Planning a move from the UK to New Zealand? Access visa updates, in-demand job sectors, and moving checklists for a confident, informed relocation to New Zealand.
One of the most important decisions when moving to New Zealand is where to live, choosing your city or region and whether to rent, buy, or use temporary accommodation while you settle in.
Popular expat destinations include:
Access to healthcare in New Zealand combines a strong public system with private health insurance options for added peace of mind. UK expats can benefit from reliable medical care, clear pathways to enrolling with local GPs, and support for families settling in towns and cities across the country.
New Zealand is a popular choice for families thanks to its outdoor lifestyle, high-quality education system, and safe, community-focused neighbourhoods. Parents can explore schooling options, childcare, and family-friendly locations to help create a smooth transition for children of all ages.
New Zealand offers a wide range of job opportunities across sectors such as healthcare, education, construction and technology. Competitive salaries, good workplace standards and clear immigration pathways make it an attractive choice for professionals relocating from the UK.
Moving costs to New Zealand depend on your destination, container size, and shipping method, with sea freight as the most common choice for UK expats. John Mason offers sole use 20ft containers from £7,500 or 40ft from £10,500, plus groupage/shared options for smaller loads. Transit times range 8-20 weeks door-to-door, varying by city.
| Destination | 20ft | 40ft | Sole Use Container | Groupage / Shared Container |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | £7,500 | £10,500 | 8 - 16 weeks | 12 - 20 weeks |
| Christchurch | £7,500 | £10,500 | 8 - 16 weeks | 16 - 20 weeks |
Full export wrapping and packing including materials based on the quoted volume
Where requested, all china, glass and small fragile items are fully export packed into purpose made cartons. Furniture is wrapped in export pack material.
Standard customs clearance and where required, includes the presentation of your documents to the local customs authorities to obtain customs clearance.
Dismantling and reassembling of basic furniture Delivery to residence as mentioned above, assuming good access
Full unpacking of furniture and placing of small items onto available work surfaces.
Removal of debris on day of delivery only
Decontamination: New Zealand biosecurity authorities may require cleaning or decontamination of containers arriving at port, with charges applied where necessary.
MPI Inspection: Quarantine examination fees are excluded. All shipments are subject to inspection by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). A pre-pay option is available.
Delivery or collection with poor access
Dismantling or assembly of flat pack furniture
Crating of any non-specific items
Parking suspension
Stair carry, long carry, elevator fees and poor access/shuttle service
Additional volume
Marine Insurance
Demurrage or quay rent in the UK or at destination – See country information
Local duties, inspections and taxes
Local quarantine, decontamination, or immigration charges and any other associated costs
Port infrastructure & charges congestion
Discover deeper insights, expat stories, and moving tips through John Mason International’s dedicated New Zealand blog. From visa updates and cost breakdowns to city guides and real-life case studies, find inspiration for your relocation journey.
Ready to plan your move? Get a free quote today.
Yes, UK citizens can indeed move to New Zealand. The process involves selecting the appropriate visa, making sure you meet eligibility criteria and completing the application with the required documents. It is important to be prepared for health checks and character references, and we always recommend allowing for varying visa processing times. Once approved, follow entry requirements, make arrangements for accommodation and employment, and consult official sources for guidance. This is where we come in, John Mason’s international removals service offers comprehensive support, including packing, shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and even pet relocation. Our experienced team of professionals are on hand to provide personalised assistance for a smooth transition.
When bringing pets to New Zealand, remember that strict regulations exist to protect the environment. Requirements vary on the pet type, including vaccinations, health checks, and quarantine, for example microchipping and rabies vaccinations are a must for cats and dogs, costs for these treatments should be expected. Most pets are allowed in New Zealand, such as cats, dogs, and chinchillas from the UK. However, birds, ferrets, mice, rats, reptiles, and snakes are prohibited. Certain dog breeds also have restrictions unless meeting specific criteria, like being a registered service animal. Our dedicated pet relocation team ensures excellent care for your animals, during all aspects of your move to New Zealand.
Yes, it is possible to move to New Zealand when you’re retired. But there are specific visa options and rules you need to meet. One of your options is the Parent Retirement Resident Visa, which is for parents who rely on financial support from their adult child in New Zealand. Alternatively, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is designed for individuals aged 66 or older, allowing a stay of up to two years with requirements including adequate funds and insurance. Keep in mind that visa rules can change, and that there are financial and sponsorship criteria for these visas. You may also need to consider things like healthcare and the cost of living before you decide to make the big move to New Zealand.
Moving to New Zealand without a job can be challenging, as most immigration pathways require a job offer or proof of relevant skills to obtain a job once in the country. The visa options without a job include, Partner of a New Zealander Visa, Dependent Child Resident Visa, Parent Resident Visa and more. As always, we recommend you check the latest immigration policies, and consider the financial aspects of relocating to New Zealand without a job.
The cost of relocating to New Zealand varies based on factors like visa type, location, and personal situation. Core expenses include visa fees, airfare, lodging, daily living, healthcare insurance, shipping, settling costs, education charges, and transport. Shipping belongings to New Zealand typically ranges from £1,500 to £10,500 for containers, the final price depends on where you’re moving from, what and how much you’re moving, how you’re shipping it, and the container size you need. We can also ship extra baggage starting at £150. For a quick cost estimate of your removal to New Zealand, try our Instant Online Quote generator. For additional information on any of the above this can be found in our expert online moving guides.
The visa requirements for moving to New Zealand can vary depending on your situation. Generally, if you are planning to move to New Zealand for work, you will need a work visa. If you are planning to move to New Zealand permanently, you will need a resident visa. There are also temporary visas available for those who want to live and work in New Zealand for a set period of time. The application process for visas can be complex, so it’s important to work with a trusted and experienced immigration advisor to ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations.
There are several items that are prohibited from being imported into New Zealand due to the country’s strict biosecurity regulations. These items include:
It’s important to note that prohibited items will be disposed of upon arrival in New Zealand, so it’s best to leave these items behind when packing for your move.
