14 Best Places In New Zealand To Live

Living in New Zealand comes with so many benefits. Not only are they the best places in New Zealand to live, but they are also ideal for tourists. Most tourists find this country a unique place to live and work.

New Zealand is home to many companies, and the employment rate of this country is relatively high. There are a variety of job opportunities for individuals willing to move to New Zealand to live in.

Finding the best places to live in New Zealand can be overwhelming and time-consuming because of its unique offers. With this overview, you will learn more about the best places in New Zealand to live and their perks.

How many cities are in New Zealand?

New Zealand does not have a single official list of cities. This is because there’s no governing body that determines what qualifies as a city in New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand, however, defines Territorial Authorities (TAs) which are the main units of local government. While not the same as a city, it can be a useful proxy to understand urban areas.

Is Rent Cheap in New Zealand?

Rent in New Zealand can be on the steeper side, especially compared to some Southeast Asian countries. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington have the highest rents, often exceeding NZD 200 per night for a mid-range hotel room. However, there are regions like Southland and West Coast with lower average rents.

Ultimately, rental costs depend on location, size, and amenities. Budget-conscious travelers can find hostels for $30-50 NZD per night, while luxury apartments can climb well above the average. It’s wise to research specific locations and types of accommodation to get a clearer picture of rental costs in New Zealand.

14 Best Places In New Zealand To Live

Here is a list of the best places in New Zealand to live:

1. Devonport, Auckland

Nestled on the north shore of Auckland, Devonport is one of the best places in New Zealand to live in. It features private and public schools, beaches, a Navy hospital, cafes, restaurants, antiques, and more. Devonport also features the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, The Esplanade Hotel, the King Edward Parade Reserve, The Left Bank, and many more.

Most tourists find Devonport as an ideal place to enjoy their vacation and more. There are so many awesome places to visit in this city. Also, the cost of living in this place is quite low compared to other places in Auckland.

Devonport is a unique site for tourists. And it is an ideal option for families who wish to move. 

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2. Auckland

Auckland is one of the best places in Zealand to live. It is a large city on the north island of New Zealand. This beautiful city has over 80 secondary schools, 340 primary schools with eight universities.

Auckland is a hot spot for tourists because there are several tourist sites in the city, such as Aotea Square, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Queen Street, Maungawhau/Month Eden, Beaches, Wharf, Harbour, and more.

Auckland also has its airport (Auckland airport) and cruise ships for visitors. This city is home to businesses such as Medtech, Big Data, Cyber security, FinTech, and more. That makes it a suitable place for your career growth. Also, the cost of living in this city is higher than in most cities because of the cost of apartments and rents. However, there are tons of job opportunities in this city and many outdoor activities you can indulge in, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and more.

3. Christchurch

You can expect the best from this beautiful city. On the east coast of the south island, Christchurch is one of the best places in New Zealand to live. It is an ideal place for families and tourists. 

Christchurch features beautiful sceneries such as the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, The Christchurch Art Gallery, Reading Cinemas, Orana Wildfire Park, Bars, Court, Quaint Cafes, Schools, Beaches, Hagley Park, Avon River, and more.

Unlike other places in New Zealand, Christchurch’s cost of living is inexpensive. The apartments and rent costs are cheaper compared to other cities. In Christchurch, there are many outdoor activities you can indulge in, such as walking, skiing, cycling, biking, swimming, and more.

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4. Dunedin

Located on the south island of New Zealand. Dunedin is one of the best places in New Zealand to live in. Similarly to Christchurch, Dunedin is a large city for students, families, tourists, and more. 

There are a lot of perks attached to living in this great small city. Dunedin has some of the cheapest rates for housing, with lots of facilities for you and your families.

Dunedin features unique healthcare facilities such as the Dunedin hospital, mercy hospital, and Wakari Hospital. It also features the Larnach Castle, Cargill’s Castle, Olveston, Dunedin Railway Station, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Otago Museum Hocken Collections, Sea Lions, Botanic Garden, Dunedin Chinese Garden, Restaurants, Cafes, and many more.

Dunedin is an ideal place to live for students. It has the Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago. There are several outdoor activities you can engage in, and also several available job opportunities.

5. Hamilton

Nestled on the north island of New Zealand. Hamilton is yet another best places in New Zealand to live in. This city is an ideal option for tourists and families who wish to move.

There are attraction centers like the Hamilton garden, The Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory, Waikato Museum, Hamilton Zoo, Libraries, Founders Theater, St Peter’s Cathedral, and many more.

 Also, Hamilton has the Waikato Institute of Technology, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, and the University of Waikato Institute Of Technology, with seven state secondary schools and more schools for kids of all ages.

6.  Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is one of the best places in New Zealand to live in. It is a province on the east coast of New Zealand. This city is well known for its tasty foods and drinks. Unlike other cities in New Zealand, Hawke’s bay has some luxurious housing at economical prices.

Hawke’s bay features some unique tourist centers such as the Arataki honey visitor center, wineries, restaurants, cafes, healthcare services, and more.

In Hawke’s bay, there are several outdoor activities you can engage in and also several available job opportunities. It is an ideal option for families and tourists. 

7. Napier

Located on the east coast of the north island, Napier is one of the best places in New Zealand to live. This city features a national tobacco company building, the port of Napier at night, the Napier municipal theatre, and more.

