The following information was correct at the time of writing; however it’s an ever-evolving industry so we do recommend doing your own research.

Deciding where the best place to live in New Zealand is remains difficult for many immigrants and locals. It is a country that offers abundant choices! Life in each city or town has its own benefits. Here, we promise to provide an honest review of NZ’s top cities and towns to live in. Specifically, we will talk about:

• what you should consider when choosing a place to live in;
• our top choices for the best places to live in New Zealand;
• how to find the best place to rent in Auckland.

New Zealand quotes

While there aren’t any traditional sayings about life in New Zealand, some famous personalities have been quoted as saying the following about it:

• “New Zealand <…> is a unique place because it is so far away from the rest of the world. There is a sense of isolation and also being protected.” (Elijah Wood, an American actor)
• “I feel that New Zealand is my second home.” (Luke Evans, a Welsh actor)
• “New Zealand is a place where you can get well.” (James Nesbitt, an Irish actor)

New Zealand population statistics

The largest cities in New Zealand are Auckland (1.6 million people), Wellington (215,000 people) and Christchurch (383,000 People).

New Zealand has 10 cities with between 100,000 and 1.6 million people and 33 cities with between 10,000 and 100,000 people. The country is divided into 16 regions for local government purposes.

New Zealand is mainly an urban country, with almost 90% of its population living in urban areas and cities. The country’s rural population was reported at 13.38% in 2019.

Choosing the best city to live in New Zealand: The ultimate checklist

When choosing the best area to live in New Zealand, these are the key factors that you should consider:

1. City/town size

Do you want to live in a large city or in a small town? There is no “best part of New Zealand to live”. In reality, each place has its own advantages:

Advantages of living in a large city:

• Better job opportunities.
• Access to a mass transportation system.
• Plenty of shopping, food, and entertainment options.

Advantages of living in a small town:

• Low traffic.
• Lower cost of living.
• Proximity to nature.

2. Population size

Do you want to live in a densely or sparsely populated place? Perhaps you are looking for some of the best small towns to live in New Zealand?

Advantages of living in a densely populated place:

• Better quality of roads and buildings.
• Transport facilities are highly developed.
• Most amenities and entertainment locations are within easy reach.

Advantages of living in a sparsely populated place:

• Less crime.
• Natural beauty of landscape.
• Access to fresh air.

3. Rural/urban area

Whether you prefer rural or urban areas plays a big role in how to decide where to live in New Zealand!

Advantages of living in a rural area:

• More privacy.
• Larger homes.
• Cost of living is cheaper.

Advantages of living in an urban area:

• Meeting more people.
• Easy access to all amenities.
• Saving money by using public transport.

4. Climate

The weather will probably play a role in your decision about the best city to stay in New Zealand! The country is located within the boundaries of two climate zones. The country’s North Island falls within the subtropical climate zone, and the South Island falls within the temperate climate zone.

Perhaps the words “subtropical” and “temperate” lead to the popular false assumption that New Zealand is a warm country! In reality, the weather is often variable. The North Island can get extremely hot in the summer, while the alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10°C in winter. Keep on reading to discover the city with best weather in New Zealand!

5. Transport

Transport is a serious factor to consider when choosing what the best city to live in New Zealand is.

Advantages of living in/near an important transport hub:

• Shorter travel distances.
• Cheaper commuting.
• Helping the environment by not using vehicles.

Disadvantages of living in/near an important transport hub:

• Noise pollution.
• Traffic snags.
• Congested sidewalks and roads.

 

6. Local infrastructure

Some of the most important infrastructural facilities that contribute to what the best place to live and work in New Zealand are:

• Road and railway transport system.
• Communication networks.
• Electric systems.

7. Work / career / business

If you are settling down somewhere, then you will probably be interested in finding good career opportunities there. You probably want to look for the best city to work in New Zealand. Geography can influence career decisions in numerous ways. You will need to decide what the best places to stay in New Zealand are for your specific career path.

8. Crime rate

You will also want to find a safe area to live in and probably look for the best place to live in New Zealand for families. Some factors that constitute an area’s crime rate include:

• Violent crime.
• Vandalism.
• Theft/burglary.

