The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Wellington, New Zealand

One of the most unique capital cities in the world – the world’s southernmost capital of a sovereign state, the world’s windiest city, one of the world’s most liveable cities, etc. – Wellington is renowned for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and rich culture. The temperate climate, lush green landscapes, peaceful lifestyle, booming tech and creative industries, and lower cost of living make it an attractive option for young people and families who are looking for a new life in a new land.

It is easy to see why Wellington was rated the “coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet – and why it is becoming increasingly popular with expats and Kiwis from other parts of the country. New Zealand’s capital has a lot to offer and never ceases to amaze. If you’re considering moving to Wellington though, you need to be well informed and well prepared – to know what it’s really like living in Welly and how to get there smoothly and easily.

Find out what to expect from the Windy City, how to organize your relocation, and how to make the most of your new life down under in our detailed guide to moving to Wellington.

Reasons to Move to Wellington

So, why move to Wellington? The increasingly global city is a great place to live, work, and have fun. But it is not without its faults. You need to weigh up the good and the bad in order to find out if Welly is the right city for you:

Benefits of living in Wellington

• Gentle pace of life – The least populated capital in the world, Wellington combines the vibrancy and convenience of big city living with the calmness and serenity of small town living. There isn’t too much traffic, commute is short, pollution is minimal, materialism is shunned, everyone is respected as an individual, and work is not the sole focus. There is, in fact, a great work/life balance in all of New Zealand that results in efficient, quality work and allows life to be savored, experienced, and enjoyed;
• Fantastic scenery – From rolling hills and dramatic mountains to dazzling beaches and charming bays, Wellington boasts stunning natural beauty and picturesque surroundings;
• Easy escape to nature and great access to outdoor activities – There are over 100 parks and playgrounds in Wellington and it’s really easy to escape the city – even if you live and work downtown, you’re only minutes away from a beach, native park, walking track or mountain biking trail;
• Vibrant lifestyle – Living in Wellington is never boring. The capital is home to many cultural institutions (museums, art galleries, theatres, etc.) and places of interest (Wellington Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Mount Victoria Lookout, etc.). Numerous festivals and cultural celebrations take place in the city and there is always an exciting event happening somewhere in Welly. And the food is really great – from trendy cafés and stylish restaurants to local roasteries and breweries, Wellington offers an array of tempting culinary experiences;
• Friendly people – Kiwis are generally known as easy-going and welcoming people, but the amount of friendliness in Wellington is truly overwhelming – everyone is open and ready to help, people show genuine concern for the others, and it’s really easy to make new friends;
• A great place to raise a family – Wellington is a safe and prosperous city that offers plenty of opportunities and advantages for families with children – affordable housing, excellent healthcare, high quality education, etc. Children get to live close to nature and can enjoy a great variety of artistic, sport, recreation and adventure activities.
• Low cost of living – Compared to other world capitals and nearby big cities (Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, etc.), Wellington has lower prices and more affordable cost of living;
• Strong economy – New Zealand’s capital enjoys a growing economy and has become a world hub for innovation and information technology. There are plenty of job opportunities in the film and theatre industry, IT industry, public administration, retail trade, etc. The median income in the city is the highest in New Zealand and well above the average in the country.

Downsides of living in Wellington

• Frequent earthquakes – Wellington lies on a major fault line, which means the earth shakes frequently. Usually, the tremors are not very strong (though sometimes they can cause significant property damage), but you need to get used to living with them on a daily basis;
• Unfavorable weather – Winters are chilly in Wellington (and the notorious southerly gusts make them feel even colder) and frosts are quite common even in early autumn and late spring. It is very windy all year round with high rainfall, but the summer sun is extremely strong and can be dangerous to your health without the right protection;
• Fresh produce is scarce and expensive – Fresh produce can be difficult to come by and costs a lot as it’s not sourced locally;
• High rents – Wellington is one of the most expensive cities to rent in New Zealand.

