So, you are moving from Canada to New Zealand? I bet you’re already packing your parka and heading from Canada to the “land of the long white cloud”, New Zealand, eh? Well, don’t forget to say sorry to the beaver and moose before you leave!
But on a serious note, transitioning your life from Canada to New Zealand is an exciting journey, and it’s not just about discovering how many sheep you can count before you fall asleep.
In fact, New Zealand is a nation celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, sterling quality of life, and work-life balance that even a sloth would envy.
However, before you sprint towards the land of Kiwis (no, not the fruit, the people!), hobbits, and Haka dances, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some critical aspects.
As the saying goes, “knowledge is power”, and we’re here to power you up with 13 essential tidbits that every Canadian should know before moving to New Zealand.
But hey, this ain’t your grandma’s encyclopedia, so buckle up for an engaging, informative, and even slightly comedic deep dive into the world of “moving from Canada to New Zealand.”
When it comes to moving from Canada to New Zealand, it’s not just about packing your suitcase with a couple of lumberjack shirts, maple syrup, and good manners. New Zealand has a pretty firm handle on immigration, akin to a goalie guarding the net during a hockey game.
Every year, there’s a cap on the number of immigrants allowed, and, in most cases, the country prefers skilled workers under 55. It’s a bit like being picked first for the dodgeball team at school but with added paperwork.
Several visa options allow for immigration to New Zealand, with popular choices including Work, Working Holiday, Student, and Family Visas. You’ll have to apply through the official immigration section, which is a bit like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube, but it’s totally worth it in the end.
Planning to move your life halfway across the world isn’t like renting a U-Haul for the weekend. You’ll need a reliable international moving company, a bit like a sherpa guiding you up Mount Everest. As in the popular Canadian game of curling, accuracy is key.
Make sure that insurance is included, the rates are sensible, and they have plenty of good Google reviews. The icing on the cake is when their customer service is as shiny as a newly Zambonied ice rink.
Here are a couple of moving companies that are considered experts in International Moving:
Canadians often leave their cars behind when moving from Canada to New Zealand. After all, the thought of elevated shipping and import fees, plus a meticulous vehicle inspection process, can feel more daunting than trying to understand cricket rules.
But if your car is more sentimental than poutine at 2 a.m., you can indeed ship it to New Zealand. Just make sure you have multiple quotes from trustworthy car shipping companies, know your ports, and clean your car (you don’t want them finding that old Timbit under the seat).
New Zealand’s currency is called the New Zealand dollar (NZD), fondly known as the “kiwi.” And no, it’s not named after the fruit.
It’s a bit different from our “loonie” and “toonie,” with bills issued in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations and coins in 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2.
Just remember, you can’t use the NZD in Australia – they have their own version of the “kiwi” called the “Aussie” (just kidding, it’s the Australian Dollar).
Before moving from Canada to New Zealand, it’s essential to brush up on the local lingo. While English is the predominant language, New Zealand also recognizes Maori as an official language, spoken by about 3% of the population. It’s like the French of Canada, but with a Pacific twist.
You won’t necessarily have to learn Maori to live in New Zealand, but a few phrases might earn you some brownie points. Just remember, when a Kiwi says they’re “going to the dairy,” they’re heading to the corner store, not a cow-filled farm.
When moving from Canada to New Zealand, you’ll find healthcare that’s as universal as an apology from a Canadian after a hockey check. The system, though, is a hybrid one – a little like a moose crossed with a beaver, you might say.
Mostly public, with a 20% sprinkle of private, the healthcare here is quite comprehensive. However, you’ll need to secure Permanent Residency to access the public healthcare system for free, so plan accordingly.
Think of it as a reward for navigating all the immigration paperwork, like a gold medal after a particularly grueling Olympic event.
You’ve finally arrived in New Zealand! Now, don’t start frolicking among the sheep just yet; there are a few steps to take to get settled.
First, apply for a Kiwi Access Card, your ticket to prove you’re an adult, and more importantly, your passport to purchase the local Sauvignon Blanc.
Then, secure your IRD Number, akin to a Social Insurance Number. It’s your key to opening a bank account (here are the main banks in New Zealand ANZ Bank New Zealand, ASB Bank, and Kiwibank) and securing employment – essentials if you want to fund that newfound wine habit.
Oh, also, here is the form to get your brand-new driver’s license.
You’ve decided to leave the igloos of Canada behind and now you need a new place to hang your toque in New Zealand.