9. Ecology

Some ecological factors that you may also want to consider when choosing the best cities to live in New Zealand are:

• Access to clean water.
• Environmental diversity.
• Low levels of pollution.

10. Rental prices

Deciding on what the best place in New Zealand is probably also depends quite a lot on each city’s rental prices! In New Zealand, the lowest to highest average rental price for a two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment ranges from NZ$1,500 per month in cheaper areas to NZ$2,000.

 

Best places to live in New Zealand

Auckland

Are you wondering what the best places to stay in Auckland New Zealand are? Curious about life in the city? Read on!

• City size: 531 square kilometres (km²).
• Population size: 1,600,000.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Warm, coastal climate without any temperature extremes.
• Transport: Public transport in Auckland consists of buses, trains, and ferry.
• Local infrastructure: Excellent infrastructure with a lot of government funding to support development.
• Work: Auckland is a great place to start and/or develop one’s career, with job availability in every sector imaginable.
• Crime rate: The level of crime is low to moderate.
• Ecology: While the quality of the air is relatively pure, there is some air pollution.
• Rental prices: The average weekly rent for an Auckland home is approximately NZ$600.

The Economist crowned Auckland with the honourable title “The most liveable city in the world”. Eager to know why? Watch this amazing video:

Christchurch

Looking for the best place to stay in Christchurch New Zealand? Here are some facts about it!

• City size: 1,426 km².
• Population size: 381,500.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Sunny, dry and often windy.
• Transport: Public transport in Christchurch consists of bus services and ferry.
• Local infrastructure: Christchurch infrastructure is excellent, with extensive developments to ensure a thriving community.
• Work: Christchurch is a prosperous place that offers many job opportunities.
• Crime rate: Crime rates are moderate and decreasing in recent years.
• Ecology: Christchurch is characterised by unique biodiversity, which the community works to protect.
• Rental prices: The average rent for a three-bedroom property in Christchurch is approximately NZ$500 per week or more for the very best place to live in Christchurch NZ.

Coromandel

If you’re interested in the best places to stay in Coromandel New Zealand, keep reading!

• City size: 40 kilometres wide at its broadest point.
• Population size: Almost 2,000.
• Rural or urban: Rural.
• Climate: Warm and temperate, with significant amounts of rainfall.
• Transport: Coromandel public transport options include buses and ferries.
• Local infrastructure: Local infrastructure faces pressure and growing demands from the area’s tourism growth.
• Work: Coromandel has a strong tourism industry, which offers a lot of opportunities for work.
• Crime rate: While there is bound to be some petty crime in tourist-heavy spots like Coromandel, it enjoys a relatively low crime rate.
• Ecology: With its ecological and wildlife sanctuaries, it is a highly environment-friendly place.
• Rental prices: The average rent for houses in Coromandel is NZ$475 per week.

Dunedin

Did your search for the “best place to stay in Dunedin New Zealand” lead you here? You’re in the right place!

• City size: 3,314 km².
• Population size: 128,800.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Summer in Dunedin is warm, but rainy, while the winter is cool.
• Transport: A bus network serves as affordable transportation in the city.
• Local infrastructure: Infrastructure in Dunedin is good, with the government actively working to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Work: Dunedin is a good choice for people seeking out a diverse range of employment opportunities.
• Crime rate: The crime rate is rated as low to very low, making it a very safe place to live in.
• Ecology: When it comes to ecology in Dunedin, there are some concerns that the government is addressing about pollution and rubbish dumped within the natural environment.
• Rental prices: Rental prices can range from NZ$270 to NZ$515 depending on the area of the city.

Hamilton

Want to find the best place to live in Hamilton NZ? Learn everything you need to know about the area here.

