Your Checklist

Where Do I Start?

Moving countries is a big step. Use this checklist to get document-ready, plan your arrival, and settle in smoothly — then explore our site for the detail on each stage.

Check If You Qualify Speak to an Adviser

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Are You Document Ready?

Create a list of the documentation you’ll require.

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Do I Qualify?

Find out about your immigration options and if you qualify.

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How to Find a School?

Research schools and education for your family.

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Where to Stay?

Research where in NZ you’d like to go and live.

Getting Started

Your First-Steps Checklist

Create a list of the documentation you require.
Find out about your immigration options and whether you qualify.
Find a job, or get job-search support.
Research around where in NZ you’d like to go.
Find out more about schools for your family.
Understand the costs around immigration.
Decide on shipping or selling your belongings.

Getting Here

Airlines & Flights

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.

Shipping

Shipping & What to Pack

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.

More information from the Ministry for Primary Industries →

Money

Living Costs, Tax & Transfers

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Living Cost in NZ

Compare the cost of living between countries before you move.

Compare costs →

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NZ Tax Calculator

Estimate your take-home pay and understand the NZ tax system.

Open calculator →

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Money Transfer & Financial Immigration

Get in touch with our reliable currency partners for help with Foreign Tax Clearance and currency transfers — and save on exchange rates.

Get assistance →

On Arrival

Temporary Accommodation

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.

Hotels at the Airport Air B&B Hotels / Motels Bookabach Holiday Parks / Camping Homestays

Settling In

Furnish Your Place Cost-Effectively

Plenty of options to furnish your home affordably while you wait for your container — or if you’re buying in New Zealand.

Where to look

Second-hand stores & garage sales: surprisingly good quality at a fraction of the price.
Online marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, TradeMe and Craigslist for gently-used furniture.
Rental furniture: companies in NZ specialise in short-term furniture hire.
Budget shops: Kmart and The Warehouse for inexpensive essentials.

Good to know

Beds can be expensive new — try Target or Big Save for cheaper options.
Many migrants camp out while waiting for a container.
Electronics and whiteware are competitive — Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming have wide ranges, and you can negotiate cash discounts on large purchases.
If you ship new items, check import taxes/duties — and note that SA appliance warranties are not valid in NZ.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

Tell us where you are in your journey and we’ll point you to the right next step and the right specialist.

Speak to an Adviser →