The best places to live in New Zealand for most expats are Auckland for jobs, Wellington for culture and government work, Christchurch for lower housing costs, Queenstown for outdoor life and Dunedin for affordability. The right choice depends on your work, budget and lifestyle. This guide compares all five for people moving from Singapore.
If this is your first move overseas, read our guide for first-time expats moving abroad.
Is Auckland one of the best places to live in New Zealand?
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and economic hub, and a strong choice if you want the widest job market. It has finance, technology, logistics and trade employers, a multicultural population and beaches nearby. The trade-off is cost: housing is more expensive than in other New Zealand cities, although salaries tend to reflect this.
With its multicultural population, thriving job market, and stunning harbours, it provides a balance of professional opportunities and leisure.
Why expats choose Auckland
- Job opportunities: Auckland is home to industries like finance, technology, logistics, and trade. Many international companies base their New Zealand operations here.
- Cultural diversity: A large share of Auckland’s population was born overseas, making it a very multicultural city.
- Lifestyle: Surrounded by beaches, islands, and hiking trails, it offers plenty of outdoor activities alongside a vibrant urban scene.
- Connectivity: Auckland International Airport connects directly to major global destinations, making travel easy.
Considerations: The cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than in other New Zealand cities. It also helps to understand your full relocation budget before making the move. However, salaries tend to reflect this.
Is Wellington a good place to live in New Zealand?
Wellington suits expats who value work-life balance and a creative city. As the capital, it offers jobs in government, public policy, IT and media, alongside galleries, theatres and a well-known café scene. It is smaller than Auckland, and its strong winds are part of daily life, which locals treat with humour.
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, packs a lot of character for its size, with a creative spirit and a vibrant arts scene.
Why expats choose Wellington
- Work opportunities: As the political centre, Wellington offers jobs in government, public policy, IT, and media.
- Culture and lifestyle: The city is famous for its film industry (home to Weta Workshop), art galleries, theatres, and music festivals.
- Food and coffee scene: Wellington is known for its impressive café culture.
- Scenic surroundings: Set between hills and a harbour, the views are spectacular.
Considerations: Wellington is known for its strong winds, but locals embrace the city’s nickname: “Windy Wellington.”
Is Christchurch a good city for expats in New Zealand?
Christchurch is a good option if you want lower housing and rental costs than Auckland or Wellington. The South Island city has rebuilt since the 2010 to 2011 earthquakes and has strengths in agriculture, engineering, technology, construction and education. Expats often describe it as friendlier and less hectic, though its job market is smaller.
Located on the South Island, Christchurch is a growing hub for expats seeking a balance of affordability, innovation, and natural beauty.
Why expats choose Christchurch
- Cost of living: Housing and rental costs are generally lower than in Auckland and Wellington.
- Career opportunities: Strong in agriculture, engineering, and technology, the city also attracts professionals in construction and education.
- Lifestyle: Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch has beautiful parks, botanic gardens, and easy access to mountains and beaches.
- Community feel: Expats often find Christchurch friendlier and less hectic than larger cities.
Considerations: The job market can be more limited compared to Auckland, but it is growing steadily as Christchurch continues to redevelop.
Is Queenstown a practical place to live in New Zealand?
Queenstown is practical if your work fits its tourism, hospitality or events economy and you want mountains and lakes on your doorstep. It offers skiing, hiking, cycling and water sports. Living costs are relatively high for such a small city, and jobs outside tourism can be limited, so check your work options first.
While smaller in size, Queenstown offers a lifestyle many expats find irresistible.
Why expats choose Queenstown
- Outdoor lifestyle: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and water sports are available year-round.
- Tourism and hospitality jobs: Queenstown thrives on tourism, so it’s ideal for those in the service, events, or adventure industries.
- Scenery: Set on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
- Tight-knit community: With a smaller population, expats often build strong local connections.
Considerations: Cost of living is relatively high compared to the size of the city, and job opportunities outside tourism can be limited.
Is Dunedin an affordable place to live in New Zealand?
Dunedin is one of the more affordable major cities in New Zealand, particularly for housing. The University of Otago and its Polytechnic make it a hub for academics, researchers and students, and the Otago Peninsula adds wildlife and walking. Winters are cooler than in northern cities, which many residents accept in exchange for lower costs.
Dunedin, located on the South Island, is known for its Scottish heritage, historic architecture, and strong student population thanks to the University of Otago. It offers a unique mix of culture, education, and natural beauty.
Why expats choose Dunedin
- Affordable living: Dunedin offers one of the lowest costs of living among major New Zealand cities, particularly for housing.
- Education and research: With the University of Otago and Polytechnic, it’s a hub for academics and researchers.
- Culture and history: Dunedin has a strong arts and music scene alongside historic buildings and landmarks.
- Wildlife: The nearby Otago Peninsula is famous for albatross, penguins, and sea lions, giving expats a taste of New Zealand’s natural wonders.
Considerations: Dunedin has cooler weather than northern cities, but many expats find its charm and affordability outweigh this.
Which other cities are worth considering in New Zealand?
Three further cities are worth a look if the main five do not fit. Hamilton is a growing hub for agriculture, research and education. Tauranga is a coastal city with a relaxed lifestyle and a busy port. Napier-Hastings is known for its wineries, art deco architecture and family-friendly feel.
- Hamilton: A growing hub for agriculture, research, and education.
