A natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, New Zealand’s South Island has a lot to offer for backpackers, holiday makers, and anyone looking for an exciting relocation. With over 150,000 square kilometres of exploration potential, and a plethora of towns to consider, it can be tricky to find the perfect place to call home.
Choosing where to live is no easy task. When you’ve decided whether you’d prefer living on the North Island or South Island, the next step is finding the right town. Here at Allied NZ, we know both islands like the back of our hands, so here’s our run down on some of the best places to live on the South Island.
Nelson
Starting at the top of the South Island, Nelson sits on the northwest shore. If the bohemian lifestyle in a small town is what you’re after, then add Nelson to your list of considerations for the best place to live in NZ.
Living here, you can bask in some of the South Island’s best weather, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the region. Nelson has a large fishing port, so jobs in fishing and agriculture are plentiful. Thanks to its location in the Marlborough region, your free time can be spent sitting, sipping, and relaxing in your new home.
Christchurch
With a population of almost 400,000 people, Christchurch is the second biggest city in New Zealand. Living in a similarly-sized city on the North Island would set you back quite a bit financially, but Christchurch is significantly more affordable. The average weekly rent for a two bedroom apartment in the city is around $540, which should leave you with enough money to enjoy the city's bars, restaurants, and attractions.
Christchurch has been rebuilt following the devastating 2011 earthquake, and businesses are continuing to get back on their feet. Particularly for those working in IT, tech, and construction, finding a stable job shouldn’t be too difficult in the current market.Queenstown
Next on our list is Queenstown, which 29,000 people call home. This number reflects the amount of people who live here year-round, but you can expect to see an impressive influx of people during the peak summer and winter seasons. Ever-popular among backpackers, this lively resort town is a great place to be if you want to spend your free time embracing nature. Here, you’ll be within an hours’ drive of Coronet Peak and the Remarkables for some incredible snow sports, as well as areas renowned for mountain biking and hiking throughout the warmer months. If you want an adrenaline rush, then Queenstown offers exciting skydiving and bungee jumping, as well as local wine-tasting spots for more relaxed down-time.
The same $540 that will get you a two-bed rental in Christchurch will be just enough for a one-bed here, and you can expect to see a similar jump in the general cost of living, too. On the other hand, because Queenstown is a relatively walkable town, you can get by here easily without needing a car of your own. Bus routes connect the town, as well as longer-haul buses that can take you around the South Island.Wanaka
Often considered to be the more laid back version of Queenstown, Wanaka boasts the same exciting opportunities for adventure, but with a more family-oriented atmosphere. The once small town has grown rapidly over the last decade, and housing prices have increased with the population.
You can enjoy some of the best winter and summer sports that Kiwi life has to offer here. From Mount Aspiring National Park with its glaciers and fiordlands to the shores of Lake Hawea, choosing to live in Wanaka means adventure will truly be right at your doorstep.Dunedin
If the cities are too big, but Wanaka’s too quiet for your liking, consider the university town of Dunedin. The relaxed town has an artsy-feel thanks to countless coffee shops, op shops, and markets. The distinct mix of Scottish and Maori culture here lends itself to an undeniably unique place that welcomes students, individuals, and families from all over the country and the world.
With a cheaper cost of living than Queenstown and world-class surfing, living in Dunedin is a tempting idea. Dunedin is also consistently rated as one of the best places to live in South Island New Zealand!Invercargill
Heading further south from Dunedin, Invercargill is one of the southernmost cities in the world. The Fiordland, Milford Sounds, The Catlins, and Stewart Island are all accessible from here, so you can spend your days off taking in the South Island’s stunning wilderness.
Invercargill is also graced with the Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, meaning that people who live here have a view that many can only dream of. Thanks to this, Invercargill is arguably one of the most beautiful places to live in New Zealand’s South Island.When You’re Ready to Move
Finding the right place to settle down can be a difficult decision, but finding the right moving company doesn’t have to be. We have Allied teams across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, as well as around the world, so wherever you’re moving from, we can be there to help. Get in touch with our NZ moving team today to find out more about our tailored moving services!