Moving to New Zealand from Singapore means planning for your visa, a customs and biosecurity-checked shipment, changeable weather and a higher cost for many imported goods. The country rewards that preparation with spectacular scenery and a relaxed pace of life. This guide covers the five things to know first, then how to ship your belongings.
What are the top five things to know before moving to New Zealand?
The top five things to know are the wilderness lifestyle, the unpredictable weather, the cost of living, the need for a car and the national love of rugby. Each affects how you pack, budget and choose where to live. The table summarises what to expect and how to plan.
| Topic | What to expect | How to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Wilderness | Mountains, glaciers, coastline, beaches, rainforest and wildlife | Pack hiking gear and learn the track rules |
| Weather | Conditions can change within a day, with frequent rain in the south | Pack layers, a warm hat and a rain jacket |
| Cost of living | Many goods are imported, so some items cost more | Use the official cost of living calculator |
| Transport | Limited trains and a good road network | Budget for a car |
| Culture | Rugby is the national sport | Join in at a local game |
What is the outdoor lifestyle like when moving to New Zealand?
The outdoor lifestyle is a major reason people choose moving to New Zealand. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, a dramatic coastline, beaches, untouched rainforest and native wildlife are all within reach. Trekking is popular, and so is cruising the fjords. Many newcomers plan their weekends around the outdoors.
Famous trekking routes include the Routeburn and Milford tracks, and the spectacular fjords are a popular cruising destination. If you are choosing where to live, our guide to the best places to live in New Zealand compares the main regions and cities.
What is the weather like and what should you pack?
New Zealand is a pack-for-all-weather destination. Temperatures vary considerably between the North and South Islands, rain is frequent in the South Island and Fiordland National Park, and conditions can change within a single day. Plan flexible outfits for each day and each season.
When moving to New Zealand, keep these items in your carry-on or first-week luggage:
- T-shirts and breathable trousers for warm spells.
- A warm hat and layers for cold, changeable days.
- A protective rain jacket.
- Hiking or walking shoes for outdoor activities in any weather.
Footwear, camping equipment and sports gear can raise biosecurity questions on arrival, so list them on your inventory and declare them honestly. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) can inspect shipments, and risky items may be treated, re-shipped or destroyed at the owner’s cost.
What does the cost of living look like after moving to New Zealand?
New Zealand imports most of its commodities, so some food, clothing and consumer goods can be relatively expensive, as in other isolated island nations. Compare what you spend now with what you are likely to spend there before you decide. The official calculator is a useful starting point.
The New Zealand Government’s immigration site offers a New Zealand Now cost of living tool that estimates income and expenses for newcomers. Its salary data comes from 2016 and its city comparison cites a 2018 survey, so treat the figures as indicative and check current prices for rent, groceries and transport before you commit.
Do you need a car when moving to New Zealand?
In most places, yes. The most flexible way to reach work and see the scenery is by road, because the railway network is limited. The road system is in excellent condition and the road rules are easy to follow. Buses exist, but they can be slow and are limited to certain areas.
Budget for a car as part of your move. A vehicle does not qualify for the household effects concession described below, so compare buying locally with shipping one, and check the licence rules for new residents with the New Zealand Transport Agency.
How do you ship household goods when moving to New Zealand from Singapore?
Used household effects can enter duty-free if you qualify, but you must declare them and clear them through New Zealand Customs and MPI. You usually qualify if you are moving for the first time, or returning after 21 months or more abroad, and hold a document authorising residence in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Customs Service household effects guidance sets these conditions:
- You owned and used the items before leaving for New Zealand, and they are for your own use.
- New or unused items must be declared, and duty and GST apply to them.
- Cars, scooters, motorbikes, boats, aircraft and commercial items are excluded.
- Student visa holders do not qualify, although they can bring study items.
Prepare these documents before the shipment leaves, because Customs states it will not complete a clearance without them:
- A completed NZCS 218 form.
- A copy of your passport.
- Your residence document, if you do not hold a New Zealand or Australian passport.
- A detailed packing list and inventory.
- Shipping documents showing when the goods arrive.
MPI also expects you to declare the contents and to number boxes and list their contents. Inspection of sea containers is mandatory, and wooden crates must meet wood packaging rules. CM Relocation recommends an accurate, easy-to-read manifest to speed up MPI assessment, and groups items that may need inspection to reduce cost and delay. See our New Zealand moving service page for how we handle these moves.
Does rugby really matter in New Zealand life?
Yes. Rugby is the national sport, and it plays a big role in bringing people together. Major events run all year, and watching a few games is an easy way to meet neighbours and colleagues. Even if you are not a fan, the haka and the All Blacks are worth knowing.
New Zealanders enjoy many sports, but rugby is part of Kiwi culture. The national team, the All Blacks, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to New Zealand without a visa?
Some travellers can use an NZeTA to visit without a visa, depending on their passport, but that is for visiting or transit. If you plan to work or live there, check the work and live visa pages of Immigration New Zealand for your eligibility before you book a shipment.
Is English enough for moving to New Zealand?
Yes, English is the everyday language, and your home country matters less as long as you speak and understand it. If you want to polish your English before you go, there are options from conversation groups to formal lessons. Most newcomers find life relaxed and easy to settle into.
Is New Zealand expensive compared with Singapore?
It depends on what you buy, because imported goods can cost more. An older comparison on the government’s immigration site, citing a 2018 Mercer survey, ranked Singapore 4th and Auckland 81st for cost of living. That data is dated, so use the calculator and current prices.
Can I ship my car when moving to New Zealand?
Cars are excluded from the household effects concession, so duty and GST may apply to a vehicle you import. Compare the total cost of shipping and importing against buying one locally. Ask your mover and New Zealand Customs to confirm the current rules before you commit to shipping a vehicle.
How long must I have lived abroad to bring goods duty-free?
New Zealand Customs says you must be moving to New Zealand for the first time, or returning after 21 months or more abroad. You must have lived outside New Zealand for the full 21 months, and brief holidays or business trips to New Zealand do not count against you.
Do I have to declare used items to biosecurity?
Yes. MPI expects you to declare the contents of household goods and provide an inventory. Items such as wooden or bamboo objects, outdoor and sports gear, and pet equipment are commonly declared. Prohibited items may be inspected, returned, treated or destroyed, and fees can apply, so declare honestly.
Can I manage without a car in New Zealand?
Most people find a car essential. The railway network is limited, and buses can be time-consuming and restricted to certain zones. The roads are excellent and the rules are easy to follow, so factor a car into your budget and check licence rules for new residents.
Where do I start planning a move to New Zealand?
Start with your visa, then ask a mover for a survey and written quote based on what you want to ship. Prepare an accurate inventory, check the customs and biosecurity rules, and choose a region that suits your work and lifestyle before moving to New Zealand.
Ready to start moving to New Zealand? Request a quote from CM Relocation and we will help you plan your shipment from Singapore.
