Category: Lifestyle

So you’re thinking of moving to Wellington, New Zealand? Here’s what you need to know about property and living in this amazing country.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, and it’s a great place to live. The cost of property is high here, but it’s worth it for the beautiful scenery and wonderful lifestyle. There are more and more Australians making the move to New Zealand each year and the reasons may be quite simple, Australians and New Zealanders have long shared a laid back attitude, they prefer to make the most of every moment and have a passion for the great outdoors and adventure. There a common interests here and only a short distance away separated by the Tasman. Similar to Auckland and Christchurch, Wellington is a well connected city that attracts people from all over the world. It is home to a population of over 400,000 and is known for its culinary delights, coffee culture, arts and fashion scene.

The People

New Zealand is a diverse country with people from all over the world living here. English is the main language spoken, but there are also many Maori words that are used in everyday conversation. The locals are friendly and welcoming, always happy to help out a stranger.

The Weather

The weather in Wellington has on average over 2100 hours of sunshine per year, making it a wonderful place to explore with plenty of daylight left after work. You can go an enjoy one of many restaurants by the water, have a bike ride with friends or take a walk in the park. The temperature averages about 21 degrees between October and April and the winter in Wellington is quite short and never extreme.

The Cost of Living

Wellington property is not as expensive as Auckland and Christchurch and is comparable to property prices in Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne cities. If you’re looking relocate from Australia and buy property in Wellington, there are some advantages to be had as a strong conversion rate will allow a swift entry into the market. The average house price is around NZD $600,000, but there are some great deals to be found if you know where to look. The cost of moving can range between $1000-$5000 depending on how much contents you have but it is recommended to enquire directly with Wellington movers for a more accurate moving quote. You can expect a weekly grocery run for a family of 4 to be around NZ $350, monthly public transport ticket for NZ $149, a lunch meal including drink in the business district to hover around NZ $21.

The Scenery

As for the most of New Zealand, the scenery in Wellington is simply beautiful. From the rugged coastline, to the greenest of hills and everything in between, Wellington is a nature lover’s paradise. The city is surrounded by parks and reserves, and there are plenty of hiking trails for the adventurous types. You can often find locals picnicking or playing sports in one of the many parks around town on any sunny day. The attractive waterfront can be explored on foot, bike or even via the famous Wellington cable car. A popular spot to watch the sunset is at Mount Victoria, where you can take in panoramic views of the city and harbour.

The Culture

Wellington is known as the cultural capital of New Zealand. The city has a thriving arts and fashion scene, with galleries, theatres and live music venues scattered throughout the CBD. There are also many festivals held here throughout the year, from food festivals, Artsplash, Maori Language Week to Garden Trails that can be explored.

Wellington has something for everyone and is a great place to call home. If you’re looking for an easy lifestyle, plenty of sunshine and stunning scenery, Wellington is the place for you.