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G New to New Zealand guide 2026

Just Arrived in New Zealand?

Here's Exactly What to Do First and in the Right Order — a practical step-by-step guide to settling in with confidence.

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New Zealand Hero

New Zealand rewards the people who arrive prepared. Yes, the cost of living is high. The rental market in Auckland and Wellington is competitive. The healthcare system has its pressures. These are real — not reasons to reconsider, but things to plan for. Every country has its challenges alongside its advantages. New Zealand's advantages are significant: a safe, multicultural society, strong employment in the right sectors, a world-class natural environment, and a clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

The difference between people who settle well and people who struggle is almost never ability or effort. It is preparation and sequence. Knowing what to do, when to do it, and in what order. This guide gives you that — clearly, honestly, and in the right order.

“Knowing what to do, when to do it, and in what order is what makes your settlement stress-free.”

SettleANZ Aotearoa Team

Moving to New Zealand in 2026?

Sort These Before Your Flight Lands

Completing these tasks before you arrive helps you avoid the most common settlement mistakes and start your new life with confidence.

Documents

Documents to carry physically

Print these — don't rely on your phone.

Valid passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.

NZeTA

Required before travel. Apply via the Immigration NZ app ($17) or online ($23). Allow up to 72 hours.

Visa grant letter

Print your eVisa letter. Banks, employers, and landlords will ask for it.

NZ Traveller Declaration (NZTD)

Mandatory for biosecurity and customs. Complete online or via the NZTD app up to 24 hours before departure.

Proof of funds

Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay, as required by your visa.

Health insurance documents

Covers medical costs before you're eligible for public healthcare. Carry your policy number.

NZQA assessment

Original certificates and NZQA assessment if your profession requires it. Start before you leave — it takes weeks.

Police clearance certificate

Required for character assessment on certain visa types.

Passport photos (6 copies)

Needed for driver licence, bank accounts, and other applications.

Medical records

Especially important for chronic conditions, ongoing medications, or children.

Birth and marriage certificates

Original or certified copies. Get translations if not in English — NZ costs 3–5x more.

Employment contract

Carry the signed offer letter. Needed for your IRD number and bank account.

Bookings

Book before you land

These reduce pressure in your first week.

Short-term accommodation

Book 4–6 weeks — gives you time to explore suburbs before signing a lease.

Airport transfer

Pre-book — don't rely on Uber with heavy luggage and no local SIM.

Travel insurance

Covers the gap before you're eligible for NZ public health. Cheaper if bought before you leave.

NZeTA if required

Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Don't leave it to the airport.

New Zealand Dollars

Have NZD cash for your first 24 hours until you can access ATMs.

Rental car if needed

Book in advance. Drive on your overseas licence for up to 12 months.

Finance

Financial Preparation

Sort your money before you arrive.

Pre-open a New Zealand bank account before you land

ANZ, ASB, and Westpac all offer pre-arrival account opening for migrants with eligible visas. ASB's process via their app is the most straightforward. Note: you'll receive a limited account — you can deposit money but cannot withdraw until you verify your identity in person at a branch on arrival.

Health

Health & Insurance

Protect your health from day one.

New Zealand homes — especially older builds — are often poorly insulated and cold inside even in summer

When inspecting rentals, check insulation, heating, and whether the property has a Healthy Homes compliance certificate. Landlords are legally required to meet Healthy Homes standards.

First Week

You've Landed. Here's Your First Week

The first seven days are the most important for settling into New Zealand. Follow these essential steps to get organised, avoid common mistakes, and start your new life with confidence.

Day 1–2 Essentials

Buy a Local SIM Card

Get a prepaid SIM from Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees at the airport or a local store. You'll need a New Zealand number for every form, bank verification, and employer contact.

Activate Your NZ Bank Account

Visit your chosen bank's branch with your passport, visa grant letter, and proof of address. ANZ, ASB, and Westpac have streamlined processes for new arrivals.

Apply for Your IRD Number

Your tax number is essential for legal employment. Apply online through Inland Revenue. Processing takes approximately 10 working days but your employer can accept proof of application.

Register Your Address

Update your address with Inland Revenue, your bank, and Immigration New Zealand. This ensures official correspondence and tax documents reach you without delay.

Set Up Utilities

Arrange electricity, internet, and water connections for your rental. Compare providers on Powerswitch or Broadband Compare to find the best rates for your suburb.

Pro Tip

Completing these first five tasks within 48 hours of landing will save you days of administrative stress later. Do them in this order for the smoothest experience.

Week 1 Setup

Enrol in Healthcare

Check your eligibility for publicly funded healthcare. If you hold a work visa valid for two years or more, you're eligible for most services. Enrol with the Ministry of Health.

Register with a GP

Find a general practice accepting new patients near your home using HealthPoint. Register before you need one — not on the day you get sick.

Explore Your Neighbourhood

Walk your local area to find supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, and public transport stops. Knowing your immediate surroundings reduces anxiety and helps you feel at home faster.

