Planning on moving to New Zealand from the UK?
This step-by-step checklist covers everything you need to organise before you leave, from visas and banking to shipping, healthcare and your first week after arriving.
Moving to New Zealand is exciting…
It’s also one of the biggest life decisions you’ll probably ever make.
One minute you’re dreaming about beaches, mountains and a better lifestyle. The next you’re surrounded by visa forms, estate agents, shipping quotes, passport renewals and a growing list of things you don’t want to forget.
Trust us…we know exactly how that feels.
After spending nine months travelling around Latin America as a family, we returned to the UK expecting life to settle down again. Instead, less than 24 hours after landing home, my wife was offered a teaching job in New Zealand.
Since then, we’ve been navigating everything that comes with moving to the other side of the world…selling our house, applying for our Straight to Residence visa, researching schools, comparing shipping companies and trying to figure out what our family actually needs to take with us.
Along the way, we’ve discovered that most websites only cover one small part of the process. One explains visas. Another talks about healthcare. Another covers banking.
What we couldn’t find was one practical checklist that brought everything together in the order you actually need it.
So that’s exactly what we’re creating.
This isn’t just another moving guide. It’s the checklist we’re using ourselves, and we’ll continue updating it as we complete each stage of our move and settle into life in New Zealand.
Whether you’re moving for work, relocating with your family or simply looking for a fresh start, we hope it makes your journey a little less overwhelming than ours felt at the beginning.
Don’t have time to read? Start here:
Before moving to New Zealand from the UK, make sure you’ve:
- Applied for the correct visa
- Checked your passport and gathered important documents
- Booked your flights
- Decided what to ship, sell or donate
- Organised banking and international money transfers
- Arranged travel and health insurance
- Notified HMRC and other UK organisations
- Planned your accommodation
- Organised schooling (if moving with children)
- Packed everything you’ll need
- Planned your first week after arriving
Your Moving to New Zealand Checklist
Every move is different, but most people relocating from the UK will work through many of the same steps.
One thing we’ve learnt already is that trying to organise everything at once quickly becomes overwhelming. Breaking the move down into smaller tasks makes the whole process feel much more manageable.
This is the order we’d recommend tackling them.
1. Apply for the Right Visa
Before you book flights, sell your house or make any major commitments, make sure you’ve secured the right visa.
Your visa determines almost everything that follows, including how long you can stay, whether you can work, and whether your partner or children can move with you.
Some of the most common visa pathways include:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Straight to Residence Visa (This is our path)
- Skilled Residence pathways
- Working Holiday Visa
- Partner or Family visas
Before applying, make sure you understand:
- Processing times
- Required documents
- Medical examinations
- Police certificates
- Whether your children are included
- Any work restrictions
For ALL up to date and ccurate info we always recommend to read the info on the ImmigrationNZ website.
Where We’re Up To
Our move became possible after my wife accepted a teaching position at a secondary school in New Zealand.
Because teaching is on New Zealand’s Green List, we were able to apply through the Straight to Residence Visa, which means we can apply for residence from the outset rather than spending years on a temporary work visa first.
At the time of writing, our visa application has been submitted and we’re waiting for a decision. Once it’s approved, we’ll update this guide with the timeline, what the process involved and anything we’d do differently.
Also Read: Why we’re moving to New Zealand and Leaving the UK
2. Check Your Passport and Gather Important Documents
One thing we’ve learnt already is that moving overseas involves far more paperwork than you expect.
It feels like every application asks for another document. One day it’s your passport, the next it’s your marriage certificate, qualifications or proof of address.
Rather than scrambling through drawers every time someone requests something, spend an hour creating one folder with everything you’ll need before the process really gets underway.
We’d recommend including:
- Passports (check they’re valid well beyond your planned arrival date)
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Visa application and approval documents
- Employment contracts
- Qualifications and professional registrations
- School records for your children
- Vaccination records
- UK driving licences
- Insurance documents
- Copies of any important financial paperwork
We’d also recommend scanning everything and storing digital copies securely in cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. It’s something you’ll hopefully never need, but if a document gets lost during the move, you’ll be very glad you have a backup.
