Thinking of living in Auckland? Here are some of the great reasons why you should seriously consider choosing Auckland if you’re moving to New Zealand.

Every year thousands of people choose to make the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand and Auckland in particular. Attracted by the stunning scenery, the more laid-back lifestyle and the opportunities that they feel don’t exist back home, it’s no wonder so many look to New Zealand for a fresh start.

But with so many great cities and other areas to choose from, why settle on Auckland? Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and some say it is overcrowded and expensive. According to the most recent statistics from World Population Review, a staggering 40% of those who live in Auckland were born overseas.

Auckland certainly has a lot to offer – it’s a cosmopolitan, multicultural city and home to the highest number of migrants compared to any other city in New Zealand. In fact, the Māori name for Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, means desired by many.

So just what it is that has drawn all these people from all over the world to move to Auckland?

1. Some of the best weather in New Zealand

There is no denying that warmer weather and sunnier days are certainly great reasons to move to Auckland. In general, the weather in New Zealand is much warmer and sunnier compared to the UK.

However, those who live in Auckland have the benefit of enjoying greater year round warmth compared to other major cities in New Zealand. As Auckland is on the North Island, you will enjoy great weather with annual sunshine hours of 2050, even higher than other cities such as Dunedin and Christchurch.

2. Small town feel, big city space

Auckland is a busy city with plenty of entertainment and events every weekend, however, you will also find a lot of space in Auckland, which is perfect if you want big city amenities with a less crowded vibe.

Being the largest city in New Zealand, there are lots more things to do and more things to explore in Auckland.

When you compare Auckland to other major cities such as London, Sydney, New York or Toronto you’ll find it has a smaller town feel, but still has everything you need within easy reach.

3. Shop till you drop and dance the nights away

This brings us nicely to the next point on our list. Auckland is famous for its shopping and nightlife. The Britomart precinct district is one of the most popular destinations for nightlife in Auckland.

The main shopping street in Auckland is Queen Street where you will find all the major brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior. If you are looking for the largest shopping mall in the whole of New Zealand, you will find it in Auckland, with Sylvia Park having more than 200 stores.

The very first Ikea in New Zealand is also going to be built in Sylvia Park soon, further demonstrating how Auckland is one of the best cities in New Zealand for the shopping experience.

4. The best coffee in New Zealand?

New Zealand is renowned for its coffee culture and Auckland claims the crown for the best coffee in the country (although other cities may dispute this!)

Whilst the Brits are known for their love of a good cup of tea, they are increasingly turning to good coffee as well.

When it comes to great coffee shops, there are plenty of hip venues in Auckland serving a wealth of hot caffeinated beverages, and they all have one very important thing in common; the quality is amongst some of the best you will find anywhere in the world.

Some of the best coffee shops in Auckland are Remedy Coffee and The Shelf, both of which are highly revered by those who live in the area.

5. Quick journey to Waiheke, a wonderful island oasis

Just a short ferry journey from downtown Auckland is Waiheke, an island oasis with some of the whitest, sandiest beaches you could wish for. This is a fantastic place to visit with plenty to see and do. It is a real haven for nature lovers, artists and those who love wine.

With a spot like this on your doorstep, it really is easy to escape from the hustle of day-to-day life and enjoy some quality family time without having to travel very far at all.

6. Auckland’s spectacular beaches

 

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New Zealand has a staggering 15,000 km of coastline with over 700 stunning beaches, 80 of those located in Auckland! You will have your fair share of beaches to explore whilst living in Auckland.

The famous beaches in Auckland include Piha, and Orewa Beach, which are some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of New Zealand. You also have Great Island Beach nearby.

So you have the best of city living with beaches right on your doorstep!

7. Properties with plenty of space

There are some fantastic properties in Auckland, and they are certainly very generous in size. The majority of them also have good-sized gardens, which are perfect if you want to take advantage of that warmer Auckland weather.

Properties around Auckland also tend to be more modern and have better facilities compared to other parts of the country. And if you want to upgrade your property with central heating, double glazing or stylish interior design, you’ll find more options around the Auckland area.

8. Quieter and affordable suburbs

Auckland has great city centre apartments. however, they tend to be on the more expensive side.  For those on a budget, the quieter and more affordable suburb is within easy commuting distance of the busy CBD.

The smaller suburbs in Auckland include Arch Hill, Avondale and Blockhouse Bay.  You will find the property prices to be cheaper and you will still be close to all the amenities and entertainment that the city has to offer.

Even better, house prices have peaked and are in decline so this could be the perfect time to buy if you’re moving to NZ.

9. More employment opportunities & better pay in Auckland

There are many opportunities to work in Auckland, especially if you are qualified for engineering, finance, trades, education and, of course, health as New Zealand often has skill shortages in these fields.

The average salary in Auckland is also the highest in New Zealand, which is perfect if you are looking for a better lifestyle for yourself and your family.

10. Fantastic public services

Tired of public services that are badly organised? You will not have the same experience in Auckland, as the public services are some of the best in the world and are often mentioned in the international press as a success story that other countries should try to emulate.

As well as the usual amenities you’ll find great public transport, good libraries and many other facilities including the North Western Cycleway, the Northcote Toy Library and many community centres.

11. Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island, which is just off the coast of Auckland, is the first place in the world to have been designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary (there are only 10 other places on the list). Here you will find the most incredible dark and clear skies for stargazing. The island itself is worthy of a daytime visit as well, with its lush native forest, relaxing beaches and Glenfern Sanctuary, where you will find rare wildlife.