Join Community Groups

Connect with local expat and migrant communities on Facebook, Meetup, or Neighbourly. These groups share practical advice and help you build a support network.

Learn Public Transport

Download the AT Mobile app (Auckland) or your regional equivalent. Get an AT HOP card or Bee Card. Plan your commute routes before your first day of work or study.

Estimated Time

Approximately 6–8 hours spread across your first week. Tackle two items per day to make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Dos & Don'ts

Learn from Others' Mistakes

Following these best practices helps you avoid common settlement mistakes and settle into New Zealand life with confidence.

Do's — Best Practices

Habits that help you settle faster

Recommended

Apply for your IRD number as a new arrival — immediately

Your IRD number is your tax identification number — you need it to work legally, receive salary, and access government services. As a new arrival you can give Immigration New Zealand permission to share your identity documents with Inland Revenue, saving you from sending them twice. Apply online the day you arrive. Processing takes approximately 10 working days. Without it, your employer must deduct tax at the higher non-declaration rate.

Recommended

Open your bank account on arrival day — or before you land

Your bank account is the foundation everything else is built on. You need it before you can receive salary, pay rent, or complete your IRD application. ANZ, ASB, and Westpac all allow you to start the process before arrival. Kiwibank requires an in-branch visit. If you did not pre-open, go to a branch on day one or two with your passport and visa grant letter.

Recommended

Start building your New Zealand credit history from week one

Your overseas credit history does not transfer to New Zealand. Landlords and lenders check your local credit score. Get a New Zealand bank account and apply for a secured credit card as soon as possible. Use it for small regular purchases and pay it off each month. Starting early means you have a usable credit file within 3–6 months.

Recommended

Register with a GP within your first two weeks

The New Zealand healthcare system can be strained and GP appointment wait times can be significant. Register with a local general practitioner before you need one — not on the day you get sick. Use the HealthPoint website to find a GP in your area that is accepting new patients.

Recommended

Use Trade Me Property and Seek.co.nz — these are New Zealand's dominant platforms

Trade Me Property is where the majority of New Zealand rentals are listed. Seek.co.nz is the dominant job search platform — not LinkedIn. Familiarise yourself with both in the weeks before arrival so you understand market prices and realistic timelines.

Recommended

Join KiwiSaver and understand your contributions from day one

KiwiSaver is New Zealand's retirement savings scheme. If you are employed, you are automatically enrolled. As of April 2026, the minimum contribution rate is 3.5% from both you and your employer, on top of your salary. You can opt to contribute more. If you leave New Zealand permanently after 12 months, you can withdraw your savings under the KiwiSaver withdrawal scheme. Do not ignore this from day one — it compounds significantly over time.

Don'ts — Common Mistakes

Mistakes most new arrivals regret

Avoid

Don't sign a long-term lease before you've spent time in the suburb

New Zealand's rental market moves fast, especially in Auckland and Wellington, and the temptation is to lock something in quickly. Resist it. Spend your first 4–6 weeks in short-term accommodation while you explore. The wrong long-term rental in the wrong suburb is an expensive and stressful mistake.

Avoid

Don't sign a long-term phone plan immediately

Start with a prepaid SIM. Coverage and pricing vary across providers, and you will not know which suits you until you have been in your area for a few weeks. Prepaid gives you flexibility. Lock into a 24-month plan later, once you know where you live and which network has the best coverage there.

Avoid

Don't ignore the cold inside New Zealand homes

Many older New Zealand properties are poorly insulated. A home can feel warmer outside than inside in winter. When inspecting rentals, check for insulation, heating systems, and Healthy Homes compliance. Landlords are legally required to meet Healthy Homes standards — ask for the compliance certificate before signing.

Avoid

Don't assume your overseas qualifications are automatically recognised

Many professions in New Zealand — healthcare, engineering, teaching, law — require formal recognition of overseas qualifications through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or a relevant professional body. This process takes weeks or months. Start it before you leave home, not after you arrive.

Avoid

Don't use unlicensed immigration advisers

Only licensed immigration advisers or New Zealand lawyers can legally provide personalised immigration advice. Verify credentials through the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) website before paying anyone for advice. Unlicensed advisers operate illegally and leave you with no legal protection if things go wrong.

Arrival Sequence

The Order That Actually Matters

Complete these important tasks in order after arriving in New Zealand.

Get a prepaid SIM card at the airport, before you leave the terminal

Landlords, employers, and banks all need a local contact number. Every application you fill in from day one requires it. Get this done before anything else.
Why the order matters

Without a local number you cannot complete bank verification, receive employer callbacks, or fill in rental applications. This single step unlocks everything else.

Apply for your IRD number — Day 1 or 2

As a new arrival you can give IRD permission to verify your identity through Immigration NZ — saving you from providing documents twice. Apply online immediately.
Why the order matters

Processing takes approximately 10 working days. Without an IRD number your employer must deduct tax at the higher non-declaration rate. Apply on day one even if you haven't started work yet.