• City size: 110 km².
• Population size: 176,500.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: May to August is warm and humid. Winter is cold and can even be snowy.
• Transport: Public transport in Hamilton consists of only buses.
• Local infrastructure: There are active plans to invest in Hamilton’s infrastructure, focusing particularly on its transit system.
• Work: The city offers plenty of work opportunities, with many youth jobs available.
• Crime rate: Hamilton’s crime rates have been described as moderate to high.
• Ecology: While Hamilton does suffer from some pollution, the government is trying to tackle the leading sources of emissions in the city.
• Rental prices: The average weekly rent in Hamilton is between NZ$400 and NZ$500.

Marlborough

To learn all about the location and best places to stay in Marlborough New Zealand, read on!

• City size: 12,484 km².
• Population size: 49,200.
• Rural or urban: Mostly rural.
• Climate: Dry climate with frequent summer droughts.
• Transport: Transport in Marlborough consists of bus and ferry.
• Local infrastructure: Marlborough’s infrastructure development is a priority for the government in order to support the growth of local businesses.
• Work: As one of the country’s major wine industry locations, there is work in this sector which offers excellent prospects.
• Crime rate: Marlborough is a safe area, with police there having the highest total crime resolution rate for any area in New Zealand in the past.
• Ecology: Marlborough offers a beautiful natural environment, and the city works to manage any stress pollution effectively.
• Rental prices: The average rental price in Marlborough is NZ$430 per week.

Nelson

Are you curious about what the best places to stay in Nelson NZ are? We have all the answers for you!

• City size: 422.2 km².
• Population size: 52,900.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Summer in Nelson is mild and warm, and winter is cool.
• Transport: Nelson offers air, bus, train and ferry transport options.
• Local infrastructure: There is a good number of development projects currently taking place in the increasingly popular area.
• Work: Nelson offers many work opportunities, not only in the corporate world but also in its thriving art scene.
• Crime rate: The area is very safe with low levels of crime.
• Ecology: Air quality in Nelson can be affected by pollution.
• Rental prices: Apartments for rent in Nelson start at NZ$320 per week, and you will have to pay even more for the best place to stay in Nelson New Zealand.

Wellington

“What is the best place to stay in Wellington New Zealand” is a popular question online. Find out why here!

• City size: 444 km².
• Population size: 215,100.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: The city is windy, particularly in winter. The warmer months are December to April.
• Transport: Wellington has a well-developed public transport system consisting of electric and diesel buses, commuter trains, ferries, and a funicular.
• Local infrastructure: Wellington boasts excellent infrastructure that is constantly upgraded.
• Work: Wellington, as a big city and the capital of NZ, offers a great number of job opportunities.
• Crime rate: Crime in Wellington is low to moderate but on the increase.
• Ecology: While Wellington faces air pollution from cars, it is an environmentally conscious city.
• Rental prices: The average rent for a three-bedroom property is NZ$640 per week or more for the best place to live in Wellington NZ.

Blenheim

Are you here to find out about the best places to stay in Blenheim NZ? You’re at the right place!

• City size: 17.2 km².
• Population size: 28,200.
• Rural or urban: Rural.
• Climate: Warm and temperate climate with rainfall.
• Transport: Transport in Blenheim consists of bus networks and ferry.
• Local infrastructure: There is progressive implementation of various housing and other infrastructure projects.
• Work: While Blenheim does not provide as many job opportunities as a big city, it belongs to the wider area of Marlborough, which offers more work.
• Crime rate: The levels of crime in the area are moderate.
• Ecology: Blenheim has been reported to breach air pollution standards in recent years, so, ecologically, there is room for improvement.
• Rental prices: An apartment for rent in Blenheim is priced at upwards of NZ$420.

Queenstown

Interested in the best place to stay in Queenstown New Zealand? Keep on reading!

• City size: 8,705 km².
• Population size: 16,000.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Summer is warm, while winter can be cold and even snowy.
• Transport: Queenstown offers a wealth of transport options from public buses to track shuttles and water taxis.
• Local infrastructure: Infrastructure in Queensland is top-notch.
• Work: Queensland is a fantastic choice of place for jobseekers of all ages.
• Crime rate: Crime is reported to be on the rise in Queenstown.
• Ecology: Queenstown, as a city, is dedicated to combating plastic pollution and protecting the environment.
• Rental prices: The average rental price in the area starts around NZ$350 and moving upwards for the best places to stay in Queenstown New Zealand.