Whether you’re looking for a house (they’re pricey, but not as elusive as a decent game of hockey in July) or an apartment (called ‘flats’ here, just to keep you on your toes), there are several websites to help you find your new nest.
Flats can be found on websites like Nzflatmates, Flatfinder, and Roomgo.
Just remember that, unlike Canada, New Zealand tends to calculate rent on a weekly basis – a little like how we tally up Timbits consumed.
Much like the mandatory wearing of toques in a Canadian winter, you’ll want to ensure you’re covered when it comes to insurance in New Zealand.
Private health insurance can be a lifesaver, or at least a headache-saver, for those non-emergency procedures that might take a while in the public system.
Some of the recommended private health insurers are Kiwicover, AA Insurance, and Pacific Prime.
Home insurance is crucial, especially considering that New Zealand sees more shakes than a Zamboni on overtime, thanks to regular earthquakes. And while car insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s as recommended as putting vinegar on your chips.
When it comes to the cost of living in New Zealand, let’s just say it’s more expensive than a box of Timbits but less than a Vancouver penthouse. Auckland, with its cosmopolitan charm, tends to be a popular choice among Canucks.
Here, you can live a comfortable life for about $3400 CAD per month, which includes rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, insurance, and even a little extra for those all-important Kiwi mementos.
Income and Expense Comparison: Canada vs. New Zealand
| Canada (CAD) | New Zealand (NZD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary After Tax | 3200 | 3750 |
| Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom city centre) | 1300 | 1900 |
| Grocery Bill (Monthly) | 300 | 400 |
| Dining Out (Meal at an inexpensive restaurant) | 15 | 20 |
| Private Health Insurance (Monthly) | 100 | 150 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 1.23 | 2.16 |
| Monthly Public Transportation Ticket | 90 | 150 |
Moving from Canada to New Zealand doesn’t mean you need to give up on your favorite foods – though finding a decent poutine may be challenging.
While grocery costs can be higher in New Zealand (a lot of food is imported, much like how we import our Californian oranges), sticking to major supermarket chains will help your wallet.
Just remember to bring your reusable bags (single-use plastic bags are out), and that corner stores can be a secret weapon when it comes to buying milk.
While you might need to hunt high and low to find a Tim Horton’s in New Zealand, never fear, you’re in for a delicious ride as you get familiar with the Kiwi cuisine.
Seafood is bountiful here, and it’s not unusual to see fresh catches of the day on the menu, making you wonder if you should swap your ice hockey stick for a fishing rod. If you’re a meat-lover, you’ll fall in love with the country’s lamb – it’s so good you’d think the sheep were on some kind of rigorous workout regime.
And, of course, the dairy products here are worth writing home about – if you thought Canadian butter was creamy, wait until you try the New Zealand kind.
As for drinks, yes, there’s more to New Zealand than just Sauvignon Blanc. The craft beer scene here is exploding faster than a beaver building a dam, and you’ll find a myriad of breweries offering tastings that’ll make you a beer connoisseur faster than you can say “poutine.”
Stepping into a car in New Zealand and finding the driver’s seat on the right side can be as shocking as seeing a Canadian not apologize for something. You’ll need to adapt to driving on the left side of the road here, but don’t worry – there aren’t any moose in the middle of the road to distract you.
The scenery is breathtaking, so road trips are a must-do, but remember, like everything else in New Zealand, it’s about the journey, not the destination. When it comes to getting a driver’s license, your Canadian license will work for a year before you need to get a New Zealand one.
So there you have it, a down-to-earth guide of the ins and outs, the ups and downs, the hobbits, and the sheep of moving from Canada to New Zealand.
Of course, the journey isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes, cultural novelties, and world-renowned wines. It’s also about practical aspects, such as understanding visas, healthcare, housing, and Kiwi currency. And remember, if you forget about the Rugby World Cup, you might just end up in the naughty corner.
Beyond the practicalities, you’ll find that New Zealand offers an unparalleled quality of life. Be it the scenic drives, beachside barbeques, or just a tranquil day in the picturesque countryside, life in New Zealand is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of major cities.
But don’t get it wrong, New Zealand has its dose of city life with trendy cafes, a contemporary art scenes, and buzzing nightlife.
So, if you’re prepared to swap your ice hockey stick for a rugby ball and prefer to hear “sweet as” instead of “eh”, then moving from Canada to New Zealand may be the adventure of a lifetime you’ve been seeking.
Remember, a bit of planning and preparation can make your move a smooth and enjoyable experience. Happy moving, future Kiwi!
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