The 10 Best Places to Live in New Zealand in 2025 

Offering breath taking landscapes, vibrant cities, and a lifestyle many dream of, New Zealand is an excellent place to call home. Whether you’re drawn to the dynamic energy of urban life, the serenity of coastal towns, or the charm of rural communities, this island nation has something for everyone.

Ranked the 4th safest country in the world to live in, New Zealand holds a lot of appeal for expats, especially if you’re moving from the UK. English is the main language spoken, meaning smoother integration into local life. Beautiful natural scenery makes for plentiful opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Add to that a warm, welcoming community and a laid-back culture that offers the perfect escape from the chaos of fast-paced living.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best places to live in New Zealand, highlighting their unique features, lifestyle benefits, and what makes them so special. From the bustling streets of Auckland to the countryside allure of Hawke’s Bay, let’s explore the top spots where you can truly experience the Kiwi way of life. Whether you’re planning a move, looking for inspiration, or simply dreaming of a fresh start, these locations offer something for everyone.

Understanding New Zealand’s Islands 

New Zealand is split into two islands, North Island and South Island. Both offer unique experiences, landscapes, and opportunities. Here we break down the differences in each island, helping you to decide which one is for you.

• North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) – While smaller than South Island, it is more populated and cosmopolitan, including the country’s biggest cities like Wellington and Auckland. North Island is known for its rich Māori culture, with Rotorua and the Bay of Islands offering cultural experiences. The island also has ongoing geothermal activity and geysers, hot springs, and mud pools can be found in places like Rotorua and Taupō.
  
• South Island (Te Waipounamu) –  South Island is dotted with spectacular mountains, lakes, forests and glaciers. Home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, Fiordland National Park and adventure hubs like Queenstown.

1. Northland

Perfect for: Those craving sunshine, an active lifestyle, and a warm, welcoming community. 

Northland is New Zealand’s northernmost region, and a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors. Immerse yourself in its friendly, relaxed, and sunny environment, offering a stark difference to the UK. Nicknamed the Winterless North, Northland’s subtropical climate gives residents around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. It’s not a surprise that over 10,000 Brits call it home already. 

Embracing its rich culture and Māori traditions, Aotearoa’s Indigenous culture is present in Northland, with around 30% of the population being of Māori descent. And for those who thrive on adventure? Northland won’t disappoint. You’re never more than 50 km from the coast, so whether it’s fishing, sailing, swimming, cycling, or hiking, you’ll always have something to do.

Northland living is slower, offering a rural, peaceful vibe. It’s also less populated than other parts of the North Island. Whangārei is the main hub with 55,000 residents, while Kerikeri, known for its farmers’ markets and vibrant arts scene, is home to only 8,000. Job-wise, tourism and farming are the big players. Northland’s world-class marine engineering industry is also a major draw. Some of the world’s largest superyachts are built right here!

Good to know about Northland:

• Average house price – NZ$670,000 (£326,290)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$1,863.06 (£907.31)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$230 (£112.01)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$4,346 (£2,116.94)

2. Auckland

Perfect for: Those seeking career advancements, good universities, and nature. 

With over 40% of its 1.5 million residents born overseas, Auckland is a melting pot of cultures, particularly Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and European. We can see why! For many years, Auckland has been named one of the world’s 10 most liveable cities. Nicknamed the City of Sails because of its harbour-filled coastline, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populous city.

Boasting an ideal coastal climate, Auckland offers warm summers and mild winters. This contributes massively to its relaxed, outdoor way of living. Sitting within the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland benefits from being near beautiful islands like Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island.

The cost of living is high in Auckland, with a central one-bedroom apartment costing around NZ$2,106.76 (£961) per month in rent, with the average salary being NZ$80,301 (£36,645) per year. Auckland houses regularly cost over NZ$1 million, with the average currently NZ$1,038,000 (£473,339.40). However, living in Auckland will give you all the thrills of big-city living for a fraction of the price. Auckland ranks as the 103rd most expensive city in the world, and London is in 19th place. It’s all relative!

