Auckland, also known as Tāmaki Makaurau, is a vibrant multi-cultural city known for its varied landscape, beautiful beaches, fantastic dining scene, buzzing nightlife, and laidback lifestyle. Moving to Auckland? Read The Moving Company’s destination guide.
Auckland, also known as Tāmaki Makaurau, is a vibrant multi-cultural city known for its varied landscape, beautiful beaches, fantastic dining scene, buzzing nightlife, and laidback lifestyle. With all of this and so much more at your fingertips, it’s no wonder thousands of kiwis and expats have decided to call Auckland home.
To find out more about life in Auckland, New Zealand read on…
Situated on the North Island of New Zealand, Aotearoa and nestled between two harbours, Auckland is home to over 3,700 kilometres of coastline, stunning mountain ranges, and over 48 volcanic centres which are scattered across the city – providing great walking tracks and spectacular views of the city.
In Auckland, you can get the best of urban and rural living. Whether you love waking up to the spectacular coast, picturesque countryside, or prefer to be right in the hustle and bustle of the city – Auckland offers it all.
The weather in Auckland is best described by locals as four seasons in one day, one minute the sun is shining the next it’s pouring with rain.
However, in summer you are guaranteed warm, sunny days with over 2000 hours of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. New Zealand does have higher levels of UV compared to other countries meaning in Auckland, New Zealand you are more likely to burn. So, dust off your jandals and don’t forget your sunscreen!
If you prefer it a bit colder then you’re also in luck. In winter the average temperature drops to 14 degrees Celsius.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, home to over 1.5 million people making up nearly one-third of the country’s population.
It’s no surprise, that Auckland is an incredibly diverse city, with 53.5% of the population being NZ European and 11.5% Māori. Expats make up 41.6% of the population with the majority relocating from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the UK.
English is the most common language spoken followed by Teo Reo Māori.
When moving ex Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
Auckland offers a wide variety of housing options to suit all lifestyle needs. Whether you want a modern inner-city apartment, a large family home with a backyard, or a lifestyle block the choice is yours.
Due to the population density, the housing market in Auckland is very competitive – both for buying and renting – making it some of the most expensive in the country.
On average the median house price is $1.2 million and the average weekly rent for a four-bedroom home is between $650-$1,050.
At the heart of the city is Central Auckland and its surrounding suburbs. A popular place for families who want to be close to the city. Every suburb is filled with its own unique charm, but what they do have in common is easy access to shopping centres, great education facilities, cafes, bars, and restaurants!
Pricing varies depending on the suburb, but all city fringe suburbs offer a range from modern apartments, sleek townhouses, to large four-bedroom homes with gardens.
Remuera is one of Auckland’s most affluent suburbs in Central Auckland it’s filled with green space and beautiful reserves and is popular with families due to the large homes, great schools, and convenient commute to the CBD.
While Ellerslie and Grey Lynn are also great locations for families offering a close-knit community, great cafes, shops, parks, and sports grounds.
Across the bridge is the North Shore a popular location with ex-pats and families due to its family-friendly suburbs filled with beautiful parks and reserves, great primary and secondary schools, a range of housing options, fantastic public transport, and as the name implies close proximity to the beach. In fact, the North Shore has everything you need – meaning you’ll never have to venture into the city centre. Shopping centres, medical facilities, schools, university campuses, and plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Devonport is a popular North Shore suburb, which is only a short ferry ride from the CBD. This seaside suburb is incredibly family-friendly with large homes, plenty of green space, and a charming village centre.
Not far from Devonport, Takapuna is another popular choice with parks, shops, restaurants, and the beach all within walking distance, meaning you never have to venture far from home.
A little further north is Browns Bay and Albany two more affordable suburbs compared to Devonport and Takapuna yet filled with the same North Shore charm.
South of the city is South Auckland, a melting pot of diverse landscapes and cultures. A popular region for young professionals and families due to its affordability and housing options. It is home to the largest Polynesian community in the world.
What’s more, South Auckland is home to Auckland’s International Airport, New Zealand’s biggest theme park Rainbow’s End, and the gorgeous Auckland Botanical Gardens.
Manukau is the heart and soul of South Auckland and plays an important role in servicing the wider South Auckland area and has a fully integrated railway station that connects to the Auckland CBD. It is a suburb full of culture, community, and family-filled fun. There is significant growth expected for Manukau in the next years with the number of residents projected to increase from around 22,500 to 56,000.
If you prefer something slightly rural then Papakura is a great suburb for you. With the perfect blend of rural and city living Papakura offers the best of both worlds.
Useful resources if you’re looking for a home/rental:
Trade Me
Homes.co.nz
Realestate.co.nz
As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is one of the more expensive places in New Zealand alongside Wellington and Queenstown, yet is still more affordable than cities like London, Sydney, and New York.
According to the Numbeo Index, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four excluding rent is $5,860 and $1,613 for a single person.
There are over 538 schools in the Auckland region with a mix of public and private, primary and secondary schools. Auckland does have competition for spots at schools, but if you’re living in the school ‘zone’ you are guaranteed to get a place.
Top-ranked private schools include girls only, St Cuthberts College, co-ed Kristin School, and boys only, Kings College. Highly regarded public schools include Takapuna Grammar, Westlake Boys High, Westlake Girls, Epsom Girls Grammar, Auckland Grammar, and Orewa College.
If you’re wanting to further your education in Auckland, you’re in luck. Auckland is home to world-class universities including Auckland University and the Auckland University of Technology which are both ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.
If you’re wanting to jump straight into the workforce, you won’t be short of job opportunities. There is a huge demand for workers in Auckland across a range of industries including healthcare, business, retail, technology, teaching, construction, and more.
To see current job vacancies visit: Seek.co.nz
Trade Me Jobs
The great news, New Zealand has a world-class health care system. Healthcare is heavily subsided by the government and public healthcare (hospital services) are free or at a low cost if you’re a resident, citizen, or have held a work visa for more than two years.
Auckland has three public hospitals, North Shore Hospital, Auckland City Hospital, and Middlemore Hospital as well as a dedicated Children’s Hospital called Starship.
There is always something on in Auckland – events, shows, sports games, concerts… the list goes on!
For the art lovers, Auckland is home to New Zealand’s largest art institution the Arts Centre as well as the Civic Theatre which regularly hosts, theatre, ballet, opera, and orchestra performances.
For the sports fans, Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest stadium regularly hosts local and international sporting events.
For the outdoor adventurers, there is plenty of diverse landscapes to explore from the rugged coastline and sparkling beaches to the beautiful ranges.
For the foodies, Auckland has a buzzing restaurant and dining scene showcasing a range of cuisines from around the world.
We told you the list goes on and on… Here are 75 more fun things to do in Auckland.
As a whole, New Zealand is known for its high quality of life and relaxed way of living. In fact, in 2021 New Zealand ranked second for ‘living’ after Switzerland in the HSBC Expat Explorer survey.
In Auckland, nearly 9 out of 10 (87%) of locals say they have a good quality of life with 8 out of 10 (81%) saying their local suburb is a great place to live. What’s more, 68% say cultural diversity makes Auckland a better place to live.
Ready to make your home in Auckland, New Zealand? Get in touch with us at The Moving Company for a free no-obligation quote. With over 35 years’ experience a dedicated fleet of purpose-built furniture trucks and a global network of accredited partners, we have helped thousands of kiwis and ex-pats move to Auckland, New Zealand. Get in touch today: 0800 668 464
In addition to moving your household goods we can provide a complete range of moving services including safe and secure, short or long term storage, moving insurance, vehicle shipping, pet transport, international shipping and much more.
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