A Practical Guide to the Way of Life in New Zealand

Jump right in:

• Pros & cons of living in New Zealand
• Practical information
• Culture & social etiquette
• Driving in New Zealand
• Public transport in New Zealand

Pros & cons of living in New Zealand

As with any big decision in life, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living in New Zealand before relocating.

The benefits are many

Untouched nature

There are still so many untouched and rugged places, even just a few kilometers outside of big cities. You’ll feel like an explorer setting foot there for the first time. For a small country, New Zealand has one of the most diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna in the world.

A relaxed life with work-life balance

Life in New Zealand is quiet and relaxed. Big cities are not overcrowded and if you live in the countryside, your neighbor’s home might be kilometers away from you.

Beyond space, Kiwis value a healthy balance between work and leisure. Overtime is uncommon, and society is less focused on status and achievement, and more on treating people equally, no matter their profession or income.

Friendly and welcoming People

Kiwis are famously friendly people, with a laidback and positive attitude towards life. New Zealand is a relatively young nation, shaped by waves of migration. Today, New Zealand is a diverse society made up of many cultures and nationalities, and Kiwis are generally welcoming toward newcomers.

Permanent residency vs. citizenship

According to New Zealand’s laws, there is very little difference between being a permanent resident and having citizenship. Permanent residents can live, work, and study indefinitely, vote in elections, and enjoy access to publicly funded healthcare and education.

Work opportunities

New Zealand currently faces skill shortages in several sectors, including IT, healthcare, engineering, and hospitality. To address these gaps, the government has streamlined immigration pathways through initiatives such as the Green List, which offers fast-track or work-to-residence visa options for in-demand roles. If you need more information on how to find a job or set up a business in New Zealand, consult our Working in New Zealand guide.

Top-notch education

The public education system in New Zealand  is known for being one of the best worldwide. It’s also free-of-charge, except for uniforms, books, and meals. Some schools also require individual annual donation fees.

Low crime rate

New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are low compared to many other nations, and the country consistently ranks among the top in the Global Peace Index, placing 3rd in 2025. It also ranks 4th worldwide in 202 Corruption Perceptions Index, showing strong political stability and low levels of corruption.

But there are also downsides

Ozone layer and UV rays

New Zealand experiences some of the world’s highest UV levels, particularly in summer. This is due to its clear skies and the thinner ozone layer over the region, which reduces natural protection from the sun. As a result, the risk of sunburn and skin cancer is elevated, and sunscreen is recommended even on overcast days.

Geographical isolation

New Zealand is a very isolated island. Auckland, for instance, is over 2,100 kilometers away from Sydney, and around 9,150 kilometers from Hong Kong. The time difference (UTC+12) can also make it very hard to stay in touch with loved ones, and expensive long-distance flights make it difficult to travel and visit home.

Expensive

New Zealand is a small island country, meaning a lot of products ranging from food to electronics and furniture have to be imported, which comes with a price tag. It’s not always possible to shop locally for products, and if you’re looking for specific brands from your home country, it is likely they won’t be available in New Zealand.

Apart from goods, living costs in the cities can be very high, too.

Low-quality housing at a high price

Until recently, housing standards in New Zealand have been low. Most of the homes have poor or no insulation and some don’t even have central heating.

In addition to that, rent prices are extremely high, especially in the biggest cites Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. You can find more information on New Zealand’s housing market in our housing guide.

Practical information

• Country name: New Zealand, Aotearoa (Māori)
• Government type: unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Climate: temperate maritime
• Capital: Wellington
• Official languages: English, Māori, New Zealand sign language
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD, $)
• Time Zones: UTC+12, summer UTC+13
• Country calling code: +64
• Driving: left side
• Voltage: 240 V / 50 Hz
• Emergency number: 111

What are the main public holidays in New Zealand?

• New Year’s Day: 1 January
• The day after New Year’s Day: 2 January
• Waitangi Day: 6 February
• Good Friday: the Friday before Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday: the day after Easter Sunday
• ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) Day: 25 April
• King’s birthday: The first Monday in June
• Matariki: the Friday closest to the Tangaroa period of the Pipiri lunar month
• Labour Day: the fourth Monday in October
• Christmas Day: 25 December
• Boxing Day: 26 December

Embassies

Most embassies are located in Wellington, with consulates in Auckland. For example, the US, Canada, Australia, and Germany all maintain an embassy or high commission in Wellington and a consulate in Auckland.

