Everything you need to land, settle and feel at home — from your first-week admin to finding a house, a doctor, a supermarket and a slice of home. We’ve been through it ourselves, and we’re here to make your move smooth.
Create a list of the documentation you’ll require.
Find out about your immigration options and if you qualify.
Research schools and education for your family.
Research where in NZ you’d like to go and live.
Find more information below and explore our site for the detail on each stage.
There are several major airlines flying from South Africa to New Zealand, including Emirates, Qantas, South African Airways and Singapore Airlines. You can book directly with the airline or through your local travel agent. Booking early and being flexible on dates usually gets you the best fares.
Household goods and personal effects imported to NZ.
If you are bringing or sending household goods and personal effects by air or sea into New Zealand, your items may be inspected at the border to identify any risk goods. You’ll need to declare the contents to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and provide documentation. Find out what to do to avoid border-clearance problems — clean any outdoor gear, shoes and camping equipment thoroughly before packing.
More information from the Ministry for Primary Industries →Compare the cost of living between countries before you move so there are no surprises.
Compare costs →Apply for your IRD number early — you need it to work and pay tax. The NZ tax system is relatively simple. Use the Inland Revenue tools to estimate your take-home pay.
Inland Revenue →Get in touch with our reliable currency partners for help with Foreign Tax Clearance and currency transfers — and save on the exchange rates.
Get assistance →New arrivals generally book a hotel or motel, rent a holiday home, or start out in tourist flats or cabins in a holiday park. The cost and availability of short-term accommodation varies widely through the year — affected by tourism peak season, university start dates and school holidays.
Even if you plan to buy eventually, it’s best to start by renting. That way you can take time to see what’s available and where you’d like to live before committing.
Housing in New Zealand is as varied as our people — suburban homes, rural and lifestyle blocks, apartments, flats and townhouses. NZ homes are generally built to make the most of light and the outdoors, prizing an “indoor-outdoor flow” ideal for barbecues and summer living. Historically we built standalone timber-framed houses, but as cities grow, apartments and multi-unit homes are increasingly popular.
Plenty of options to furnish your home affordably while you wait for your container — or if you’re buying in New Zealand.
The food is a little different — but you can find almost everything, plus a few new favourites.
Pak’nSave is the budget, no-frills option. Woolworths (formerly Countdown) is widespread with online shopping and delivery. New World is more premium with a bigger deli and imported foods.
Local butcheries and fresh-produce markets are everywhere. Weekend markets — like Otara in Auckland or Harbourside in Wellington — are great for local food, coffee and a real taste of Kiwi life.
Plenty of South African shops stock the brands you’ll miss, and local butchers make boerewors and biltong (made leaner to NZ standards). Many sell online and are great spots to meet other expats.
Register early — not when you’re sick — and bring your medical and immunisation records from home.
Enrol with a local medical practice as soon as you arrive, and enrol your children too. Subsidised GP visits cost around $20–$50 as an eligible resident.
Many medicines are government-subsidised — often just a $5 charge or free. The range is smaller than you may be used to, and there’s no over-prescribing culture here.
Accidents are covered by ACC regardless of visa status. Use urgent-care clinics for after-hours, non-emergency care. Children under 18 get free basic dental; adult dental is private.
Most overseas licences are valid for up to 12 months, after which you convert to a NZ licence through NZTA. Conversions from South Africa, the UK, Australia and the EU are straightforward.
Kiwi drivers are generally courteous and the road rules are strictly enforced — police actively patrol for speeding and phone use. We drive on the left. Take extra care on rural and winding roads.
Tell us where you are in your journey and we’ll point you to the right next step — and connect you with the right specialist for your situation.
Speak to an Adviser →
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