We also scanned using the preview app in Iphone
Where We’re Up To
This has been one of those jobs that’s easy to put off but makes everything else much easier.
We’ve gradually been gathering everything into one place rather than waiting until the last minute. Between our visa application, children’s paperwork, teaching documents and house sale, we’ve already needed to access the same documents multiple times.
Having everything organised has saved us a lot of stress already.
Oh also you need to certify ALL of your dcumens which is where a lawyer/solicitor will need to view and sign, i costs around £5 to sign each document.
3. Decide When You're Actually Moving
Choosing your moving date isn’t just about booking flights.
Once you decide on a date, everything else starts to fall into place around it.
Your moving date affects things like:
- When you’ll finish work
- When to sell or rent your property
- Booking shipping or removals
- Arranging temporary accommodation
- Giving notice to schools
- Cancelling utilities and subscriptions
- Booking flights
- Saying goodbye to family and friends
If you’re relocating for work, we’d strongly recommend giving yourself at least a week or two between arriving in New Zealand and starting your new job if possible.
After a journey that can easily take 30 hours or more door-to-door, you’ll probably be dealing with jet lag, setting up your new home, opening bank accounts, buying essentials and helping children settle into a completely new environment.
Giving yourself a little breathing room can make those first few weeks much less stressful.
Where We’re Up To
Our move is tied to my wife’s teaching position, so we’ve been working backwards from her start date.
That means every other task, from our visa application and house sale to flights and packing, has had to fit around that timeline.
One thing we’ve learnt already is that international moves rarely go exactly to plan. Leaving a bit of flexibility wherever you can makes the whole process far less stressful.
4. Book Your Flights
Flights to New Zealand will almost certainly be one of the biggest expenses you’ll face during your move, so it’s worth taking the time to compare more than just the ticket price.
The cheapest flight isn’t always the best value, especially if it comes with long layovers, extra baggage charges or multiple airport changes.
When comparing flights, think about:
- One-way or return tickets
- Total travel time
- Number and length of stopovers
- Baggage allowance
- Flexibility if your plans change
- Arrival airport
If you’re travelling as a family, it’s also worth considering how manageable the journey will be.
After travelling through Latin America with two children, we’ve learnt that paying a little extra for a smoother journey is often worth it. A slightly shorter layover or fewer airport changes can make a huge difference after more than a day of travelling.
Where We’re Up To
At the time of writing, we’re waiting for our visa before booking flights.
As tempting as it is to get everything organised early, we’d rather have the certainty of our visa approval before committing to flights.
Once we’ve booked them, we’ll update this guide with the route we chose, how much we paid and whether we’d recommend it.
5. Decide What to Take, Ship or Sell
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what actually comes with you.
Shipping furniture and household belongings to New Zealand can be expensive, so it’s worth comparing the cost of shipping against simply replacing items once you arrive.
We’ve found it helps to divide everything into four simple categories.
Take
Important documents, sentimental items, laptops, clothes and anything that’s difficult or expensive to replace.
Ship
Items that would cost significantly more to buy again than they would to ship.
Sell
Furniture, appliances and anything that isn’t worth paying to move halfway around the world.
Donate
Everything else.
Where We’re Up To
Spending nine months travelling through Latin America with just four suitcases completely changed how we think about possessions.
When we first left the UK, it felt impossible to imagine living with so little.
By the end of the trip, we realised we didn’t actually miss most of the things we’d left behind.
That experience has made downsizing for New Zealand much easier than we expected. Instead of asking, “Can we take this?”, we’re asking, “Will we genuinely use it enough to justify moving it across the world?”
We got rid of a lot of items o ur last trip, we do have furniture but we’re getting rid of this and we will just be bringing suitcases with us.
Don’t Forget the Boring Stuff
Whether you’re renting a car, whale watching in Uvita, exploring national parks, or travelling between destinations, things don’t always go to plan.
We’ve used SafetyWing throughout our travels because it offers flexible travel insurance that’s designed for long-term travellers.
As a Travel Venture Four reader, use code TV4INSURANCE when you sign up to receive 8 weeks of complimentary electronic theft coverage (new Nomad Essential members only).