Open or activate your bank account — Day 1 or 2

If you pre-opened from overseas, visit a branch to activate with your passport and visa grant letter. If not, open one immediately at ANZ, ASB, Westpac, or Kiwibank.
Why the order matters

You need a bank account to receive salary, pay rent, and start building credit history. Everything else depends on this being active. Do not delay this step.

Enrol in ACC and register with a GP — Week 1

ACC covers accident injuries for everyone in New Zealand regardless of visa status. Register with a local GP before you need one — not on the day you get sick.
Why the order matters

GP appointment wait times in major centres can be significant. Finding a practice accepting new patients takes time. Register early so care is available when you need it.

Start your Trade Me Property search — Day 1

Your temporary accommodation has a fixed end date. The permanent rental market is competitive. Start researching suburbs and properties immediately.
Why the order matters

Good rentals in Auckland and Wellington go fast. By starting your search on day one you give yourself weeks of market awareness before you need to make a decision.

Apply for a secured credit card — Week 1 to 2

Your New Zealand credit history starts at zero. Apply for a secured credit card through your bank as early as possible to start building your local credit file.
Why the order matters

Landlords and lenders check your local credit score. A usable credit file takes 3–6 months to build. Starting in week one means you have a score when you need it most.

Begin work — Week 2

You are now set up legally (IRD), financially (bank account), and communicatively (SIM). You can receive salary, pay tax correctly, and sign a rental agreement.
Why the order matters

Starting work before securing the steps above creates administrative chaos. This sequence ensures your employer can pay you, IRD can tax you correctly, and you can rent a home without stress.

Pro Tip

Apply for your IRD number as a new arrival — not as 'living in New Zealand.' The new arrival pathway lets Immigration NZ share your identity verification with Inland Revenue, so you only provide documents once. This pathway is only available within a few weeks of arrival.

Common Questions

New to New Zealand — Common Questions Answered

Do I need an IRD number before I start working in New Zealand?

Yes. Your IRD number is essential for legal employment in New Zealand. Apply immediately on arrival using the new arrival pathway on the Inland Revenue website. It takes around 10 minutes and processing takes approximately 10 working days. Without it, your employer must deduct tax at the non-declaration rate, which is higher than your actual rate. You do not need a bank account open first to apply as a new arrival.

Can I open a New Zealand bank account before I arrive?

Yes, and you should. ANZ, ASB, and Westpac all offer pre-arrival account opening for migrants with eligible visas. ASB's process via their app is the most straightforward. You will receive a limited-access account, where you can deposit funds but cannot withdraw until you verify your identity in person at a New Zealand branch on arrival. Kiwibank requires an in-branch visit to open. Do this as early as possible, because having an account number on arrival accelerates your IRD application and your first salary payment.

Does New Zealand's public health system cover dental care?

For children under 18, dental care through the Community Oral Health Service is free. For adults, the public health system does not cover routine or emergency dental care. Adults pay for private dental services. Budget for this as dental costs in New Zealand can be significant. Consider including dental coverage in your private health insurance before arrival.

Do I need travel insurance before I arrive in New Zealand?

Yes, this is one of the most important steps to take before you leave home. New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers accident injuries for everyone in the country regardless of visa status. However, ACC does not cover illness, pre-existing conditions, or medical costs from non-accident causes. You need private health insurance to cover these gaps, especially while you are waiting to understand your eligibility for public health services. Sort insurance before you depart, it is significantly cheaper to buy at home.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in New Zealand?

Processing times vary significantly depending on your visa category and individual circumstances. Skilled migrant and employer-sponsored pathways can range from several months to over a year. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is currently the most common skilled worker pathway. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for current processing time estimates; these change regularly.

Can I rent a property in New Zealand without a local rental history?

It is challenging but not impossible. Landlords prefer applicants with a proven local track record. To strengthen your application: provide strong references from previous landlords (if applicable), show proof of employment or income, and offer 2–3 weeks' additional rent in advance. Being transparent about your situation and presenting a complete application pack including your visa grant, bank statements, and employment contract, significantly improves your chances.

Can I drive on my overseas licence in New Zealand?

Yes. You can drive on a valid overseas licence for up to 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. After 12 months, you must convert to a New Zealand driver's licence. If your overseas licence is not in English, you will need a certified translation or an international driving permit. Book your licence conversion test early; the wait times in major cities can be 4–8 weeks.

What happens to my KiwiSaver if I leave New Zealand permanently?

If you leave New Zealand permanently, you may be able to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings. You generally need to have been living outside New Zealand for at least 12 months and meet other criteria. As of April 2026, the minimum employer and employee contribution rate is 3.5% each, rising to 4% from April 2028. Keep your KiwiSaver fund details and member number on file from day one. You will need them if you ever make a withdrawal claim.

Frequently asked questions for new arrivals in New Zealand

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