3 Things to Consider Before Making the Big Move to New Zealand

2019/01/30

3 Things to Consider Before Making the Big Move to New Zealand

You can’t always control when the wave washed over you that whispers it’s time for a big change. And while change can come in many forms for lots of different people, not everyone is satisfied with chopping their hair into bangs or beginning a new TV show on Netflix. Some people, when they catch a whiff of a desire for new adventure and a fresh start, want to go all in and see where the road can take them. If it is time for a drastic change and you are considering relocating to one of the most beautiful places on earth, here are a few things to know before moving to New Zealand.

1. It Is a Diverse—and Big!—Country

When sitting next to Australia, New Zealand looks relatively small in comparison. And while it is drastically less sprawling than its Australian neighbor, its size is nothing to be laughed at. The South Island alone is roughly the size of the UK. So, if you want to give yourself the ability to travel by car in your new home country, New Zealand is a great place to move. But don’t get too ahead of yourself; it still takes a few hours to travel between certain major cities and landmarks.

With a population just under 5 million, there’s a wide range of diversity of people as well as scenery nestled in communities across this island country. The South Island has a more Australian vibe among its citizens, and it is speckled with beautiful fjords, beaches, and glaciers. The North is equally stunning, but it has more of a tropical vibe and appearance. It also has larger and more well-known cities such as Auckland.

2. Weather and Climate Can be Extreme

While there are almost no weather conditions and forces of nature that can’t be managed with some man-made innovation, it is still worth mentioning that the weather in New Zealand can be brutal. The country has potential to climb incredibly high into temperatures in the warmer months, and the sun becomes scorching hot. If you are considering this move, make sure you know what level SPF you need and stock up. By contrast, the winter months can be extremely frigid.

One of the harder to control factors of living in New Zealand are the earthquakes. In 2011, a severe earthquake damaged a lot of the Christchurch area. Repairs to the beautiful city have been no joke. Earthquakes are not limited to this specific part of the country, and they can affect both the South and North islands. This is because New Zealand straddles multiple fault lines, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes of great magnitude.

Don’t let this scare you away though! While the threat is present, the infrastructure of much of the country is built to last.

3. Getting There Is No Walk in the Park

When choosing to move abroad, there are lots of aspects to consider. A big one is the distance away from the home country you are leaving. And while a long distance is not a deal breaker for many (and may be part of the catalyst to move for others), it is important for prospective New Zealanders to really understand how far away this country is from other places. If you are moving there from the states, it is highly unlikely that you’ll have the time or energy to travel back very often. The flights are long, typically with multiple layovers and sometimes overnight stays in other countries.

Far away or not, New Zealand has a strong allure for its incredible beauty and rich culture. Anyone who chooses to move there will inevitably find happiness on their new adventure.

=============================================================