Monthly Archives: December 2012

Expats in New Zealand: Check These 10 Resources

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.

1. Expats Living in New Zealand Forum

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.

2. Moon over Martinborough

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!

3. Dawes Family in New Zealand

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.

4. Fried Kiwis

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.

5. This New Zealand Life

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.

6. Move to New Zealand

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.

7. Move2nz (Again!)

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.

8. Broken Luggage

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!

9. Inquisitive Bird

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.

10. Beckoning Balance

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!

 

Best Ways To Reach New Zealand From Europe

New Zealand is a great place to visit for sure. The problem for us Europeans is that it’s way too far away. In fact it’s probably the farthest trip destination on Earth with the questionable  exception of Antarctica. By the way, New Zealand is a good hub for visiting Antarctica. But let’s get to Zealand without crashing the bank first! So, what are the reasonable options for the European citizen? Let’s see.

59356-Auckland

From London

The most logical choice for most Western Europeans would be London. Flights for the upcoming New Zealand Summer start from around $1,400 for return trip to Auckland. Some of the most affordable flights surprisingly go through Seoul, South Korea. Be prepared for two approximately 11 hours long flights.

Other good options are often offered by Emirates with stop in Dubai, UAE. and sometimes a second stop in Sidney, Australia.

From Rome

If you are closer to Italy, do not hesitate to search for a flight from Rome. You can find one a bit cheaper – for about $1,300 return trip. The cheapest flights from Rome also usually include stop in Seoul. Sometimes the best deal comes from China Airlines but be prepared for more stopns – in Delhi, India, then in Taiwan, and maybe even one in Sidney.

From Istanbul

If you are living in South-East Europe, your best option might to fly from Istanbul. Istanbul is easily reached from most European countries and its neighbors can even go by land. Flights from Istanbul are also cheapest – I can see deal for about $1,200.

Best prices are currently offered by Turkish Airlines and go through Abu Dhabi and Sidney.

Malaysia Airlines often have good offer too. Their planes stop only in Kuala Lumpur which makes them more comfortable. It’s in the middle of the road so you will have to do approximately two 10 hour long flights.

From Singapore

WTH, Singapore is not in Europe yet?! Of course it’s not and I guess it will never be 🙂 Think about what kind of great trip you can do for nearly the same costs. Flights from Singapore start at about $700 and often include just one stop in Brisbane, Australia. You can get to Singapore from Europe for about the same $700 and enjoy few days stay here. Moreover, Singapore is next to Malaysia where you can get overland. So if your goal is leisure trip, you can visit two nice countries along your way to New Zealand without drastically to increase your costs.

Visiting neighbor countries or countries along the way to somewhere turned into my best strategy to see more of the world with less money. We always try to do this when visiting a small country and often arrange connecting flights with few days takeover instead of buying connecting flight from the airlines. The costs are only a little higher but the saving compared to visiting both destinations on two independent trips is huge. So think about this if you plan a trip to new Zealand or any other long trip involving connecting flights.

Of course you also need to have the extra time – otherwise it’s just rushing the things to put more flags on the map.

And Once There?

Here are few things to check regarding your stay in New Zealand: