New job, downsizing, growing a family, or just looking for a lifestyle change; we know there are many reasons you could be considering a move.
We're here to take the stress out of moving by offering tips, things you should think about before considering a move, finding the best location to suit your needs, financial assistance, and finally; your brand new Jennian home!
Choosing where to live can seem like a daunting decision, especially if you're considering moving somewhere you've never lived before. Lucky for you, New Zealand is beautiful place to live and boasts many friendly communities all across the country. We've outlined what we love most about each region below if you need some inspiration.
You don't want any unexpected moving costs when you're building or buying your new home. Make sure to budget for things like moving companies, real estate fees, renovations (of your current property) and cleaning fees. We can assist you with creating your big-picture budget, and recommend home-buyer grants if you qualify.
We know how easy it is to accumulate all that stuff you don't necessarily need over the years. Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter yours and your family's belongings. You'll get to donate the items you no longer need, and be moving with a lighter load.
Whether you're doing a DIY move or hiring a moving company, you'll need to come up with a plan. We can recommend you one of our trusted moving partners so you know you won't be caught short-handed on the day.
If you're choosing to sell another property in order to buy brand new, we can put you in touch with experts who know what they're doing when it comes to selling your current home and assets.
Whether its your house or contents insurance, making a move could require some changes to your policy. If you've been affected by a natural disaster or incident, we can work with your insurance company to see your claim through to a brand new completed home.
It's important to think about the proximity of certain amenities such as your workplace, schools, healthcare, recreation facilities and parks, in relation to the area you're considering moving to. We can help you find the location that best suits your needs.
You'll need to organise certain utilities such as power, gas, sewerage, water, rubbish, or internet solutions to suit your needs. We can help you find out which ones would need to be set up at your new house.
Located at the very top of New Zealand, Northland is one of the most beautiful regions in New Zealand, with no part of it being more than 40 kilometres from the coast. It has unique native rainforests, which means there are many walking and hiking tracks to explore. Known for the magnificent Tane Mahuta, the biggest kauri tree in the world, and Ninety Mile Beach which stretches along the west coast toward Cape Reinga, Northland is truly picture-perfect. You don't have to travel far for a weekend getaway; The Bay of Islands is studded with sheltered beaches, wineries and small towns like Russell. It’s also home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a historic Maori site. If you feel the need to get back to the big city, Auckland is very accessible.
In Auckland, you’ll find a city filled with friendly people and a huge range of things to see and do. It's safe, stable and culturally diverse, with excellent public healthcare, a large range of schooling opportunities, and a world-class shopping hub and events calendar. It's an ideal destination to live as it offers a perfect balance between business opportunities and an active outdoors lifestyle, if you're so inclined. Based around 2 large harbours, there's a perfect balance between coastal and city living. It boasts the iconic Sky Tower which overlooks the Viaduct Harbour, which is dotted with boats and lined with bars and cafes. Parks and beaches are also plentiful; most famously the Auckland Domain - the city’s oldest park, which is based around an extinct volcano, and also Mission Bay beach which is frequented by many.
The Waikato region really has something to suit everyone's lifestyle, offering peaceful living either amongst the rural tranquillity and views of farmland and bush in Matamata, or the relaxed coastal areas of Raglan. Depending on where you are in the region, you're only a short drive away from Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, and Coromandel - just to name a few, this really is the definition of central living. Hamilton is the region's city centre where you can escape to Hamilton Gardens, the Zoo, or do some shopping at The Base, New Zealand's largest shopping centre. You can stroll along the Waikato river, New Zealand's largest, stretching 425km from Lake Taupo to the Tasman Sea. Visit the Waitomo Caves or the Hobbiton movie set to capture the full experience of what the Waikato region has to offer.
The Bay of Plenty provides some of the best weather in all of New Zealand, which is lucky considering the stunning Mount Maunganui beach and Papamoa beach are located here. There are many walks and hikes that can be done across the region, whether it's a beach walk or a bush walk there is something for everyone. The main cities within the region are Rotorua, Tauranga, Whakatāne, and Waihi - amongst others. There's a perfect mix of everything you could possibly need; from shopping and recreation activities to business opportunities, schooling and healthcare facilities. The region is located fairly centrally, so it's perfect for those seasonal road trips to Coromandel, Hamilton, Taupo, or even Auckland - although you may not want to get away from this beautiful area.
Gisborne is a region steeped in history and rich in Māori culture with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and community of people. One of the sunniest places in New Zealand, and the first to greet the sun each morning, Gisborne is known for producing high quality fruit and vegetables with flourishing vineyards and orchards. It also prides itself on the amazing food, wine and beer as well as various surf beaches. Gisborne is full of people who came for a holiday and stayed for the lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to try new things as rivers, forests and mountains are all within easy reach.
