Northwest Life

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Life in New Zealand

Two main islands, North and South, known for mountains, coastline and a strong outdoor culture. Wellington is the capital and Auckland the largest city.

What to expect

A quick picture of everyday life before you apply.

Cities

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton are the main centres. Much of the country is rural and very scenic.

Climate

Temperate, with mild summers and cool winters. The seasons are reversed from Canada.

Healthcare

The public system covers eligible residents. Most visitors and temporary visa holders need their own medical insurance, and students must have it.

Education

Universities and polytechnics welcome international students, often in smaller class sizes.

Work

The Accredited Employer Work Visa needs a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

Visiting

Visitors from visa-waiver countries, including Canada, need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling.

This is a general overview. Visa rules and requirements change often, so we confirm the current rules for your situation during your consultation.

Visas we help with for New Zealand

  • Visitor visa and NZeTA
  • Student visa
  • Work visas

Planning a move to New Zealand?

Book a consultation and we’ll walk you through your options.

Book a consultation