As the city makes up 38% of the entire country’s GDP, it is undoubtedly an economic powerhouse. You’ll find an exciting array of job opportunities in industries ranging from construction, agriculture, and engineering to education, finance, health, trading, social services, and tourism. Auckland also has an excellent education system, with the University of Auckland generally being the highest-ranked university in the country. New Zealand’s largest airport makes international travel seamless and smooth, making Auckland a great place to live for international students, families, and professionals alike. 

Good to know about Auckland:

• Average house price – NZ$1,038,000 (£473,339.40)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$3,938.74 (£1,919.74)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$215 (£104.71)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$5,861.93 (£2,859.84)

3. Gisborne

Perfect for: History, wine, and beach lovers looking for affordable housing. 

Originally known as Turanga, Gisborne is known for its laid-back city life, stunning beaches, and rich Māori heritage. The historic site marking of Kaiti Beach is where British navigator and explorer Captain James Cook made his first landing in New Zealand in 1789. You can find this region on the east coast of North Island.

As well as representing a key part of New Zealand’s history, Gisborne is a great place to live. The average house price is NZ$581,000 (£265,110), making housing far more affordable than many other New Zealand cities. There are great employment opportunities in industries such as horticulture, forestry, agriculture and tourism, all of which are experiencing huge growth.

During summer, Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sun. Its position on the coastline makes it a prime spot for surfers on Wainui Beach, with some of the country’s best beaches found here. Known as the “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand”, Gisborne is famous for its boutique wineries and relaxed cellar-door experiences, with wine trails being one of the region’s most popular activities. 

Good to know about Gisborne:

• Average house price – NZ$581,000 (£265,110)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$2, (£1,168.80)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$130 (£63.41)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$5,750 (£2,800.25)

4. Hawke’s Bay

Perfect for: Retirees or ex-pats looking for a peaceful life in the countryside

The James Cook connections continue down the east coast of North Island at Hawke’s Bay, named by Cook in honour of Admiral Edward Hawke. Hawke’s Bay is known for its rolling green hills, bays and rivers. You can enjoy a gentle countryside life in this spacious and pleasant region.

As at Gisborne, you can find a fabulous wine scene here too. Hawke’s Bay produces some of New Zealand’s finest tipples, and, once a year, celebrates in style with the Harvest Hawke’s Bay Festival offering the best food and wine from the region. The event attracts thousands of visitors. 

Hawke’s Bay represents the rural lifestyle, and as in the UK, that means a potentially cheaper cost of living than in a city, with the guaranteed peace and tranquillity of living in a remote area. It’s easy to find natural beauty here, and the idea of spending your retirement reclining on a beach or exploring New Zealand’s wine country may be appealing (if you’re able to secure a temporary retirement visa). 

However, this also means that job opportunities can be more limited than in more populated regions. It’s far from major cities and the public transport system is not very extensive.

Good to know about Hawke’s Bay:

• Average house price – NZ$725,000 (£353,075)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$2,652.50 (£1,291.98)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$80 (£38.96)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$7,333 (£3,573.17)

5. Taranaki

Perfect for: Those wanting outdoor activities, a slower pace of life, and low-cost living

On the west coast of North Island, you can discover Taranaki. The region is named after the spectacular Mount Taranaki, the second-highest peak on the island, which is significant in Indigenous Maori mythology. Taranaki is renowned for its scenic beauty, amazing beaches for surfing, and surprisingly moderate weather compared to the rest of the country. 

The volcanic soil and rainfall make this region verdant green and ideal for agriculture. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore the great outdoors with hiking trails through forests and mountains, spectacular ski slopes, beautiful parks and gardens and a thriving arts and culture scene.