12. Adrenaline rush adventures

With so much wide-open space, it is not surprising that people in New Zealand love the great outdoors, and there are plenty of opportunities in and around Auckland to indulge in some of the kinds of activities that will give you a real adrenaline rush.

From the thrilling experience of Skydive Auckland to Sky Jumping from the iconic Sky Tower in the centre of the city, there is something for everyone. If neither of those is quite right for you, then why not head to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, where you will find the only Bungee Jump or Bridge Climb in New Zealand?

13. Very family-friendly environment

Whether you already have children or are hoping to have children at some point in the future, Auckland is an incredibly family-friendly environment. Not only is it a very culturally diverse city, it is also safe and stable. The city also boasts excellent public healthcare available to all and an excellent education system.

The University of Auckland is ranked as the best university in New Zealand and there are many excellent schools for your children.

14. Volcanic city

 

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Auckland is prized for its rather unusual geology. The city itself is, in fact, dotted with dozens of volcanic cones all of which are located within 20km of the centre of the city. This gives Auckland its rather spectacular skyline view and maybe just a little sense of danger. Fear not, as it is highly unlikely that any of Auckland’s volcanos will become active again, but it does mean you’re living in a city with an iconic skyline.

15. Cost of living index is dropping

Many consider Auckland to be an expensive place to live; however, with the cost of living index dropping, and the highest average salary in the country, there are many great reasons to move to Auckland.

As previously mentioned, if you are looking for the cheapest places to live, look outside the busy Auckland CBD – although the commute to work may be longer, you will find it cheaper to live in Auckland.

16. The Art and Culture

Auckland is home to one of the most popular museums in New Zealand, the Auckland Museum, famous for its tribute to the military and Maori history. This is perfect for a day out with the family, and is free for Auckland residents.

There is also the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki which has the most extensive collection of art in New Zealand. This excellent exhibition is breathtaking and has a varied collection to enjoy.

17. The great food in Auckland

Expect to find many seafood restaurants in Auckland with the city famous for its mussels, fish and chips and whitebait. However, you will also find everything in the city from Indian food to Italian food.

Auckland also has famous restaurants including Sails Restaurant Auckland where you can enjoy the freshest food and enjoy the view of the yachts.

18. Rangitoto, an island volcano

Auckland’s most iconic island is located just off the coast. Rangitoto Island is one of the fifty-three volcanoes that make up the Auckland volcanic field that is not extinct. It is currently listed as dormant. The island is well worth a visit for its terrain, uninhabited ruggedness and rather spectacular scenery, including black lava caves.

19. Moving to Auckland is easy

Auckland is a wonderful place to live with many cost-effective services in place to help you in your move.

Whether you are looking to ship a few boxes to New Zealand or need a full removal service, moving your belongings to Auckland is easy. Contact the friendly PSS team to get a quote and to ask questions about shipping to New Zealand.

20. Flavours of the Pacific

As the city with the largest Polynesian population in the world, Auckland has it covered with an incredibly diverse cultural melting pot. Here you will find the island cultures of Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and a whole host of other islands.

The Otara markets are certainly worth a visit for their exotic fruits and vegetables, colorful crafts and vibrant music scene. Do not forget the wonderful array of restaurants and eateries you will find here.

21. Largest Airport in New Zealand

Auckland has excellent transport links and has the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand. This makes it perfect if you are looking to travel further afield to places such as Sydney, Los Angeles, Tokyo or London.

22. Sports in Auckland

There are always sporting events in Auckland to attend. Eden Park and Sparks Arena are the most popular stadiums in Auckland and host women’s football, rugby union, basketball, cricket, tennis, and other events. If you love your sports, you will certainly love Auckland.

23. Supportive expat community and friendly people

Auckland is a very popular destination for British expats so making new friends should not be an issue. The locals are also extremely friendly and welcoming, and there are many Auckland Expat groups online that will help you settle to your new surroundings and will help with making new friends.

24. Perfect for sailing

If you are a fan of sailing, Auckland is perfect for you. The city is known as the City of Sails, and recently hosted the America’s Cup, a sailing competition  that has the oldest trophy in international sport.

Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf is one of the world’s best sailing grounds and is a great location to explore.

25. The best concerts and festivals

If you’re moving to New Zealand and worried you’ll be missing your favourite music artists, then Auckland is definitely for you. As the largest city, there is no shortage of local and international gigs as it’s the one stop that’s guaranteed to attract the world’s biggest stars including Snoop Dogg, Elton John, The Killers, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi and indeed any artist worth seeing.

26. Ranked the world’s most livable city

Auckland has been named the world’s most livable city according to an annual ranking survey. The survey ranks cities on factors such as stability, infrastructure, education and access to healthcare.

They are certainly not wrong when you look at the great education system in New Zealand and the wonderful facilities in the area.

Auckland unfairly took a knock in the rankings due to Covid, but you can guarantee it will be right back up there now that NZ is opening up to the world again.

Looking to move to Auckland and New Zealand from the UK?

There are so many fantastic reasons to consider moving to Auckland. In fact, after reading our list, you might have made up your mind that now really is the time to make the change!

Therefore, if this is the case and you want to make the move, then get in touch with the team at PSS International Removals. We have helped thousands of people relocate to Auckland and other areas of New Zealand and can help you with any questions that you might have about the process of international removals including luggage shipping.

We can help to make the process of moving to Auckland a smooth one, and soon that new lifestyle you have been dreaming of will become a reality. So no matter where you are thinking of moving to in New Zealand, give us a call and we’ll help get you there!