Rotorua

Are you here to learn about Rotorua? Then keep on reading!

• City size: 2,615 km².
• Population size: 77,300.
• Rural or urban: Mostly rural.
• Climate: Mild, temperate climate.
• Transport: A network of buses serves the area of Rotorua.
• Local infrastructure: New Zealand’s government is committed to improving infrastructure in Rotorua, as it is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
• Work: There are plenty of opportunities in hotels and the hospitality industry within the city.
• Crime rate: The level of crime is moderate to high compared to other places in New Zealand.
• Ecology: There are many conservation initiatives in the area.
• Rental prices: Prices for apartments for rent in Rotorua range from NZ$200 to NZ$420 per week.

New Plymouth

Looking to stay in New Plymouth? This paragraph’s for you!

• City size: 2,206 km².
• Population size: 80,679.
• Rural or urban: Urban, with a vibe of rural spaciousness.
• Climate: Warm and temperate with significant rainfall.
• Transport: Buses are the main form of public transport around New Plymouth.
• Local infrastructure: When it comes to land development and infrastructure, the area is currently being heavily invested in.
• Work: Since New Plymouth is an area rich in natural resources and with a strong dairy sector, job opportunities abound.
• Crime rate: The crime levels are moderate.
• Ecology: The city is focused on fighting against the problems of plastic and pollution in the ocean.
• Rental prices: Apartments for rent in New Plymouth go for NZ$235 or more.

Napier

Keep reading to learn all about the area of Napier!

• City size: 105 km².
• Population size: 65,000.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Warm and temperate with significant rainfall.
• Transport: The city has modern and affordable forms of transport, among which buses and trains.
• Local infrastructure: Plans to develop an inland port in the city are currently underway.
• Work: Napier is a popular tourist city, where work opportunities abound.
• Crime rate: Crime rates are moderate to high compared to other places in the country.
• Ecology: Levels of air quality in Napier are monitored to ensure a level of protection for humans and the environment.
• Rental prices: Properties for rent in Napier are priced around NZ$375.

Tauranga

Tauranga is another one of the best places to stay in North Island New Zealand.

• City size: 168 km².
• Population size: 151,300.
• Rural or urban: Mostly urban.
• Climate: Subtropical and humid.
• Transport: Tauranga’s public transport system consists of trains and buses.
• Local infrastructure: Recently the city has somewhat fallen behind on its infrastructure projects.
• Work: The area is rapidly developing and primed to become one of the best places to stay in New Zealand North Island.
• Crime rate: The crime rates are moderate to low.
• Ecology: Protecting the environment is a top priority for the city.
• Rental prices: A central city apartment goes for NZ$470 per week.

Timaru

Did your search for “best places to stay South Island New Zealand” lead you here? It shouldn’t come as a surprise!

• City size: 33.98 km².
• Population size: 28,700.
• Rural or urban: Urban.
• Climate: Warm and temperate, with rain even during dry months.
• Transport: The transport system mainly consists of buses.
• Local infrastructure: A lot of work is being done to improve landfills and roads, among other projects.
• Work: Employment opportunities are not as easy to find as in bigger cities, but there is room for starting a business in this developing place.
• Crime rate: Recorded crime in the area has been falling, a reason for which it is considered one of the best places to stay in South Island New Zealand.
• Ecology: Timaru has faced some air quality issues in the past – a situation that is improving.
• Rental prices: Prices for rental apartments start from NZ$210 per week.

Auckland – the very best city in New Zealand!

So where is the best place to live in New Zealand? The country has a lot to offer, no matter which city you choose. Yet, if you are struggling to decide on what the best town to live in New Zealand is… we recommend Auckland.

 

Auckland is a modern and thriving first-world city. With constant public transportation upgrades. And home to 27 Regional Parks. It is an ideal destination offering a perfect balance between business opportunities and an outdoor lifestyle. CGPM specialises in renting out residential homes in this wonderful city. Call CGPM today to learn more!