Your August 2025 Newsletter

August 2025

Kia Ora
As winter winds down and we look ahead to spring, it’s a great time to explore what life in New Zealand could look like. This month, we are sharing some lesser-known insights about life in New Zealand’s cities - because sometimes the little things make the biggest difference.

Relocation is as much about emotions as it is about logistics, also this month we are exploring the often-overlooked emotional side of moving countries, how it impacts expats and migrants, and why understanding these feelings can make a difference to settling in.

Alongside this, we have included practical tips like getting to grips with cross-border tax if you are coming from the US.

And of course, you’ll learn why being a “mate” in New Zealand is more than just a friendly greeting. It's a way of life!

If you are new to our newsletter, welcome! Each month, we share useful tips, local insights, and expert advice to support your move to New Zealand.

3 Things People Don’t Know About NZ Cities

New Zealand’s cities have plenty of unique features that often surprise newcomers.

Unlike huge global metropolises, NZ cities strike a special balance between urban convenience and access to nature.

Whether it’s Auckland’s vibrant neighbourhoods framed by harbours and volcanoes, Wellington’s creative vibe with stunning harbour views, or smaller cities like Dunedin and Tauranga offering relaxed lifestyles with rich culture and outdoor adventures - each city brings its own character and opportunities.

1. New Zealand doesn’t have a Mega City, however…..

Auckland is often referred to as New Zealand’s largest city and economic hub, but by global standards, it’s not classified as a “mega city.”

With around 1.6 million residents, Auckland is sizable but far more manageable than many international metropolises.

Auckland downtown or CBD can be located as little as 15 minutes drive from low-key and family neighborhoods, many of them beach or park adjacent.

Nature is readily accessible. Magnificent native bush is less than an hour from most parts of the city in the Waitakere Ranges. Situated on an isthmus the city is bounded on two sides by beaches. Then there are the Hauraki Gulf islands a short ferry ride away.

Auckland is a super-diverse city, in fact it contains more different ethnic groups than London!

The vast majority of families live in houses rather than apartments. This means that Auckland is quite a sprawling, low-rise city by international standards.

This balance of city life and outdoor adventure is something many newcomers find surprising - and it’s a big part of the Kiwi lifestyle.

2. Smaller Cities Offer Big Lifestyle Perks

Cities like Dunedin, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Napier and Nelson may feel laid-back compared to Auckland or Wellington, but they come with a long list of lifestyle advantages:

Thriving arts & culture: In smaller cities it can feel like the whole community gets behind the arts, live music to community festivals. For example Nelson is well known for the many creative people who choose to live there, and New Plymouth hosts the Len Lye Gallery which contains the collection of the NZ born, internationally renowned kinetic artist.

Cafe culture without the crowds: Regional New Zealand is home to much of NZ’s best produce and artisanal product, so living in a smaller city means having these on your doorstep. Local Farmers Markets are outstanding and in places like Nelson, Napier and Tauranga you can easily access boutique wineries. And you won’t have trouble finding a good coffee in any of these cities!

Top-tier education, offering world-class study opportunities in vibrant, supportive environments: University of Otago in Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest university and is regarded as a true university town. University of Waikato in Hamilton, with a campus in Tauranga, is one of the country’s fastest growing universities, soon to open the country’s third medical school.

Practical perks: Then there is the bonus of living with fewer people - less traffic, shorter commutes, easier parking, and tight-knit communities.

For those wanting the buzz of city life without the noise and rush, these places can offer the best of both worlds.

3. Dog Life in NZ Cities: Parks, Cafés, and Community

New Zealanders love their dogs, and so do their cities! You’ll find that many urban areas are incredibly dog-friendly, offering:

Off-leash dog parks & trails (e.g. Wellington’s Central Bark, Christchurch’s Halswell Quarry)

Coastal walks and dog-approved beaches

Dog-friendly cafes, often offering water bowls, treats, and shaded outdoor seating

Pet-welcoming workplaces that boost morale and work-life balance

Just remember to follow local rules:

Keep your dog on-leash in shared spaces

Clean up after your pet

Show respect for wildlife and park etiquette

Know the off-lease rules on beaches - they can change depending on the time of year

For newcomers, owning a dog is also a great way to meet locals and embrace Kiwi outdoor culture, with paws and all.

Kiwi Phrase - Mate!

Many people know ‘mate’ as the classic Kiwi way to say ‘friend’.

You can call anyone 'mate' in Aotearoa—your neighbour, your barista ... even the guy who just beat you to the last car park.

It’s casual, warm, and sometimes even said as a stand-alone sentence with a questioning inflection ... to the guy who just beat you to the last carpark!

Being a good mate in New Zealand? It means showing up. Lending a hand. Shouting a coffee. And doing it all with minimal grumbling.