Want to move to New Zealand?...
New Zealand is a fantastic place to live, work, and explore. I should know – it’s been my home for years. I first relocated here on a Talent (Accredited Employer) Visa, a path that led to my permanent residency, landing just one month before COVID-19 changed the world.
My journey here, the good and the bad, inspired me to launch Glass Octopus. We’re a platform dedicated to helping ambitious individuals find roles that fulfil their purpose, whether that’s at home or abroad. We’re supported by a network of people who have been there and done it, so you’re getting advice you can actually trust.
It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to Aotearoa: breathtaking natural beauty and a real emphasis on work-life balance. This guide is my first-hand playbook for you, covering the how (visas), the life (costs and friends), and the work (the job market).
How to Move to NZ: The 4 Common Visa Routes
The visa process is the first and biggest hurdle. While you must always check the [official Immigration New Zealand website] for the latest rules, most professional moves fall into one of these four main paths.
Route 1: The Working Holiday Visa (The “Try Before You Buy”)
This is a popular option for people (usually under 30 or 35) to come to New Zealand for 12-23 months. It gives you the right to travel and work in temporary roles.
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Why it’s great: It’s the ultimate “try before you commit.” You can get a “foot in the door” with a company, and if they like you, it often leads to sponsorship for a longer-term work visa.
Route 2: The Accredited Employer Work Visa (The “Skilled Move”)
This is the most common route for skilled professionals. It requires you to have a job offer from a New Zealand company that is “accredited” by Immigration NZ to hire migrants.
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This is the path I took. It’s a clear route to residency if you’re in a skilled field.
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How Glass Octopus Helps: Finding a company willing to sponsor you from overseas is the hardest part. [Join our talent platform] to get your profile in front of New Zealand’s top companies who are actively hiring international talent.
Route 3: The Partner of a Worker Visa (The “Team-Up”)
This is a fantastic and very common route. My partner joined me on this route, and it’s what we’ll be using when we move back in 2026! If your partner (who you live with in a genuine and stable relationship) gets a long-term work visa, is a resident/citizen you may be eligible for a visa that’s linked to theirs.
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Why it’s great: This visa often comes with open work rights, meaning you can work for any employer in New Zealand. It gives you incredible flexibility.
Route 4: The Internal Transfer (The “Company-Sponsored Move”)
If your current company has an office in New Zealand, this can be the smoothest route. They handle the logistics, and you relocate with your job. Always worth checking if it’s an option!
Life in New Zealand: Getting Set Up, Costs & Finding Friends
Once your visa is sorted, the next step is building a life here.
The First 30 Days: Your Admin Checklist
When you land, you’ll need to:
Set up a bank account: I used BNZ and monzo, but find one that works for you.
Get an IRD number: This is your tax number, essential for getting paid.
Convert your driving license: Do this at the AA. It’s cheap, easy, and saves you from carrying your passport for ID.
The Real Cost of Living
Living costs vary wildly. Auckland is the most expensive for housing, while Wellington and Christchurch can be more affordable.
Housing: Check [Trademe] to see rental prices.
Food: Costs are generally affordable, but groceries vary by season. Check [Pak’nSave] or [Countdown] to build a sample shopping list.
How to Make Friends: The Tip I Wish I’d Taken Sooner
Here’s my biggest piece of personal advice. I moved here with my partner, and we immediately got our own apartment. It was nice, but also a bit isolating.
I quickly realised that house shares (or “flats”) are the single best way to build an instant social circle.
Facebook groups like ‘AUCKLAND FLATMATES & FLATS WANTED (AFW)’ are brilliant. Even as a couple, finding a room in a larger house share for your first 6-12 months is a game-changer for meeting people.
The NZ Job Market: An Overview for 2025/2026
So, what’s the job market actually like?
It’s more competitive than it was during the post-pandemic boom. The economy has cooled, and there’s more competition for roles. However, significant skill shortages remain, and companies are still actively hiring for the right talent, especially in high-need sectors.
What employers are looking for has also shifted. More than ever, companies want to hire people who are a great cultural fit and are looking for career growth and purpose—not just a paycheque.
Most In-Demand Sectors
While there are opportunities everywhere, the “Green List” (which highlights in-demand roles for visa purposes) points to a few key areas:
Healthcare & Social Services: This is the big one. Registered Nurses, GPs, midwives, clinical psychologists, and aged care workers are in high demand.
Construction & Trades: With ongoing infrastructure and housing needs, roles like Civil Engineers, Construction Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Electricians, and Plumbers are critical.
Technology & Digital: The tech sector is still a powerhouse. Software Developers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Data Scientists, and Cloud Engineers are highly sought after.
This is our specialty. If you’re in tech or digital, [join the Glass Octopus platform] to see which accredited employers are hiring for your specific skills right now.Education: There is a consistent need for Primary and Secondary School Teachers, especially in STEM subjects and special education.
How to Compare Salaries: What You Really Need to Know
A NZ $70,000 not the same as a US $70,000 salary. Don’t just use a currency converter. You need to compare Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
In simple terms, you need to see what your salary buys you. As of the latest Stats NZ data, the median annual salary from wages is around NZ$70,000. This is slightly higher in main centres like Auckland and Wellington.
Here’s how to do your own research:
Use a cost-of-living comparison website (like Numbeo or Glassdoor).
Compare your home city (e.g., London, UK) to your target city (e.g., Auckland, NZ).
Look at the difference in rent, groceries, and transport. The site will often tell you, “To maintain your standard of living, you would need a salary of X.”
This gives you a much more realistic target salary to aim for.
Your New Zealand Journey Starts Here
Moving to the other side of the world is a big step, but it’s an incredible one. We loved our time there so much that we’re already planning our move back for 2026.
You don’t have to do it alone. That’s why I built Glass Octopus. We’re not just a job board; we’re a talent platform built on transparency and human experience. We connect ambitious people (like you) with companies where you can do purposeful work.
So, what’s your next step?
Ready to look? [Browse our live jobs in New Zealand and beyond.]
Want to be found? [Join our talent platform] and let our partner companies find you.
If you want more career tips, follow Tom Shaw and Glass Octopus on Linkedin. If you already have some experience, you may also find the right role on our jobs platform.