Knowing the pros and cons of living in Wellington will help you determine if moving to the city is the right step for you. If you decide to move to Welly, however, you need to learn as much as possible about the city before embarking on your relocation adventure.

What to Know When Moving to Wellington, New Zealand

Located on the southwestern tip of the North Island, New Zealand’s capital is named after the first Duke of Wellington – Arthur Wellesley, the hero of the Battle of Waterloo. The city was founded in 1840 (the region has been inhabited by Maori tribes for several centuries before the first European settlers arrived) and became the capital of the country in 1865.

Demographics and culture

The Wellington metropolitan area consists of four local authorities – Wellington City, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. There are many great neighborhoods in the city, with Oriental Bay, Te Aro, Miramar, Kelburn, and Mount Victoria being the most famous ones.

Wellington’s population is currently about 420,000, but it’s expanding faster than ever before, with many people relocating to the city both from abroad (approximately 27% of the people are born overseas) and from other parts of New Zealand. About 70% of the population is from European descent and 13% is Maori.

The strong influence of the Maori people has shaped a unique culture and a distinctive “Pasifika” feel to life in the city. This fascinating culture is expressed in various arts festivals and traditional celebrations and comes through in everyday life in a spirit of welcome and relaxation that attracts people from all over the country – and all over the world – to Wellington.

New Zealand is ranked the world’s second safest country and the capital city has a pretty good safety record as well.

Education

New Zealand has one of the best education systems in the world (the country ranked third in The Economist’s 2018 Worldwide Educating for the Future Index) and many of the country’s best public and private schools are located in the capital city.

Secondary schools provide high quality education and a safe, friendly environment where students stress little and learn a lot. Wellington’s universities (Victoria University and Massey University) have high global rankings and offer a variety of programs and courses with emphasis on future-oriented skills.

Climate

The climate in Wellington is temperate marine with warm, dry summers (November to March) and relatively mild, wet winters (May to September). The average temperatures are between 17˚C and 20˚C in the summertime and between 5˚C and 8˚C in the winter months. Even though the temperatures are never too high or too low, however, winters feel very cold (because of the constant strong winds) and the summer sun can be dangerous (because of the thinner ozone layer). The average annual rainfall in the city is 1250 mm, with June and July being the wettest months.

Because of the wind-funneling effect of the Cook Strait (the strait that separates the North and the South islands of New Zealand) and the Roaring Forties (strong westerly winds between the latitudes of 40 and 50 degrees caused by the combination of air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole and the scarcity of landmasses to serve as windbreaks), Wellington (located at the Cook Strait and with a latitude of 41˚South) is the windiest city in the world, with an average wind speed of 27 km/h.

Economy

As a capital city Wellington has a largely service-based economy, focused on technology, public administration, finance, health care and scientific research. Tourism, ICT, and the film industry have also seen a significant surge in recent years. The suburb of Miramar has become a renowned film-making and post-production center, commonly nicknamed Wellywood (home to Weta Workshop, Weta Digital, and Park Road Post Production.)

Wellington Harbour is one of New Zealand’s chief seaports – the port serves both domestic and international shipping, dealing with about 10.5 million tons of cargo per year – and plays a major role in the economy of the city.

When it comes to employment options, Wellington offers a strong job market, driven by the growing economy. The majority of job openings are in highly skilled occupations (digital technology, business services, education, etc.), but there are numerous opportunities for all kinds of work. You can use Trademe and/or Seek – the two major websites that Kiwis use to find a job – to search for and apply for a job in Wellington.

As already mentioned above, the cost of living in New Zealand’s capital is quite low and the median income is quite high, so moving to Wellington can greatly improve your financial situation and make your life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Transport

Wellington is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city – you can get from anywhere to anywhere in the central area for 15 minutes and walk the length of Lambton Harbour in about twenty minutes. Yet, Wellington has an extensive public transport network that is really convenient, especially if you’re traveling to/from the suburbs – there are five train lines, over 100 bus routes, and two ferry services that go up and down Cook Strait. The famous Wellington Cable Car runs regularly from Kelburn (a beautiful hilly suburb) to Lambton Quay (the main shopping street) and provides a wonderful view of the city.

