural, New Zealand is made up of a mixture of European, Maori, Polynesian, Asian and increasingly other backgrounds and traditions. They are always welcoming, and embrace international visitors and migrants journeying to their country.
Social equity is a very prominent factor in New Zealand, the difference between high and low-income earners isn’t prominent and status is rarely recognised or seen as any more superior.

One of the most distinguishing aspects of New Zealand is its landscape, exquisitely beautiful, abundant, mostly undeveloped, fresh and clean. The landscape is very diverse and natural and popular for its range of outdoor activities, such as skiing, skydiving and mountain climbing.  New Zealander’s embrace their outdoors; they love sport, nature, and all the beautiful and rare creatures New Zealand is home too. Some of their more popular sports, such as Rugby and Golf, are well worth the experience of either joining in or simply being a spectator.

Generally the Climate is rarely uncomfortable. Because New Zealand is surrounded by sea, the temperature is never excessively hot or cold. However, as it is home to all four ecosystems it can be a little complex. The far north of the country is sub-tropical while the South’s Mountainous regions are home to sever alpine conditions. In these areas the climate can tend to be temperamental.

New Zealand’s economy strives on their innovative nature, they have a ‘can do’ attitude, and being very open they are particularly susceptive. They were in fact the first country to give women the vote, and home to the first person to climb Mount Everest.

New Zealand’s main language is English, however officially New Zealand’s Indigenous language Maori is also used.

In general, costs are fairly average, for accommodation, food and transportation. However it’s best to check current exchange rates, as it varies a lot, and depends on which country you’re travelling from.

If you are going to live in New Zealand it is important to take into consideration these costs. You’ll have to decide how much you want to spend on accommodation as there is a wide variety of options from renting and Resident Halls to Home stay and boarding. Then there are food costs, transportation and perhaps studying costs.  

All in All, living in New Zealand is definitely worth any cost. Whether to experience the beautiful landscape or the interesting and traditional community, your time there will be relaxing and perspective altering.