Living in New Zealand
The World's Best Lifestyle for High-Net-Worth Families
3rd globally on the Global Peace Index · 6th most powerful passport · Top 10 for safety, education, and quality of life
2025 Rankings That Matter to Global Investors
New Zealand consistently ranks in the global top tier for quality of life metrics
View comprehensive data and trends on our Statistics & Trends page
Why High-Net-Worth Families Are Choosing New Zealand
Since the April 2025 policy reforms, applications for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa have increased sharply. Families from the United States, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Europe are now choosing New Zealand as a primary residence, not just a backup plan.
"The visa was the key that opened the door. But we stay because our children now grow up in a country where they can walk to school alone, ski on weekends, and breathe the cleanest air on the planet."
– US Investor, Queenstown
The Active Investor Plus Visa – Updated November 2025
Growth Category
Acceptable Investments:
- Direct business investment
- Private equity
- Managed funds
Best for tech entrepreneurs investing in early-stage NZ startups, comfortable with higher risk backing NZ businesses
Balanced Category
Acceptable Investments:
- Government & corporate bonds
- Listed equities
- Property development
- Philanthropic donations
Best for family offices diversifying with managed funds and philanthropic endowments
Key Benefits (Both Categories):
- ✓Includes partner and dependent children up to age 24
- ✓English language requirement removed (April 2025)
- ✓Pathway to permanent residency
- ✓Access to New Zealand's 6th most powerful passport
Timeline Overview:
- •Application review: 6-8 weeks
- •Fund transfer: within 6 months
- •Visa grant: typically within 3 months of fund confirmation
- •Minimum stay: 21 to 105 days over entire holding period
Compliance Note: Financial due diligence under AML/CFT Act 2009 applies to all transfers. Learn more about the application process.
Why New Zealand Ranks Among the Best
- ✓Violent crime rate among the lowest globally (0.7 per 100,000 in 2024)
- ✓Universal healthcare paired with robust private hospital options
- ✓Over 30% of land is environmentally protected (DOC, 2025)
- ✓OECD's cleanest air & water for six consecutive years
- ✓Transparent government ranked #2 globally for low corruption
Sector Strengths for Investors:
Agritech
Renewable Energy
Film & Creative
Tourism Development
Explore investment opportunities | International money transfer guide
Climate & Seasons
New Zealand's temperate maritime climate means no extreme heat or cold. Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer
December – February
20–30°C (68–86°F)
Beach season, outdoor festivals
Autumn
March – May
15–20°C (59–68°F)
Wine harvest, stunning foliage
Winter
June – August
5–15°C (41–59°F)
Ski season, mild in North Island
Spring
September – November
12–18°C (54–64°F)
Lambing season, blooming gardens
Kiwi Culture & Lifestyle
New Zealanders (Kiwis) are known for their friendly, laid-back nature and strong sense of community. The culture blends British heritage with indigenous Māori traditions and Pacific Island influences.
- •Outdoor lifestyle: Hiking, skiing, sailing, rugby – Kiwis love being outdoors
- •Work-life balance: Most businesses close by 5pm; weekends are sacred family time
- •"Tall Poppy Syndrome": Humility is valued; boasting is frowned upon
- •Māori culture: Te Reo (Māori language) is co-official; haka, pōwhiri (welcomes), and hangi (earth ovens) are celebrated
Social Etiquette Tips
- • Remove shoes before entering a home
- • "BYO" (bring your own) is common at barbecues
- • Tipping is not expected (wages are fair)
- • "Yeah, nah" means "no" – Kiwi understatement!
- • Direct eye contact and firm handshakes are standard
Best Places to Live in New Zealand
Each region offers a distinct lifestyle. Here's where most investor families settle:
Auckland
New Zealand's largest city · Population 1.7M
The commercial and cultural hub, home to 40% of the population. Offers world-class dining, harbourside living, and excellent international schools.
Best for:
Business owners, families wanting urban amenities
Property range:
NZ$1.2M – $15M+
Top suburbs:
Remuera, Herne Bay, Devonport, Takapuna
Airport:
Direct flights to Asia, US, Australia
Wellington
Capital city · Population 215K
Compact, walkable capital with thriving arts, cafe culture, and tech startup scene. Known for its creative energy and political influence.
Best for:
Tech entrepreneurs, arts lovers, foodies
Property range:
NZ$800K – $5M+
Top suburbs:
Oriental Bay, Thorndon, Roseneath, Kelburn
Vibe:
"Coolest little capital in the world"
Queenstown
Adventure capital · Population 50K
World-renowned resort town surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Winter skiing, summer hiking, year-round luxury. The "Aspen of the South Pacific."
Best for:
Outdoor enthusiasts, second-home buyers, retirees
Property range:
NZ$1.5M – $25M+
Top areas:
Millbrook, Arrowtown, Jacks Point, Lake Hayes
Ski fields:
The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona
Hawke's Bay
Wine & lifestyle region · Population 180K
New Zealand's premier wine region with Art Deco architecture, sunny climate, and relaxed pace. Increasingly popular with investors seeking vineyard estates.
Best for:
Wine investors, lifestyle buyers, families
Property range:
NZ$600K – $10M+ (vineyard estates)
Top areas:
Havelock North, Te Awanga, Napier Hill
Climate:
2,200+ sunshine hours/year
Tauranga / Bay of Plenty
Coastal growth hub · Population 160K
Fast-growing coastal city with stunning beaches, excellent climate, and strong business sector. Popular with families and semi-retirees.
