Immigrating to New Zealand from America
So you are planning on migrating to Christchurch, New Zealand? We provide a variety of short and long term vacation rentals, so there's no need to search any further for your accommodation requirements! For everything else you need to organise, have a look at the information, facts and migration stories we have gathered below:
There is heaps to do with skiing just an hour and a half away by car, the beautiful Banks Peninsula 15 minutes away and a huge number of parks, leisure centres, clubs and activities including kids' holiday programmes. Within a two-hour drive you can get to the hot springs of the alpine Hanmer Springs, go for a day of top-class skiing at Mt Hutt or go whale watching or swim with the dolphins in Kaikoura.
New Zealand has enjoyed a particularly long friendship with the United States . The first US Consul was appointed here in 1839 and in the years that have followed, our countries have become close allies both in times of war and peace. It is a relationship we value highly. New Zealanders throughout the country have a genuine respect, appreciation and fondness for Americans. Equally, there are many things that Americans will find familiar and comfortable about New Zealand . In fact, what we hear from many Americans who have visited New Zealand (and stayed) is that it reminds them of how the United States, particularly LA, used to be. After saying that, there will obviously be things that you will find different. But surely that should be part of the appeal. Every week, successful Americans are making the decision to sell up, pack up and move out to a small nation in the South Pacific. Why? Try freedom, a more relaxed pace and a new life in a land abounding with fresh and exciting opportunities and possibilities. And you’d be on the right track. Those who’ve experienced New Zealand tend to agree that it is one of the friendliest nations under the sun. It has a population of just over four million and one-third of the country is protected by national parks; but that doesn’t leave this small yet diverse nation without sophistication. Some things in New Zealand, like driving on the left, working out the metric system or lying on a beach in December, will take some getting used to. But there are just as many instances of the way we do things over here that you’ll like immediately. Read more... Want more? Here is a list of handy FAQ’s answered by Immigration NZ. You will find that because of New Zealand’s geographical location, the cost of shipping etc makes some imported things more expensive in New Zealand than they are in the US, for example gasoline (petrol), new cars and computers. Other things are less expensive. For example, because the government picks up the tab for some of the most expensive aspects of healthcare, healthcare is less expensive and medical insurance, if you choose to have it, is also a lot less expensive. If you are purchasing property and you come from a larger US city, you will find that your housing dollar goes a lot further in New Zealand, even with the rising New Zealand dollar. When trying to compare cost of living, some things to remember are:
Have a look at our handy immigration links . The skilled migrant category (SMC) is the major route to immigration. Most people will follow this route, but tend to find it overwhelming.
I grew up half and half between the United States and New Zealand. In 2003 my American wife and I moved from Portland, Oregon to New Zealand so I could take a job working in Wellington.Since we moved I've been asked repeatedly about how we like it, what it takes to move and what people should know before they move. This guide makes no claim to be definitive or even correct, it is simply a collection of my experiences and thoughts. Due to my personal experience it is probably most relevant to Americans thinking about moving to New Zealand though I hope it will be relevant to anyone considering the move. Read more... Just moved to Christchurch from San Francisco . This blog would probably interest people like me that, before moving, would like to read more first hand information from a newcomer. Surprisingly, I didn't find as much infor out there as I wanted, so this will hopefully fill the gap a bit. Feel free to post questions and comments! Read more... "We were weary of the non-stop fear-mongering that pervaded the US, and of how the whole situation was being handled. We were ready for a change…the work life balance here is great," Read more... “Getting a job before I left worked like a dream… it only took two months from applying for a job to arriving in New Zealand . That’s fast! I could have got here sooner but I wanted to play it safe by getting work first. For me, it’s worked like a dream and I couldn’t be happier.” Read more...
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