The cost of living in this city is relatively low with unique offers. It also features vineyards, restaurants, cafes, wineries, and more. There are many outdoor activities in this city.

Napier also features William Colenso College, Tamatea High School, Napier Boys’ High School, Sacred Heart College, The Eastern Institute of Technology, and more.

8. New Plymouth

Nestled on the west coast of the north island. New Plymouth is a key city in the Taranaki region. New Plymouth is one of the best places in New Zealand to live in. It features the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, Paritutu Rock, Mount Taranaki, Pukekura Park, Lye Centre, and more.

There are many attraction centers for tourists, such as the Ch Rewa Rewa Bridge, The Taranaki Salute, the Coastal Walkway, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, Port Taranaki, and many more.

This city has a record of lower crime rates. There are lots of schools in this city, such as the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, the New Plymouth boys’ high school, and many others.

There are so many features to explore in this great city. The cost of living is relatively low, with a unique healthcare system.

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9. Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the best places in New Zealand to live in. Located in the southwest of New Zealand, Queenstown is a resort town well known as the adventure capital for sports. This city features the Queenstown mall, restaurants, cafes, treble cone, coronet peak, and more. 

In Queenstown, there are several outdoor activities you can engage in, such as skiing, walking, mountain bike, running the Queenstown trail, and more. Although it has an expensive cost of living. However, it is an ideal option for families and tourists. 

10. Rotorua

Rotorua is another city on the north island of New Zealand. It is also one of the best places in New Zealand to live in, with a perfect climate for all seasons. Also well known as the spa town. This city is one of New Zealand’s tourist attraction centers.

It features botanic gardens, government gardens, the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, the Kaituna river, and many more.

There are five secondary schools in this city, such as John Paul College, Rotorua Lakes High School, Rotorua Girls high school, Western Heights High School, and Rotorua Boy high school.

11. Tauranga

Nestled in the bay of plenty region, the north island of New Zealand. Tauranga is one of the best places in New Zealand to live. It is a major center for international trade, culture, business, horticultural science, and fashion.

Tauranga features a golden beach, restaurants, Tauranga harbor, Newnham park, and many more. 

Tauranga also features the Toi Ohomai institute of technology, Ch Whare Wananga Awanuiarangi, and the University Of Waikato. There are over ten secondary schools in the city.

12. Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is one of the best places in New Zealand to live. This island is also one of the largest located in the Hauraki gulf, Auckland region. It is famously known as island wine. Some wineries in the city include the Batch Winery, Awaroa Winery, Destiny Bay Vineyards, Goldwater Estate, and many more.

There are so many things to explore in this city. The cost of living here is relatively cheaper than in other cities. 

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13.  Wellington

Situated at the southeast tip of the north island, Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It is one of the best places in New Zealand to live. It is an ideal option for families, visitors, and tourists. 

Wellington features museums such as the City Gallery, Reserve Bank Museum, Colonial Cottage, Wellington City Gallery, National War Memorial, and many more. 

Similarly to Auckland and Queenstown, the cost of living in this city is quite expensive.

This city has Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, Toi Whakaari, Wellington Institute of Technology, New Zealand’s National Drama School, and other secondary and primary schools.

14. Wanaka

Wanaka is an ideal place for families and tourists. Located on the south island of New Zealand, Wanaka is one of the best places in New Zealand to live. It features attraction centers like the Puzzling World, Paradiso Cinema, National Transport, Wineries, Troy museum, and many more.

There are four schools in Wanaka. They include; the Wanaka Primary School, Mount Aspiring College, Ch Kura o Take Karara, And Holy Family School. Wanaka offers so many amenities you can benefit from.

Other Best Places In New Zealand To Live

Here is a list of other best places in New Zealand to live

1. Mount Maunganui
2. Nelson
3. Raglan
4. Waikato
5. West Coast
6. Whangamata 
7. Whangarei
8. Whanganui 

Where is the most affordable place to live in New Zealand?

While affordability can depend on your lifestyle, Whanganui in the North Island is consistently mentioned as one of the most affordable places to live in New Zealand. Here’s why:

• Lower Rents: Compared to major cities like Auckland or Wellington, Whanganui boasts significantly lower rental prices. This frees up more of your budget for other expenses or allows you to live comfortably in a larger space.
• Slower Pace of Life: Whanganui offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to bustling cities. This can translate to lower overall living costs. There might be fewer entertainment options requiring entry fees, and the emphasis on community events and outdoor activities can be budget-friendly.
• Manageable Housing Costs: While house prices can fluctuate, Whanganui generally offers more affordable options compared to the national average. This allows you to potentially become a homeowner sooner or find a good deal on a rental property.

Keep in mind: Affordability is relative, and Whanganui might not have the same job opportunities or amenities as larger cities. It’s important to weigh your priorities when considering this option.

FAQs

Conclusion

Before relocating to New Zealand, take into consideration the cost of living, rent prices, the city, employment opportunities, and many more. However, there are many best places in New Zealand to live. We hope this overview is helpful to your search.

Reference 

• Ngcompany.co.nz
• Landmovers.co.nz
• Movehub.com
• Ninaoutandabout.com
• Gorentals.co.nz
• Cgpm.co.nz

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