You can find a complete and updated list of embassies and consulates on the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Main airports There are six national airports in New Zealand, though travelers from outside of Australia will most likely arrive in Auckland:

• Auckland Airport
• Christchurch Airport
• Dunedin Airport
• Queenstown Airport
• Rotorua Airport
• Wellington Airport

A number of smaller airports also connect the country through domestic flights.

Domestic flights in New Zealand

There are three main domestic airlines in the country, Air New Zealand, Air Chathams, and Jetstar. Flying is common for longer intercity travels, as most domestic flight times are around an hour. It is a common way of traveling between the North and South Islands.

Culture & social etiquette

Feeling at home in New Zealand is not difficult. You will find New Zealanders to be friendly and sociable, so integrating in the community should be easy.

Who are Kiwis?

New Zealanders are referred to, and refer to themselves as Kiwis. The term is recognized internationally and has an endearing connotation. It derives from the eponymous national species of flightless birds, which is the national symbol.

They are friendly but value privacy. They usually avoid sharing details like income, marital status, or weight, and tend to keep work and personal life separate.

Everyday etiquette

• Smiling is very important and very typical of New Zealanders, who will often smile at strangers.
• You may use titles and surnames when meeting a New Zealander, but expect to be called by your first name soon after.
• Saying “please” and “thank you”, holding doors for others, and waiting your turn in line are everyday expectations.
• Spitting in public, sniffing loudly, or being too blunt can come across as rude.
• Kiwis like their personal space. Standing too close may make the other person feel uncomfortable.
• It is common for people in New Zealand to walk on the left side of the sidewalk, similar to driving.

Dining etiquette

• Sharing food in a relaxed atmosphere is a good way of socializing. This could be during picnics, barbeques, or hāngis, which are traditional Māori meals cooked in earth ovens. Whenever invited to social gatherings, bring a bottle of wine or a small gift, even if the host deems it unnecessary.
• New Zealand has a drinking culture, and you can legally drink in New Zealand at the age of 18. Not partaking in drinking alcohol is not an issue, of course.
• Smoking is not very common. You are expected to smoke outside, and it is considered polite to ask the people around you if they would mind you smoking around them.

Māori culture and customs

You’ll find many influences from Māori culture in New Zealand, which you should take into account.

• It is common to say a prayer before eating, called the karakia.
• You’re often expected to take off your shoes when indoors.
• You should refrain from sitting on tables or pillows.
• Māori women may greet close family, friends, or acquaintances with a kiss on the cheek, while handshakes are more common in casual settings with non-Māori.
• In some settings, speeches are often followed by traditional songs (waiata). These are performed to support the speaker and enhance or close their message.
• Māori’s love of nature influenced the nation’s stand on environmentalism. There is an overall positive attitude towards the environment and its preservation.

Business etiquette

• Food is a big part of the office environment. Morning or afternoon teas are common at work, and so are celebrations of birthdays or other team celebrations. It is expected for everyone to bring food to share, which is what is meant if you are asked to “bring a plate”.
• When negotiating in New Zealand, expect the process to take time. Hard-sales tactics are not well-received. New Zealanders appreciate concrete figures and prices, and don’t bargain much.
• In business matters, honesty and directness is appreciated.
• Being on time is important. Meetings usually start promptly, and you’re expected to come prepared with clear facts, figures, and relevant information.

Driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand may take some getting used to. In general, you can expect the roads to be good. However, gravel roads are common in more remote places, so don’t always expect a smooth ride if you’re driving in less populated areas. Rush hour affects the biggest cities as in any other location, but traffic in New Zealand is quite light by international standards.

Here are some quick facts and rules about driving in New Zealand:

• The minimum driving age in New Zealand is 16, which is when you are given a learner license.
• The minimum age for obtaining a full license is 18.
• Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• The speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) on open roads and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
• The legal drinking limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood and 0 mg if you’re under 20.
• Not all railway crossings have active warnings!
• Seatbelts are compulsory in all seats, for every vehicle.
• Using your phone while driving is prohibited.
• Roads can be narrower than what you may be used to — some two-lane streets may not even accommodate two vehicles coming from opposite directions.
• Thanks to winding roads, some drives might take longer than you’d expect based on the distance.

For many driving offences, you’ll receive both a fine and demerit points. If you accumulate 100 demerit points within a two-year period, your licence will be suspended for three months.

If you commit a serious driving offence, your license can be suspended or your vehicle can be impounded at the roadside.