6. Open a New Zealand Bank Account
One of the first things you’ll need after arriving is a New Zealand bank account.
Your employer will usually need one to pay your salary, and having a local account makes everyday life much easier when you’re paying rent, buying groceries or setting up bills.
The good news is that several New Zealand banks allow you to begin the process before you arrive, although you’ll normally need to visit a branch with your passport and visa to fully activate the account.
Some of the most popular banks include:
- ANZ
- ASB
- BNZ
- Westpac
- Kiwibank
When comparing banks, look at things like:
- Monthly account fees
- Mobile banking apps
- International transfer fees
- ATM access
- Mortgage options if you plan to buy a home later
If you’re moving permanently rather than travelling, it’s worth spending a little time choosing the bank that best suits your long-term plans.
Where We’re Up To
Opening a New Zealand bank account is one of the next jobs on our list.
We’ve already started comparing the main banks and looking into which ones allow you to begin the application before arriving.
Once we’ve opened ours, we’ll update this guide with who we chose, how straightforward the process was and whether we’d recommend them.
7. Plan How You'll Transfer Your Money
Moving abroad isn’t just about opening a new bank account. You’ll also need a way to transfer your money from the UK without losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds in poor exchange rates.
Many people simply use their high street bank, but this is often one of the most expensive options.
Instead, it’s worth comparing specialist international money transfer services, which usually offer much better exchange rates and lower fees.
Depending on your situation, you might be transferring:
- Savings
- House sale proceeds
- Monthly salary
- Pension payments
- Emergency funds
Even a small difference in the exchange rate can make a significant difference if you’re moving a large amount of money.
Where We’re Up To
This is something we’ve spent a lot of time researching because we’ll eventually be transferring money from the UK as part of our move.
We’ll update this section once we’ve completed our first transfers and can share which provider we used, how much it cost and whether the process was as straightforward as expected.
8. Understand How Healthcare Works
Healthcare in New Zealand works differently from the NHS, so it’s worth understanding how everything fits together before you arrive.
Depending on your visa, you may be eligible for publicly funded healthcare, although it’s still important to register with a local GP as soon as possible after settling into your new area.
If you’re moving with children, you’ll also want to:
- Transfer medical records if required
- Bring details of any ongoing prescriptions
- Carry vaccination records
- Make sure you have enough medication to cover your first few weeks
Getting organised before you leave can save a lot of stress if someone becomes ill shortly after arriving.
Where We’re Up To
We’re currently gathering all of our family’s medical information, including vaccination records and any documents we may need after arriving.
We’ll update this section once we’ve registered with a GP in New Zealand and have experienced the healthcare system ourselves.
Tania has previously liuved here and private healthcare is competitive and you can pay a monthly fee compared to the super high prices if you tried the same in the UK.
9. Arrange Travel and Health Insurance
Even if you’re moving permanently, insurance is still worth thinking about.
Your first few weeks involve a lot of uncertainty. Flights can be delayed, luggage can go missing and unexpected medical expenses can arise before you’re fully settled.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider:
- Travel insurance
- Health insurance
- Contents insurance
- Car insurance once you’ve bought a vehicle
The right cover will depend on your visa, what you’re bringing with you and whether you’ll immediately be eligible for public healthcare.
Where We’re Up To
Because we’ve spent the last nine months travelling full-time, travel insurance has already become something we never leave home without.
Our insurance needs will naturally change once we’re settled in New Zealand, so we’ll update this section with what cover we’ve chosen and whether we’d recommend it.
10. Tell HMRC and Other UK Organisations You're Leaving
There are a surprising number of people and organisations you’ll need to notify before moving overseas.
Some are essential, while others simply help avoid unnecessary complications once you’ve left the UK.
Your list may include:
- HMRC
- Your local council
- Your employer
- Banks and credit card providers
- Pension providers
- Insurance companies
- Utility suppliers
- Mobile phone provider
- GP and dentist
- DVLA (if required)
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to think about things like voting abroad, student loan repayments or updating your address with any organisations you still use.
It’s worth making a checklist and ticking each one off rather than trying to remember everything in the final week before you leave.
