Planning to move to New Zealand or already there but still new? Being an expat is not like backpacking. You can’t live as tourist all the time and live in a campervan. Well, some can, actually but that’s another story.
If you are looking to turn into real expat, here are several good sites, forums and blogs that can serve you as a starting point. They are not sorted in particular order.
This section at the Expat Forum is quite active. You can meet plenty of new kiwis there and ask all kind of questions. All kind of stuff is discussed – what’s good in New Zealand and what’s not, costs of living in various cities, health requirements, rentals etc. As there is no good expat forum dedicated only to New Zealand (at least I know none!), this section is your first must-visit item.
This is a blog by two Americans who moved in New Zealand in 2006 to live rural life. I agree this is not the typical blog with advice on what to do as expat kiwi. No, it’s more about sharing real stories of life. And these guys have changed their lives a lot – just get some sense of it on the about page.
It’s not a blog for those who would be looking for typical employment in New Zealand. There are other blogs and sites that will help you. This blog gives inspiration to those with entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit who would like to take their live in hands down there. Lovely!
Another Americans, and another family/personal blog. It shares even more personal stories, but don’t worry, it’s not a schoolmate’s diary. The stories these folks share will help you experience more of the life in New Zealand they way it is. And coincidence, they also emigrated in 2006.
This is a new expat blog of a new expat. A new fried kiwi! Liz and her family moved there in September 2012 son they are sharing the very fresh views of a newcomer. You’ll get to learn about the new things you can expect when going to New Zealand of course through their personal experience. And maybe you can even meet these guys to feel less lonely.
If you want to read more practical and advice kind of site, this one is for you. New Zealand life has things categorized and is rather content rich. Articles about cost of living, dangers, what’s life like there, and news section will keep you updated on all the stuff you need to know. Here’s an example post to see what kind of practical info I am talking about.
Here’s a complete immigration guide. Working, banking, salaries, cost of living, housing, law stuff, things like that. The forum and blogs aren’t really active. The information in the articles seems actual however. Bookmark this site if you are seriously planning emigration.
This is a free community site with over 40,000 members. Definitely a place where you won’t be lonely. There is a newsletter, discussion forums, and various articles with relocating advice. You nee to create (a free) account in order to get access to most of the content.
Broken Luggage is a blog from a married couple – again Americans arrived in Auckland in 2009. It’s not the most frequently updated blog you’ll find here. But the great pictures they post make it worth a visit any time. There is excellent table of contents that will help you find any of the practical information about relocating. And there’s plenty of it there!
This is a blog of a young teacher. So here you have yet another perspective to migrating in New Zealand. Started in January 2011 and moderately active.
And let’s finish with Beckoning Balance, a top expat blog started in 2008. They publish a lot of outdoor pictures from the nice nature in New Zealand. And a lot of personal and often touching stories.
Did I miss your cool expat blog or another great site about moving down there? Let me know in the comments!
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