Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand

Last updated on Apr 13, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in New Zealand include its stunning natural beauty, with its lush green landscapes, rugged mountains, and stunning beaches. It also has a high quality of life, with a strong economy, low crime rate, and excellent healthcare system. Additionally, New Zealand is a very diverse and multicultural country, with a wide range of cultural activities and attractions. The cons of living in New Zealand include its relatively high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and strong winds. Finally, the country is quite isolated, with long distances between cities and towns, making it difficult to travel.

What are the pros and cons of living in New Zealand?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in New Zealand responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the natural beauty of New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes, lush forests, and rugged coastlines. They also enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals. The country is also known for its excellent healthcare system and high quality of life. On the downside, the cost of living in New Zealand can be quite high, and the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the country is quite isolated, making it difficult to travel to other countries," said one member in New Zealand.

"Dunedin is a delightful town. The University adds vibrancy and helps create a real sense of place. The mix of people and cultures create a wealth of amenities from cafes to museums, art shows, conferences, keynote speakers, films, music and recreation activities. The city itself is beautiful with rolling hills and stunning beaches. There are sea lions and penguins lurking on the beaches. And it is mostly a dog friendly place. Public transportation could use some improvement as could the roads. Overall it is an incredibly safe and inviting place to live," remarked one expat in Dunedin.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand

What are the pros and cons of living in New Zealand?

What do expats in New Zealand appreciate most about the local culture?

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