Can I drive in New Zealand with a foreign license?

When you arrive in New Zealand, your foreign driver’s license is valid for up to 18 months. If it’s not already in English, you need to be able to show an accurate English translate as well. International driver’s licenses, on the other hand, are valid for up to 12 months and only in combination with your regular license.

If you’llbe in New Zealand longer, you need to convert your overseas license to a NZ driver license.

Whether or not you need to sit the theory and practical tests depends on which country your license comes from. If it’s from an exempt country, you may be able to convert without taking tests.

How can I exchange my license for a New Zealand one?

You can exchange your driver’s license if you’re from any of the following countries:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States of America.

To convert your license, you need to apply at a specialist overseas conversion site and provide the following:

• proof of your identity and a copy of your ID
• your foreign driver’s license (and a translation if it is not in English) and its copy
• the application form for the conversion of an overseas license
• proof that your eyesight meets the required standard
• a signature and a photograph taken at the time of the appointment
• an application fee of 52 NZD (31 USD)
• a medical certificate in case you have a medical condition that needs to be declared

How to get New Zealand’s driving license?

If your driver’s license is not from any of the countries listed above, you will need to apply for a new license in New Zealand by taking the standard theory test and practical driving exam. The application for getting a New Zealand driver’s license is also made at a specialist overseas conversion site.

Here, you provide the required documents. Next, you must pass a theory test on New Zealand road rules. Once you pass, you’ll receive a temporary license with a supervisor condition, which means you can only drive when accompanied by someone who has held a full New Zealand license for at least two years.

Finally, you’ll need to pass a practical driving test. After completing this step, you’ll be issued a full New Zealand driver license without restrictions.

How much does it cost to get a driver’s license?

The cost to get a driver license in New Zealand depends on which license stage you’re applying for:

• Learner’s license: 96,10 NZD (55 USD)
• Restricted license: 167.50 NZD (96 USD)
• Full license: 98.90 NZD (56 USD)

In any stage, if you need to take more than 2 tests, you need to pay additional test fees. You can check the Transport Agency website for more detailed pricing.

Renting a car in New Zealand

If you wish to drive a rental car in New Zealand, make sure you hold an appropriate driver’s license for the type of vehicle you choose. You usually need to be over 21 or older to rent a car and hold your valid license for at least 12 months. You must not allow anyone else besides you to drive the vehicle unless they are listed as authorized drivers. Always carry the rental agreement with you when driving and show it to the authorities when necessary. There are many popular car rental companies you can choose from, such as:

• New Zealand Rent a Car
• Avis
• Budget
• Ezi
• Europcar
• Hertz
• Thrifty
• Go rental
• Mevo
• Cityhop

Public Transport in New Zealand

Public transport in New Zealand is not very extensive, at least not on a nationwide level. Many people still rely on their cars to get from one city to the other.

While scenic train journeys exist, most inter-city rail services in New Zealand are limited and tend to be slow and costly. Urban transport is more developed in cities like Auckland and Wellington. There is suburban rail, extensive bus networks, and in some places ferries.

Public transport is managed by regional authorities such as Auckland Transport and Metlink in Wellington, but the actual services are operated by contracted private companies.

Buses in New Zealand

Buses are the cheapest and most popular means of public transport in New Zealand for both intercity travels and within main cities.

Local bus fares are generally around 1.50 NZD (0.90 USD) and 4 NZD (2.40 USD) per ride and if you use a smart card like AT HOP you can find discounted rates. Each city has its main service provider, so fares for both single tickets and monthly cards may differ depending on where you move to.

For travel between cities, InterCity is the primary provider. One-way fares generally begin at 10 NZD (6 USD) and higher depending on distance and availability. InterCity also offers TravelPass and FlexiPass, which are valid for 12 months and help you to explore New Zealand at your own pace.

Trains in New Zealand

New Zealand has three main train lines, operated by KiwiRail:

• Auckland to Wellington (Northern Explorer)
• Picton to Christchurch (Coastal Pacific)
• Christchurch to the West Coast (TranzAlpine)

These lines connect bigger cities, though trains are not a common form of day-to-day transportation for New Zealanders.

The cost of one train ticket starts at around 219 NZD (130 USD) per trip. You can also find suburban rail systems in Auckland and Wellington.

Taxis in New Zealand

Taxi companies are available throughout the country. You may phone one of the many companies or go directly to a taxi stand. You can also use popular ride-hailing apps, such as Uber, Green Cabs, or YourRide.