There are two major roads (State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 that passes through the beautiful Remutaka Ranges) and two railway services (the Capital Connection heading to Palmerston North and the Northern Explorer going all the way to Auckland) connecting Wellington to the rest of the North Island.

Wellington International Airport serves domestic destinations (with flights to Christchurch, Auckland and Palmerston North) and flights to Australia, Singapore and Fiji (the runway is too small for larger planes, so flights to other international destinations require a transfer).

Things to do in Wellington

There is a lot to do and see in the Windy City – the coolest little capital in the world has something for everyone:

• Zealandia Ecosanctuary (located in the hills about 2 km away from the city), aiming to restore the valley to the time before European settlers arrived;
• Te Papa Museum – the national museum of New Zealand, offering fascinating exhibitions from the history of the country. There are also many other interesting museums (the Wellington Museum of City and Sea, the Wellington Cable Car Museum, the New Zealand Cricket Museum, etc.) and over fifty art galleries in the city;
• The Old Government Buildings (which include the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere), the Wellington Town Hall, the Colonial Cottage, the Antrim House, Old St. Paul’s and many other cathedrals, administrative buildings, theatre buildings, etc., showcasing a variety of architectural styles;
• Cuba Street and Lambton Quay, bursting with cool bars, clubs, cafes and shops;
• Wellington Zoo and the Botanic Gardens, offering delightful experiences for children and adults alike;
• Festivals – the New Zealand International Arts Festival, the Jim Beam Homegrown Festival, the Wellington Jazz Festival, the Capital E National Arts Festival for Children and many other cultural events and celebrations, representing all kinds of art, from theatre and dance to music and poetry;
• Bays and beaches -there are six beautiful bays with stunning beaches around the city, offering great opportunities for swimming, diving, surfing, and sunbathing;
• Outdoor activities – with the ocean and the mountains within a 15-minute drive from the city, there are plenty of outdoor activities to pursue in Wellington – anything from hiking and biking to snorkeling and surfing.

How to Move to Wellington, New Zealand

Once you’ve made your decision to move to Wellington and gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to start preparing for your relocation adventure.

Tips for moving to Wellington from another city in New Zealand

If you’re moving to New Zealand’s capital from another part of the country, you know how things work in your homeland and should not experience any major difficulties organizing your relocation and adjusting to your new life. Yet, you need to plan your move well in order to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary stress:

• Find an appropriate new home for you and your family in Wellington (or look for temporary accommodations if you prefer to get to know the different neighborhoods in the city before choosing where to settle permanently); 
• Decide on a favorable moving date, preferably in the summer period (from October to March) when the weather won’t cause additional hardships (heavy rainfall, frosts, wind blasts, etc.);
• Create a moving calendar to organize the time you have left until moving day and ensure you won’t forget to take care of an important moving task;
• Make a moving budget and see if you can take advantage of some efficient ways to reduce your moving costs and expenses;
• Decide which of your belongings are worth moving to your new Wellington home and make a detailed inventory of the items you intend to relocate;
• Sell or donate your unwanted items, so that you don’t waste time and money moving things you don’t need or like anymore (See also: How to get rid of unwanted items when moving);
• Research your moving options well – You may consider a self-move if you currently live near Wellington and have reliable friends to help you take your belongings to your new home or if you’re moving without any furniture and other larger household items. If, however, you’re moving from Auckland to Wellington (or from any other faraway city on the North Island) or from anywhere on the South Island to the capital, you will need professional assistance to ensure the favorable outcome of your relocation endeavor; 
• Find reliable and affordable New Zealand movers – Ask for recommendations, read online reviews, and visit the websites of reputable moving companies in New Zealand to get an idea of what to expect in terms of moving costs, insurance policies, extra services, etc. Get several moving quotes and request on-site binding estimates from three or four removal companies that seem to suit your relocation needs and preferences. Compare the offers, research the intercity movers you consider hiring for your relocation to make sure you’re dealing with licensed, experienced, and trustworthy professionals, and choose the best removals for you;
• Collect important documents (personal documents, financial records, medical records, etc.) and take care of the necessary paperwork (change your address, transfer utilities, cancel memberships and subscriptions, etc.);
• Pack your belongings in a safe and efficient manner or leave the job to the professionals – they will know how to provide your items with the best protection possible;
• Organize a safe and smooth moving day – be fully ready by the time the movers arrive, ensure safe and easy access to your property and to your items (reserve a parking place for the moving truck, clear the way of obstacles, take precautions to prevent property damage, etc.), keep kids and pets away from the moving chaos, and triple check everything before leaving your old home for the last time.

