Migrants rank New Zealand as top living destination

New Zealand cities fare well in terms of worldwide quality of living standards, making them attractive destinations for migrants.

British migrants rate NZ as #1 expat destination

A NatWest International bank survey of more than 2000 British immigrants living in 12 countries found that New Zealand received the highest ratings in all areas and topped the list of places to live. According to respondents, New Zealand has one of the lowest average property prices in the developed world, a better quality of life and a favourable tax regime that offers financial advantages.

“Expats say they are living healthier lifestyles abroad, while also benefiting financially. This is particularly true for expats in New Zealand who not only say they benefit from low property prices, a favourable taxation system and a healthy lifestyle but also the beauty of New Zealand's natural environment,” commented Dave Isley, head of NatWest International personal banking.

New Zealand quality of life survey

The biennial Quality of Life survey measures the perceptions of over 6,000 residents living in eight of the country’s largest cities, from Auckland to Dunedin. The 2010 report showed the majority of residents in the cities felt (92%) they had a positive overall quality of life, with 63% rating it as good and 29% as extremely good. They enjoyed clean air and water and had ready access to employment, housing and services such as health and education.

Auckland: the world's 3rd best city

GlobeAuckland is ranked third in the world in terms of quality of life, according to the 2011 Mercer Quality of Life Survey. Auckland was also the only Southern Hemisphere city to appear in the Top 10. New Zealand's capital of Wellington took 13th place and Sydney, the next Asia-Pacific city after Auckland, came in at 11th. Vienna topped the list.

The analysis of 221 cities by Mercer Human Resource Consulting is based on an evaluation of 39 quality of living criteria. These include political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services.

Scores are based on the quality and availability of hospital and medical supplies and levels of air pollution and infectious diseases. The efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems, water portability and the presence of harmful animals and insects are also taken into account.

Nicknamed  the City of Sails, Auckland has a spectacular 1600km coastline that provides a fantastic playground for Aucklanders, with beaches, walkways, fishing and boating. The city is home to 1.37 million people and it's the fastest-growing region in the country. About 70% of new migrants to New Zealand settle in the Auckland region and a third of all people who call Auckland home are born overseas.

Two-thirds of the country’s top 200 companies and one third of the nation’s workforce are based in Auckland. Nearly a quarter of the world’s Fortune 500 companies have a presence in the region.

Wellington

Lonley Planet named New Zealand's capital of Wellington 'the coolest little capital in the world' in 2010.  The city is home to just under 500,000 residents (about 11% of the total national population) - more than half of these were born outside New Zealand. It's also the country's seat of parliament. Employment growth is largely driven by the government sector, property and business services, construction and retail trade.

Wellington is built around a beautiful harbour and surrounded by bush-clad hills. Known as the nation's Culture Capital, it has a vibrant arts and dining scene, and is home to several of the country's icons, including New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, the Royal NZ Ballet and the award-winning ‘Lord of the Rings’ Weta Studios.

More about New Zealand’s cities and towns

With such a diversity of landscapes and towns, you will find it hard to choose where to live in New Zealand. You can get more information on regions in New Zealand from Northland to Southland and everything in between, from our ‘Where to live in New Zealand’ section.

What next?