As with many rural regions of New Zealand, you may be sacrificing amazing job opportunities for the chance to enjoy the beauty of the countryside and everything it offers. The largest city is New Plymouth, which has a population of under 60,000 and is home to 65% of the region’s population. Quieter and more slow-paced than other cities, New Plymouth and Taranaki still represent a liveable and serene place to settle, offering a mix of culture, art, and dining. Due to the size, the cost of living is lower than in other cities like Auckland, and little to no traffic means getting around the region is a breeze.

Good to know about Taranaki:

• Average house price – NZ$600,000 (£292,200)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$1,875.00 (£913.13)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$121.74 (£59.34)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$5,220 (£2,544.84)

6. Wellington

Perfect for: Those after all the amenities of big city living, with close proximity to natural beauty. 

After exploring the North Island’s rural regions, now it’s time to take a look at New Zealand’s capital city. Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital and is home to almost half a million people, 10% of the country’s population. It’s a vibrant and compact city, famous for its stunning harbour, creative energy, and status as the country’s political and cultural hub.

With more than 100 parks and access to great hiking and biking trails, living in Wellington means you get to experience the best of both worlds, with a thriving city life and easy access to outdoor activities. Nicknamed the “windy city”, its unique location on the Cook Strait makes Wellington the world’s windiest city! There is an average wind speed of 27 km per hour.

Wellington is a foodie’s heaven, offering everything from casual eats to award-winning dining experiences. Why not attend the Wellington on a Plate festival to celebrate the city’s food scene, or experience local coffee culture in Flight Coffee. If nature is more your thing, take the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. You’ll see stunning views and can access the Wellington Botanic Gardens. 

On the downside, this cool cosmopolitan lifestyle comes with a price tag. Wellington is the most expensive city in New Zealand for renting property, with a 3-bed city centre apartment costing NZ$3,455.00 (£1,576.52) per month.  House prices average at NZ$773,000 (£352,719.90), remaining lower than in Auckland.

Good to know about Wellington:

• Average house price – NZ$773,000 (£352,719.90)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$3,455 (£1,683.44)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$161.40 (£78.70)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$5,354.26 (£2,612.48)

7. Tasman

Perfect for: Those after a small town, friendly, community feel, with plenty of sunshine. 

We leap across the Cook Strait to Tasman, the South Island’s northernmost region. It was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to discover New Zealand in December 1642. The region is known for its relaxed lifestyle and strong connection to nature. Although the region is large with few populated settlements, Tasman is home to friendly locals, creating a strong community feel. It’s generally sparsely populated with only six people every kilometre. From mountains to valleys to plains, it has diverse and beautiful scenery, but it’s important to know where to find the right place for you. 

The artistic lively town of Motueka is known for its cafes, proximity to outdoor activities, and being the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. There is also Mapua, a charming coastal village with boutique shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Takaka is in Golden Bay and is a small, bohemian town, ideal for exploring the nearby beaches, springs, and Farewell Spit.

Tasman enjoys plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Home to some of the best beaches in the country like Kaiteriteri and Marahau, Tasman is a nature lovers haven. You can enjoy a hike on trails like the Abel Tasman Coast Track and witness unforgettable views of native forests, beaches, and wildlife.

Good to know about Tasman:

• Average house price – NZ$823,000 (£400,801)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$1740 (£847.38)
• Travel cost – NZ$2.10-$6.30 per single (£1.02-£3.07)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$5,004 (£2,436.95)

8. Nelson

Perfect for: Those who want a high-quality, peaceful life, in a walkable city.

The oldest city on South Island, and the second-oldest city in New Zealand, Nelson was established in 1841 and became a city by royal charter in 1858. It is home to New Zealand’s geographic centre, with a laid-back lifestyle and easy access to outdoor activities. Commutes are short, and the city is walkable so you can explore the Victorian architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants with ease. 

A popular spot for both domestic and international tourists, Nelson has breathtaking natural beauty. Nelson Lakes National Park boasts stunning lakes and alpine landscapes, ideal for hiking and fishing. Stunning beaches like Tahunanui Beach and Split Apple Rock are the perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and exploring.