Best for:
Beach lovers, young families, boating enthusiasts
Property range:
NZ$900K – $8M+
Top areas:
Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Omokoroa
Key draws:
Surf beaches, kiwifruit industry, marina lifestyle
Cost of Living (2025)
New Zealand offers excellent value compared to other global destinations. Here's what to expect:
| Expense | Auckland | Wellington | Queenstown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (3-bed luxury) | $4,000–$8,000/mo | $3,500–$6,000/mo | $5,000–$12,000/mo |
| Private school fees | $25,000–$45,000/yr | $20,000–$35,000/yr | $25,000–$40,000/yr |
| Groceries (family/mo) | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,100–$1,600 | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Private health insurance | $3,000–$8,000/yr | $3,000–$8,000/yr | $3,000–$8,000/yr |
| Fine dining (per person) | $80–$200 | $70–$150 | $100–$250 |
| Domestic help (live-in) | $50,000–$70,000/yr | $45,000–$65,000/yr | $55,000–$80,000/yr |
Note: All figures in NZD. Costs vary by lifestyle and specific location within each city.
Education & International Schools
New Zealand's education system consistently ranks in the global top 20. For investor families, international schools offer IB and Cambridge curricula.
North Island Schools
- •
ACG Parnell College (Auckland)
Cambridge curriculum, Years 1-13
- •
Kristin School (Auckland)
IB World School, co-educational
- •
King's College (Auckland)
Traditional boarding, est. 1896
- •
Scots College (Wellington)
Boys' school, IB & NCEA
South Island Schools
- •
St Andrew's College (Christchurch)
Co-ed, boarding available
- •
Queenstown Primary
State school, high decile rating
- •
Wakatipu High School
Strong outdoor education programme
- •
Rangi Ruru Girls' School (Christchurch)
Girls' boarding, Cambridge & NCEA
University Pathways
New Zealand has 8 universities, all ranked in the global top 500. University of Auckland (#68 QS World Rankings 2025) and University of Otago (#217) are the most prestigious.
Children of resident visa holders qualify for domestic tuition fees (approx. $7,000–$15,000/year vs $30,000–$50,000 for international students).
Healthcare System
Public Healthcare
New Zealand provides universal healthcare funded through taxation. Resident visa holders have full access to public hospitals and subsidised GP visits.
- ✓Free hospital treatment
- ✓Subsidised prescriptions ($5 per item)
- ✓ACC covers accident injuries (world-first scheme)
- ✓Free under-13s GP visits
Private Healthcare
Many investor families opt for private health insurance to access faster elective surgery and specialist appointments.
- ✓Southern Cross (largest NZ insurer)
- ✓NIB, Partners Life, nib
- ✓Premium plans: $5,000–$15,000/year (family)
- ✓Private hospitals in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Buying Property in New Zealand
As an Active Investor Plus visa holder, you can purchase residential property without needing Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval – a significant advantage over other visa categories.
2025 Property Rules for Investor Visa Holders
What You CAN Buy:
- • Residential property (any value)
- • Commercial property
- • Industrial property
- • New-build developments
- • Land for development (with consent)
OIO Approval Required For:
- • Sensitive land (lakefront, coastal, DOC adjacent)
- • Farmland over 5 hectares
- • Land with significant heritage features
- • Fishing quota
Property Purchase Process
- 1.Engage a licensed real estate agent and conveyancing lawyer
- 2.Obtain pre-approval for finance (if required)
- 3.Make conditional offer (subject to LIM report, building inspection)
- 4.Offer goes unconditional once conditions satisfied
- 5.Settlement typically 30-90 days after unconditional
Note: Stamp duty does not exist in NZ. Legal fees typically $2,000–$5,000. Our trusted partners include experienced property lawyers.
Tax Advantages
New Zealand offers one of the most favourable tax environments for high-net-worth individuals in the developed world.
| Tax Type | New Zealand | USA | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0-20% | 10-28% | 0-23.5% |
| Inheritance Tax | 0% | 18-40% | 40% | 0% |
| Wealth Tax | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 39% | 37% | 45% | 45% |
| Company Tax Rate | 28% | 21% | 25% | 30% |
Key Tax Benefits for Investor Visa Holders
- ✓No CGT on property sales (if held 2+ years, not dealer)
- ✓Transitional resident exemption (4 years offshore income exempt)
- ✓No stamp duty on property purchases
- ✓Trust structures available for asset protection
Disclaimer: Tax advice should be sought from qualified professionals. Contact our partner tax advisors for personalised guidance.
Your First 90 Days Checklist
Once your visa is approved and you arrive in New Zealand, here's what to do:
Week 1-2: Essentials
- Open NZ bank account (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank)
- Apply for IRD number (tax number)
- Register with local GP clinic
- Obtain NZ mobile phone number
- Set up utilities (power, gas, internet)
Week 3-4: Settlement
- Convert overseas driving licence (if needed)
- Enrol children in school
- Purchase or lease vehicle
- Set up private health insurance
- Meet with NZ tax advisor
Month 2-3: Integration
- Join local clubs or community groups
- Explore investment portfolio options
- Review property purchase timeline
- Establish professional network
- Plan residency day requirements
Real Investor Stories (2025)
Hear from families who have successfully made the move to New Zealand.
"The visa was the key that opened the door. But we stay because our children now grow up in a country where they can walk to school alone, ski on weekends, and breathe the cleanest air on the planet."
– US Investor, Queenstown
"We considered Portugal and Singapore. New Zealand won because of the combination of English language, common law system, and genuine quality of life – not just a tax play."
– Hong Kong Family Office
"The 21-day requirement made it possible. I still run my business in Asia, but my family has a safe, permanent home in Auckland. That peace of mind is priceless."
– Singapore Entrepreneur
Ready to Make the Move?
Our comprehensive 11-step guide covers everything from choosing your visa pathway to achieving citizenship. Learn about tax structures, building your professional team, application process, and settling in.