See also: 20 things to do before moving

Tips for moving to Wellington, NZ, from another country

If you’re moving to Wellington from Australia, the USA, the UK, or any other foreign country, yours is an international move that will take you to a brand new world which has its own unique culture, traditions, social norms, lifestyle, etc. It requires meticulous organization and careful preparation:

• Take care of the paperwork – If you’re an Australian citizen, you won’t need a visa to live and work in New Zealand. If you’re moving to Wellington from any other country, you’ll have to apply for a visa – based on your occupation and skill, you can get a Work to Residence visa (if you’re qualified in occupations that are in demand in New Zealand; have a job offer from a recognized employer; or have outstanding talents in sports or the arts) or a Skilled Migrant visa (if your skills are on any of the Essential Skills in Demand (ESID) shortage lists). After two years you can get permanent residency and then apply for citizenship in New Zealand. You can find more information on NZ visa options and requirements here;
• Plan your finances – Make sure you have enough money to cover all moving-related expenses (the cost of shipping your belongings to New Zealand, insurance costs, customs duty charges and taxes, visa fees, travel costs, accommodations costs, etc.) and your living expenses for the first several months in Wellington (You can use New Zealand’s cost of living calculator to get an idea of your living expenses);
• Plan for your pets – If you have pets, keep in mind that many kinds of animals cannot be imported in New Zealand and all pets entering the country must complete ten days of quarantine upon arrival and meet specific health standards to be allowed in the country;
• Plan your trip – Research travel sites for cheap airfare and convenient flights (you may not be able to fly directly to Wellington because of the runway limitations and may need to transfer through Auckland, Christchurch or Australia). Book your flight well in advance, check your maximum baggage allowance and pack all the essentials you’re going to need for the first few weeks after the move in your checked luggage (take your most important items – documents, phone, laptop, medications, basic personal care items, etc. – in your carry-on). Unless you’ve already found a new home in Wellington, arrange temporary accommodation – reserve a hotel room or find a short-term rental;
• Find a good international moving company – check international movers reviews and ratings, get international moving quotes from several reputable companies, request in-home binding estimates to learn the actual cost of your move, compare the offers, carefully research the overseas movers you consider hiring for your move to New Zealand (verify their licensing information, check their complaint histories, consider their experience with international relocations, etc.) and choose the best international moving company for you;
• Take as few of your items as possible and provide them with the best possible protection – Shipping household goods overseas is very risky and very costly, so be sure to pare down your possessions before moving to New Zealand and take along only things of high practical and/or sentimental value. It’s best to have your items professionally packed so they have a better chance to survive the long trip to your new home intact and unscathed.
• Say your goodbyes and have a safe journey to the windiest capital in the world.

Moving to Wellington, New Zealand, will provide you with numerous opportunities and allow you to open a new, exciting chapter in your life. All you need to do is find an appropriate new home for you and your family, use a trustworthy moving company to ensure a problem-free relocation, and get settled in one of the coolest cities in the world. Happy moving to Wellington!

See also: Moving to Auckland: The Complete Guide