The median house price in Nelson is NZ$785,000 (£358,729.50), cheaper than in Auckland, but on par with Wellington. The economy is small, but diverse, with tourism and hospitality being the biggest job sectors. The creative industry and agriculture are also key players. If you need to commute for work, it should be noted that travelling outside of Nelson is not as easy as other cities. Rail connections aren’t as advanced, making it relatively isolated, especially for international travel. 

Good to know about Nelson:

• Average house price – NZ$785,000 (£358,729.50
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$2,360 (£1,148.72)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$50 (£24.35)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$4,907.08 (£2,392.64)

9. Marlborough

Perfect for: Those who are wine lovers, looking for affordable housing, and a small-town community feel

Adjacent to Nelson is Marlborough, where you can find pleasant mountainous terrain, gentle rivers and plains. Marlborough is famous for its grape-growing and wine-making, with the Sauvignon Blanc wine a particular delicacy of the region. There are 65 wineries, 290 grape growers and more than 4,000 hectares dedicated to the industry.

As with many wine-producing regions, the climate is temperate and pleasant. Like neighbouring Tasman, the population density is low, meaning little traffic and plenty of peace and quiet. Communities tend to be small, sparse and tightly-knit, but you might find that locals are more welcoming than you expect. Blenheim is one of the main towns in Marlborough, offering a friendly feel. The town has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and wine-related activities, hosting the Marlborough Farmers’ Market every Sunday. 

The job market is dominated by roles in the wine-making industry, as well as aquaculture, fishing, agriculture, and horticulture. If more corporate roles are your thing, you may want to look elsewhere or work out your commute. Housing is cheaper than in many regions, with average house prices at around NZ$630,000 (£298,839.62). 

Good to know about Marlborough:

• Average house price – NZ$630,000 (£298,839.62)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$1,717.50 (£836.88)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$200 (£97.40)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$4,504.72 (£2,194.29)

10. Canterbury

Perfect for: Those seeking varied job opportunities, stunning natural landscapes, and urban amenities

The largest region in New Zealand, Canterbury is vast, covering almost 45,000 square kilometres. 

Located in the central-east of South Island, Canterbury has experienced significant growth with promising job opportunities in agriculture, retail, accommodation and construction. It’s a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy, with over half of the country’s wheat and barley supply being produced here. Along with Auckland, Canterbury leads New Zealand in employment growth.

The key city is Christchurch, the South Island’s largest urban settlement and New Zealand’s second-largest city with a population of almost 390,000 people. Public transport here is extensive and convenient, and like many New Zealand cities, it’s easy to reach the great outdoors. 

However, Canterbury’s location means that winters can be harsh and long. There are occasional minor earthquakes and the sun is particularly strong. Once you make adjustments and get accustomed to the more extreme weather, you’ll discover that Christchurch is one of the thriving cities of the country.

Good to know about Canterbury:

• Average house price – NZ$707,000 (£344,429)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – NZ$2,780 (£1,354.36)
• Monthly travel pass – NZ$64 (£31.21)
• Average monthly salary – NZ$4,250 (£2,068.75)

Moving to New Zealand?

Whether you choose to live on the North Island at a surfer paradise or cosmopolitan city, or a South Island wine-producing region of green hills or in a village in view of snow-capped peaks and spectacular lakes, the islands of New Zealand can offer you a transformative lifestyle. Each region has something unique to offer and something that will be right for you.

Discover our detailed guide on Moving to New Zealand From the UK where we cover everything you need to know about making the big move. From figuring out the right visa option to understanding local healthcare systems, we cover it all. 

You might be feeling the stress about moving to a new country, but there’s no need to worry. Our experienced team can take the weight off your mind with a stress-free move, no matter which region you’re interested in relocating to. We have years of experience in international removals to New Zealand. Contact us today to find out more about the services we offer, and we can help you build your new life in New Zealand.