How to move to New Zealand from Canada

Piyush Singh

Moving from Canada to New Zealand is an exciting adventure, with stunning landscapes, a unique culture, and new career opportunities awaiting you. It’s an exciting leap! You'll need to understand a few essentials, such as New Zealand's points-based immigration system, how to secure the right visa, and setting up an NZD account to manage currency conversions at the mid-market rate with Wise. Let’s dive in!

What are the administrative essentials for moving to New Zealand from Canada?

To move from Canada to New Zealand, you must understand the visa categories and choose one that fits your needs. Each visa type has specific criteria, and the duration of validity varies based on the category. New Zealand uses a points system1 for the Skilled Migrant Visa. This allows Canadians with in-demand skills or specific work experience to qualify based on their attributes.

Here’s a breakdown of key visa categories and requirements2:

PurposeType of residence permitDuration of validity
EmploymentSkilled Migrant Category Resident visaLong-term residency for skilled workers with job offers from accredited employers and qualifying points.
Essential Skills Work VisaValidity varies, designed for roles that can't be filled by New Zealanders.
Working Holiday VisaUp to 23 months for Canadians aged 18-35, allowing work and travel.
EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneur Resident VisaPathway to residency for those establishing or purchasing businesses in New Zealand.
InvestmentInvestor 1 and Investor 2 Resident Visas3-4 years, dependent on investment thresholds; ideal for high-net-worth individuals.

There are other types, as well, for studying, family reunification, and tourism. The government of New Zealand provides an interactive tool you can use to explore your visa options.

Before you move, consult a tax professional to understand the tax implications of becoming a New Zealand resident. Consulting a cross-border tax pro can help you avoid double taxation, simplify CRA requirements, and align your estate documents with New Zealand’s laws. A bit of prep now means you’ll land with clarity and confidence.

Things to take care of in Canada before moving to New Zealand

  1. Notify Banks, Credit Card Companies: Update your address to prevent service interruptions.
  2. Notify Insurance Providers: Inform them of your relocation to ensure continued coverage.
  3. Close or Streamline Bank Accounts: Decide which accounts to close.
Check out our guides to close an account with:
TD Canada Trust
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotia Bank
BMO
CIBC
Simplii Financial
Tangerine
KOHO
  1. Transfer Funds: Use Wise to easily convert CAD to NZD and hold your money in the required currencies before you leave.
  2. Forward Your Mail: Set up forwarding with Canada Post to ensure important mail reaches your new address.
  3. Gather Medical Records and Plan for Ongoing Care: Request records and research New Zealand providers to continue any treatments seamlessly.
  4. Prep for Pet Relocation: Check pet documents, vaccinations, and airline policies for a smooth trip for your furry friend.

Cancel Memberships and Subscriptions: Avoid unexpected charges by canceling services you won’t use, such as gym memberships and streaming services.

Travel expenses for flying from Canada to New Zealand

Canada and New Zealand are over 11,000 kilometers apart, which means you'll be in the air for at least 14 hours—so buckle up for the journey! Planning ahead and being flexible will help you secure a great rate for your one-way journey – and maybe you can even plan a stopover in Hawaii or Fiji!

City of departure in CanadaCity of arrival in New ZealandPrice range (One-way Economy in CAD)4
TorontoAuckland$900 to $1900
MontrealWellington$1450 to $2000
VancouverChristchurch$1100 to $2300
VictoriaQueenstown$1600 to $2200

Tip: You may be able to carve a little off the ticket price by flying into Auckland and taking a smaller regional airline or even a bus to your final destination.

Factors that may affect flight prices:

  • Booking Timing – Early bookings often cost less.
  • Seasonal Demand – Expect peak fares during holidays and summer.
  • Weekday vs. Weekend – Weekday flights tend to be cheaper.
  • Layovers – Adding layovers can reduce costs.
  • Airline Choice – Full-service airlines may include extras like baggage.
  • Flexible Dates – Being flexible can unlock deals.
  • Promotions – Watch for airline sales.

Preparing for your stay in New Zealand before leaving Canada

Estimation of monthly expenses

Here’s a snapshot of the typical monthly cost of living in New Zealand’s major cities for a single person, excluding rent.

CityAverage cost of living (as seen on Numbeo)Cost in CAD (with Wise)3
Auckland1,737.60NZ$$1,444.53
Wellington1,845.60NZ$$1,534.32
Christchurch1,622.70NZ$$1,349.01

Currency conversion rates with Wise as seen on November 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

Moving to New Zealand, you’ll likely notice some cultural quirks that add up to a bit of culture shock. Kiwi slang and the accent might be a fun surprise—even if you’re an English speaker! You’ll quickly learn phrases like 'sweet as' (meaning 'great') and get used to calling a shopping cart a 'trundler'. Maori place names may also take practice; for example, “wh” is pronounced as an “f” sound.

Driving in New Zealand requires adjustment since they follow British conventions—driving on the left and shifting gears with your left hand in manual cars. Roundabouts, reverse wipers, and keeping in the right lane (literally!) can take getting used to. Embrace these differences as part of your New Zealand adventure, and soon they’ll feel like second nature!

Get more out of your money with Wise

With Wise, managing your money across borders is easy—you get local account details for CAD, NZD, AUD, and more! You can get local account details in CAD, NZD, AUD, and more, making it easy to receive and send money like a local. Hold over 20 currencies in one account and switch between them whenever you need—always at the mid-market rate, with no hidden markups.

With Wise, send money to over 150 countries in 40+ currencies—whether paying bills or planning an adventure, Wise helps your money go further.

wise-account

Transportation in New Zealand

New Zealand offers diverse transportation options, from reliable public transport in major cities to private vehicles for more remote areas. Public transport in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch includes reliable buses, commuter trains, and ferries—making it easy to get around. If you’re living outside urban areas, owning a vehicle or bicycle offers more flexibility, especially for exploring the countryside. Biking is popular, especially in bike-friendly cities like Wellington and Christchurch, with dedicated bike lanes and rental services. For short trips, taxis and rideshares are readily available but can be pricier for longer distances.

Health Insurance Plans in New Zealand

Health insurance in New Zealand provides peace of mind, covering essential medical services like GP visits and prescriptions. Many employers provide plans covering basics like GP visits and prescriptions. For broader coverage, providers like Southern Cross, NIB, and Accuro offer plans for specialist visits, dental care, and elective surgeries—reducing wait times and ensuring comprehensive care.

Final thoughts on moving to New Zealand from Canada

Moving from Canada to New Zealand is an exciting leap into new landscapes, career opportunities, and vibrant cultural experiences. Getting the essentials right—visa requirements, financial prep, and understanding local customs—sets you up for a smooth transition.This move is also about embracing a new way of life.Embrace the cultural surprises, from Maori phrases to driving on the left—it’s all part of the New Zealand adventure!

Ready to make your move smoother? Set up a Wise account today to manage your money in multiple currencies—all at the real, mid-market exchange rate. Manage your money seamlessly across borders and start your New Zealand journey with confidence. Learn more and get started with Wise.


Sources:

  1. New Zealand Immigration - Skilled residence pathways
  2. New Zealand Immigration - Explore visa options
  3. Numbeo, Cost of Living
  4. Google Flights
Sources verified on 12 December 2024


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

Money without borders

Find out more

Tips, news and updates for your location