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hawke's Bay is all about award-winning wineries, beautiful art deco architecture, stunning beaches and a feeling of home. It's just rural enough for you to feel like you're a world apart, and yet close enough to big cities if you need them. Examples of the region’s art deco architecture include the Daily Telegraph Building and Municipal Theatre in Napier, and the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings. Napier’s National Aquarium of New Zealand is a must visit, and it will never get old. There are endless walking and cycle trails which will feed your sense of exploration and keep you active.
Taranaki is truly like no other, with epic mountain trails, miles of coastline and surf, vibrant urban centres, a multitude of gardens and parks, and lots of events, there’s something for everyone. You'll soon see why this safe and stimulating community is the perfect place to call home - whether you're seeking a better lifestyle, starting a family, or simply looking for a change. Taranaki’s workforce has long enjoyed competitive wages and some of the highest rates of GDP in New Zealand. You'll have the opportunity to buy or build a property that big city goers can only dream about. You not only have time to enjoy a great work-life balance, you may even be able to afford to take up some new hobbies. The various parks, walkways, museums and the Brooklands Zoo are great options for free entertainment.
Manawatū is a place for the adventurous, the eco and culture-conscious and the thinkers of this world. It is a road less travelled, with more opportunity than most for learning, growth and life. The region's main cities are Palmerston North and Whanganui, and includes the west coast beaches; popular for swimming, fishing, boating and other water sports. There's also the Tararua ranges, great for tramping and walking - if you're an active explorer this one's for you! There are a range of adventure tourism activities including white water rafting for the thrill seekers.
Don't let the wind drive you away from New Zealand's cool and quirky capital! The city often ranks highly as one of the most liveable cities in the world. The compact central city means that you can walk from one end to the other, and the surrounding areas are easily accessible by bus, ferry, or train. Embrace the coastal lifestyle, as almost all Wellingtonians live within 3km of the sea - which means easy access to our 497km of coastline. There's also the added bonus of Wellington’s 363km of mountain bike and walking tracks around the city, for those who love to stay active. Wellington is where families, working professionals and students mesh together, with two major tertiary campuses in the city; Victoria University and Massey University.
Located at the top of the South Island, Nelson is a wonderful place to live. It's sunny, artsy, vibrant and in a central location, making Nelson one of the best places to live in the country. Not only does Nelson make a great place to settle down, but the city's outskirts are also filled with numerous hiking trails, awesome mountain biking routes, and a variety of great food and wine. The Tasman Bay is a beautiful place with so much to explore. Head off on a scenic cruise or choose from a variety of activities that are sure to get the blood pumping, whatever your mood, there's something for everyone.
Marlborough's towns provide a safe and friendly atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. The stunning landscape means your short commute to work will be filled with scenic views rather than congested traffic jams. This leaves more time for having a great work/life balance to explore the amazing Marlborough region. You can walk or cycle the various tracks, swim with the dolphins, explore aviation history and much much more. Marlborough is also famously known for being New Zealand's largest winegrowing region - your weekends will be filled with wine-tasting bliss.
The West Coast is a stunning place to call home, giving you the best of both worlds - untamed natural wilderness at your doorstep, local shopping and great food all in the local townships. With 600km of coastline meeting the Tasman Sea and bordered by snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, you'll never be short of things to do and see. Not to mention, you'll find some of the country's most affordable housing in this region.
Canterbury offers a friendly community, an abundance of recreation, medical, and schooling facilities, as well as an enterprising business sector. It is a fantastic place to live, grow and bring up a family. Christchurch is Canterbury's largest city and is a bustling urban centre, making its claim as Aotearoa’s second largest city. To the west, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park hosts the country's highest mountain, and there are many other scenic treks to be ticked off in the area. Your weekend activities will consist of checking out the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum, as well as visiting the various wildlife parks and reserves. Make sure to see the International Antarctic Centre and take a ride up the Gondola - you'll never be caught short on entertainment for the whole family!
Calling all creatives, educators, or anyone in the tourism or technology fields - Otago is a particularly great region to live in for you. Dunedin is filled with fantastic education facilities and is home to The University of Otago, which consistently ranks within the top 1% of universities in the world. With many kiwis and international students heading to the beautiful city to get their degrees, there's no question that Dunedin is known as a student town. If adventure is what you crave, then Queenstown is a must, drawing a massive amount of attention from tourists each year - particularly during the winter months. Otago is the best place to get away from the big city life and really embrace the great outdoors.
Southland is a land of rugged coastlines, rolling plains, pristine rainforests, fertile farmlands and endless opportunities; escape from the city life and see where it takes you. It is the country's southernmost region, known best for Fiordland National Park; home to snow-capped mountains and fjords such as Milford Sound, which is traversed by sightseeing boats. World-renowned for Bluff oysters, and the launching place for a visit to Stewart Island, Southland is nothing but a picture-perfect place to call home. The region's largest centre is Invercargill, where you must frequent Queens Park and its 80 hectares of tree-lined walkways and diverse gardens.
