7 Reasons to Consider Moving to Auckland, New Zealand

Few destinations are as far-flung or as desirable as Auckland, New Zealand. It’s over 2,000 miles from the nearest landmass, but has one of the best quality of life in the world. In fact, according to Gallup, over 6.5 million people would move there today if given a chance. It’s a long flight, but the trip is worth it.

Auckland offers fun, beauty, culture, safety, and opportunity for everyone willing to make the journey. In case you aren’t familiar with the City of Sails, here are seven reasons you should consider moving to Auckland, New Zealand.

Competitive Job Market

Though physically isolated, Auckland maintains strong economic ties with Europe, Asia, and America. Like the rest of New Zealand, most of its businesses are powered by trade. International agreements with China, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, not to mention the United States, have led to vigorous growth throughout New Zealand, particularly in Auckland, its largest city.

What’s more, unlike the rest of the world, New Zealand was relatively immune from the COVID pandemic. Despite a brief lockdown, most businesses carried on as usual and the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) quickly rebounded. In fact, it’s expected to grow 2.6 percent this year, rising to 3.8 percent by 2024.

Auckland’s economy has been bolstered further by government efforts to encourage domestic and overseas investment. In 2020, the World Bank declared it the easiest place to do business or start a business. It also has one of the world’s lowest tax burdens, according to the International Tax Foundation.

In short, New Zealand’s economy is thriving. And as it’s expanded, the demand for workers has risen significantly. Healthcare, construction, education, engineering, agriculture, forestry, technology, and telecommunications offer particularly good salaries, especially to foreigners with the right qualifications.

Uncrowded & Close to Nature

Physically, New Zealand is larger than Great Britain, but has only a fraction of its population (5 million vs. 67 million). Though it’s been surveyed, most of the country remains relatively untouched.

From Auckland, you can explore snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers, white sand beaches, broadleaf rainforests, wild deserts, wind-swept plains, magnificent fjords, crystal lakes, roaring rivers, verdant pastures, hot mud springs, and active volcanoes ‒ all just a few hours away.

Because New Zealand stretches 1,000 miles from north to south, its weather varies tremendously. In the north, winters are warm, while the south experiences heavy snowfall. Despite this, life in the cities is normally mild and pleasant year round.

Although Auckland experiences all four seasons, weather is rarely extreme. Located on the northern coast, temperatures seldom rise above 75°F or dip below 45°F. As a result, Aucklanders are some of the most active people in the world, free to hike, camp, and play year-round in some of the most diverse and wondrous settings on Earth.

Stable & Peaceful Society

Though Auckland has its share of crime, its streets are safe. Like other large cities, COVID has led to increased unrest, but on the whole violence, theft, and vandalism remain relatively low. New Zealand itself is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with few threats to its international or domestic security.

Seasonal & Multicultural Cuisine

Auckland’s food scene is as rich and diverse as its landscape. No matter which neighborhood you visit, you’ll find it stuffed with cafes, restaurants, and street food from all over the world. Whether you’re craving Dixie barbeque, Spanish Tapas, Chinese bao, Taiwan kumara fries, handmade Italian pasta, American chili dogs, Canadian poutine, Indian butter chicken curry, or Hong Kong bubble waffles, there's someplace here that serves it.

But Auckland cuisine isn't only international, it's proudly local as well. Because of the cost of imports, New Zealand chefs have begun basing menus around local, regional, and seasonal flavors. They've perfected the art of farm to table, incorporating wild herbs, peppers, and ferns plucked straight from nature. Traditional Maori ingredients, passed down through generations, are once again finding their way into restaurants, reimagined for the modern era.

No where else can you experience kokoda (traditional Fijian raw fish), taewa tutaekuri (native purple potato), or hāngī, a Maori cooking method that expertly tenderizes fish, pork, lamb, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and cabbage in hot stone pits. It’s a unique blend of flavors and textures enjoyed only in this singular corner of the world.

Unparalleled Education

Besides hikers, foodies, and professionals, students will also find a lot to love about Auckland. From elementary school through university, the city has some of the finest education in the world. Its student/teacher ratio (3:1) is one of the lowest of any Western country. Early childhood education is free and open to both residents and non-citizens.

According to the Economist, only two nations (Finland and Sweden) do a better job preparing students for future success. And six of the nation’s 18 universities are ranked in the world’s top 500. At one point, the country had drawn so many international students, education became its fourth largest export.

Singular Culture

Auckland may be a long way from Europe and America, but that doesn’t mean it’s far from the action. Its calendar is packed with plays, concerts, festivals, games, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Every weekend, you can hear jazz artists, DJs, rock musicians, folk bands, and virtuosos from every other genre playing throughout the city, in private clubs and major concert halls. In fact, the city’s music scene is so unforgettable, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) dubbed Auckland the “City of Music” in 2017.

Not to be outdone, Auckland’s comedy clubs host some of the country’s funniest entertainers nearly every night of the week. But if you're in the mood for something more sophisticated, there's also opera, classic musicals, and celebrated dramas being staged at theaters around the city. The local art scene helps keep the country’s traditional cultures alive, while also exploring modern issues and new visual techniques.

Then there’s the city’s museums, which offer a glimpse into ancient cultures, including both the Maoris and Europeans who colonized the country.

In addition, the city regularly hosts botanical, architectural, and historical tours to help bring its history to life.

But nothing stirs the blood of Auckland like the All Blacks, New Zealand’s premier rugby team. Few teams are as fast, strong, or ferocious. Three-time world champions with a winning record against every major international squad, they are perhaps most famous for the haka they perform before every match ‒ a traditional challenge dance from Maori culture. Even if you don’t understand the rules, the excitement that sweeps through the crowd is electrifying.

Balanced Lifestyle

Without a doubt, food, beauty, and culture don’t mean much if you don’t have time to enjoy them. That’s why Aucklanders work so hard to keep their lives balanced. Workers enjoy flexible hours, four weeks of paid vacation, and extended parental leave. A few companies are even experimenting with four-day work weeks.

Not surprisingly, with more opportunities for fun and adventure, Aucklanders experience higher levels of physical and mental well-being. Not only do they report greater satisfaction with their private and professional lives, their city is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest, happiest, and most comfortable on the planet.

Moving to Auckland, New Zealand

Thinking of a new life in Auckland, New Zealand? Contact us for a free quote! Allied’s international network has helped thousands of people relocate overseas. Our team will work with you to plan the logistics, pack your belongings, and walk you through the necessary paperwork. Call us toll-free at 1-800-689-8684 and start planning your new life today.