- Tauranga: A coastal city with a relaxed lifestyle and booming port industry.
- Napier-Hastings: Known for its wineries, art deco architecture, and family-friendly environment.
Beyond the major hubs, there are many other cities for expats in New Zealand that offer strong job prospects, affordable living, and a welcoming community. If you are still comparing destinations, explore our guide to top countries for expats in 2026.
How do you choose the best places to live in New Zealand?
Start with your work, then your budget, then lifestyle. Career-focused expats are usually best served by Auckland or Wellington. Christchurch and Dunedin offer lower housing costs. Queenstown suits adventure lovers, and Christchurch and Tauranga are known as family-friendly. Check each city’s job market for your profession before you commit to a move.
| City | Best for | Main work sectors | Cost of living (relative) | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Career-focused expats | Finance, technology, logistics, trade | Highest housing costs of the five | Cost of housing |
| Wellington | Culture and work-life balance | Government, public policy, IT, media | Higher than Christchurch and Dunedin | Strong winds |
| Christchurch | Affordability and families | Agriculture, engineering, technology, construction, education | Lower housing and rental costs than Auckland and Wellington | Smaller job market |
| Queenstown | Outdoor lifestyle | Tourism, hospitality, events | Relatively high for its size | Few jobs outside tourism |
| Dunedin | Students, researchers, lower costs | Education and research | One of the lowest among major cities | Cooler weather |
Each New Zealand city has its unique appeal, and the “best” city often depends on your priorities:
- Career-focused expats: Auckland and Wellington offer the strongest job markets.
- Affordability seekers: Christchurch and Dunedin provide lower housing costs without compromising on lifestyle.
- Adventure lovers: Queenstown suits outdoor recreation.
- Families: Cities like Christchurch and Tauranga are known for their family-friendly environment.
When planning your relocation, consider your profession, budget, lifestyle goals, and long-term plans. Many expats choose door-to-door relocation services for a smoother and less stressful move.
What do Singapore passport holders need to move to New Zealand?
Singapore passport holders can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling, as Immigration New Zealand explains. That does not allow you to work. Working in New Zealand requires a visa that permits employment, so check Immigration New Zealand before you resign, sign a lease or book a shipment. Rules were checked in October 2026 and can change; the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel page has more.
How do you plan the shipping side of a move to New Zealand?
Once you have chosen from the best places to live in New Zealand, plan your shipment early. Decide what to ship and what to sell, ask for a written quote, and allow time for import and biosecurity checks in New Zealand. CM Relocation arranges packing and door-to-door shipping from Singapore. See our international moving services or ask about moving insurance for your belongings in transit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places to live in New Zealand for expats?
The most popular choices are Auckland for the widest job market, Wellington for government, IT and media work, Christchurch and Dunedin for lower housing costs, and Queenstown for outdoor living. The best fit depends on your profession, budget and lifestyle, so compare job prospects in each city before choosing.
Which New Zealand city has the best job market?
Auckland and Wellington offer the strongest job markets. Auckland has finance, technology, logistics and trade employers, while Wellington has government, public policy, IT and media roles. Christchurch is growing steadily in agriculture, engineering and technology, but its job market is smaller than Auckland’s.
Which is the most affordable city in New Zealand?
Dunedin offers one of the lowest costs of living among the major cities, especially for housing. Christchurch also has generally lower housing and rental costs than Auckland and Wellington. Auckland is the most expensive of the cities covered here, and Queenstown is relatively costly for its size.
Which city is best for families moving to New Zealand?
Christchurch and Tauranga are known as family-friendly, and Napier-Hastings is also described that way. Christchurch combines lower housing costs with parks and a community feel. Look at school options, commuting and housing costs in each area, and visit before you commit if you can.
Do Singapore passport holders need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Singapore citizens can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa, but they must get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling. Working requires a visa that allows employment. Check Immigration New Zealand for current rules before you plan a move.
Is Queenstown a good place to live all year?
Queenstown offers skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and water sports year-round, and it has a tight-knit community. It is best if you work in tourism, hospitality or events. Living costs are relatively high for its size, and jobs outside tourism can be limited.
Is Wellington really that windy?
Yes. Wellington is known as Windy Wellington, and its position between hills and a harbour means strong winds are part of life there. Residents treat the nickname with humour. Many expats say the city’s culture, café scene and views outweigh the weather, but it is worth experiencing before you commit.
How do I move household goods from Singapore to New Zealand?
CM Relocation arranges international moves from Singapore, including packing and door-to-door shipping. Ask for a written quote and a survey of your belongings. Import and biosecurity rules apply in New Zealand, so confirm what you can bring with the relevant New Zealand authorities before you ship.
Whether you prefer urban living, coastal towns, or outdoor adventure, the best places to live in New Zealand provide options for every lifestyle. New Zealand offers something for everyone, from bustling multicultural hubs to serene mountain towns. Whether you’re drawn to Auckland’s energy, Wellington’s culture, Christchurch’s balance, Queenstown’s adventure, or Dunedin’s affordability, each city has its own unique charm for expats.
Relocating to New Zealand is not just about moving belongings; it’s about creating a new life in a place that aligns with your values and aspirations. With the right planning and support, you can settle in smoothly and embrace everything this beautiful country has to offer. Ready to move? Contact our relocation team today.
Choosing among the best places to live in New Zealand can help you enjoy a smoother and more rewarding relocation experience.