New Zealand still a great expat destination for jobs and retirement

For many decades, New Zealand has been a dream destination for British expats, but recent increases in the cost of living have reduced its popularity with retirees.

The stunning beauty of New Zealand’s amazing volcanic landscape is familiar to everyone who’s watched the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and its prequel The Hobbit whilst imagining actually living amongst such amazing natural beauty. However, previous visa changes and falls in the number of available jobs for expat professionals have reduced the number of those able to realise the dream. Nowadays, the advent of technology has increased job opportunities by creating skills shortages, thus giving more potential immigrants the chance to build a career in one of the world’s most unique countries.

Established expats rave about the New Zealand lifestyle with its relaxed pace and high regard for the importance of time out from the demands of the workplace. Even those living in the centre of one of the island’s sizeable cities are just a short drive from mountains and beaches as well as from dramatic reminders of the country’s volcanic location. As regards the cost of living, Auckland came 61st in a recent Mercers world survey, Wellington made 86th place and London came in at 30th. The numbers tell it all, and New Zealand’s tax system is refreshingly straightforward compared to the UK’s and the USA’s convoluted schemes.

There’s a choice of five major cities, three of which are on North Island and two on South Island. Wellington is the capital, set on North Island with a population of around 400,000 and an excellent transport system, Auckland, also on North Island, is the largest city and home to the most jobs. Hawke’s Bay is set in the warmest, driest region and is famous of its wines as well as its Art Deco architecture. Christchurch on South Island has now recovered from its devastating earthquake and is surprisingly attractive as well as laid back. If you’re looking for a party town with clubs and bars, Queenstown is where it’s at, again on South Island and set close to the Lord of the Rings filming locations as well as to winter skiing and superb beaches.