Where We’re Up To
We’re gradually working through this list rather than leaving everything until the last minute.
One thing we’ve learnt already is that international moves involve far more admin than you expect, so spreading these jobs out over several weeks makes the process much less stressful.
11. Find Somewhere to Live
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where you’re going to live when you arrive.
Some people buy a property straight away, but many choose to rent initially while they get to know the local area.
That gives you time to:
- Explore different neighbourhoods
- Learn your commute
- Visit schools
- Understand local house prices
- Decide where you want to settle long-term
If you’re moving with children, it’s also worth considering things like parks, local facilities and how close you’ll be to family activities.
Temporary accommodation for the first few weeks can also remove a lot of pressure if you’re still house hunting after arriving.
Where We’re Up To
Because we’re relocating for my wife’s teaching job, we’ve spent a lot of time researching the surrounding areas rather than focusing on just one town.
Like many families, we’d rather take our time finding somewhere that feels right than rush into a long-term rental without properly exploring the area first.
Our plan is to airbnb for first 2 weeks whilst we spend that time viewing rentals (You usually have to view in person)
We’ll update this section once we’ve secured our first home in New Zealand and share what we learnt during the search.
12. Organise Schooling (If You're Moving With Children)
If you’re relocating with children, school places are probably one of your biggest priorities.
The exact process will vary depending on where you’re moving, but it’s worth researching schools as early as possible so you understand:
- Which schools serve your area
- Enrolment requirements
- School terms
- Uniforms
- Before and after-school care
- Any additional costs
If your children are changing countries, remember they’re not just starting a new school—they’re adapting to a completely new environment.
Giving them as much information and reassurance as possible before the move can make the transition much easier.
Where We’re Up To
As parents, this has probably been one of the things we’ve thought about the most.
We want the move to feel like an exciting adventure for our children rather than something that’s happening to them.
Once they’ve started school in New Zealand, we’ll update this guide with how the enrolment process worked and how they settled into their new classrooms.
13. Pack for Your First Few Weeks
Even if you’re shipping belongings, remember that they probably won’t arrive on the same day you do.
That means your suitcases need to cover everything you’ll realistically need during your first few weeks.
Think about packing:
- Important documents
- Medications
- Chargers and electronics
- Clothes for the season
- Children’s favourite comfort items
- Basic toiletries
- A few kitchen essentials if needed
- Anything difficult or expensive to replace quickly
Try to think beyond the flight itself.
Imagine what you’ll need if your luggage is delayed for a couple of days or your shipped belongings don’t arrive for several weeks.
Where We’re Up To
Travelling around Latin America with just four suitcases completely changed how we pack.
We’ve become much more intentional about what we bring, focusing on things we genuinely use rather than packing “just in case.”
That mindset has made preparing for New Zealand much less overwhelming ad because of this we have a lot less to take with us.
We’re seeing this journey as a total reset ad new life, hence taking limited items.
14. Plan Your First Week in New Zealand
After months of planning, it’s easy to think everything is finished once you land.
In reality, your first week is often when the practical jobs really begin.
Some of the first things you’ll probably need to do include:
- Collect a local SIM card
- Open or activate your bank account
- Register with a GP
- Buy a car or arrange transport
- Visit supermarkets
- Set up internet and utilities
- Learn your local area
- Take some time to recover from jet lag
Don’t try to do everything in a single day.
Moving countries is exhausting, and giving yourself permission to slow down for the first week can make settling in much more enjoyable.
Where We’re Up To
We’re not there just yet, but we’ve already started writing a list of everything we’d like to get done during our first week.
We’ll come back and update this section once we’ve arrived so we can share what actually mattered, what we wish we’d done sooner and anything that caught us completely by surprise.
Final Thoughts
Moving to New Zealand from the UK can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking everything down into smaller steps makes it far more manageable.
We’re still on this journey ourselves, which means this guide will continue to evolve as we tick off each stage of our move.
We’ll keep updating it with honest experiences, practical advice and the lessons we learn along the way, so if you’re planning your own move, feel free to bookmark this page and check back as our New Zealand adventure continues.
