What are the pros and cons of living in New Zealand? 

Updated on: Oct 4, 2023

New Zealand is a beautiful country with a high quality of life, but like any place, there are both pros and cons to living there. Here are some of the major pros and cons of living in New Zealand:

Pros:

  • Natural Beauty: New Zealand is known for its stunning natural landscapes, with mountains, beaches, forests, and lakes all within a relatively small geographic area.
  • Quality of Life: New Zealand consistently ranks highly on measures of quality of life, including healthcare, education, and overall happiness.
  • Safety and Security: New Zealand is a safe and peaceful country, with low crime rates and a strong social welfare system.
  • Outdoor Activities: With its natural beauty, New Zealand offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, surfing, and more.
  • Cultural Diversity: New Zealand has a rich cultural heritage, and its people are known for their welcoming and friendly nature.

Cons:

  • Distance from other countries: New Zealand is isolated from much of the rest of the world, making travel and communication with loved ones overseas more difficult.
  • High cost of living: While New Zealand offers a high quality of life, it also comes with a high cost of living, with expenses such as housing, groceries, and entertainment being relatively expensive.
  • Limited Job Opportunities: While New Zealand has a strong economy, job opportunities can be limited, particularly in certain fields.
  • Weather: New Zealand has a temperate climate, but weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, rain, and wind.
  • Housing Shortage: There is currently a shortage of affordable housing in New Zealand, particularly in the major cities.

Overall, New Zealand offers a high quality of life, but living there can come with certain challenges. It's important for anyone considering a move to New Zealand to carefully consider both the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.