Thinking of making the move across the ditch? Moving in with our Aussie cousins is something many Kiwis choose to do, attracted by greater job prospects, lower cost of living, and a close proximity to friends and family back home. It’s a decision you certainly won’t regret!
So, what are some of the things you need to do before you make the big move to Australia from New Zealand? Here, the experts at New Zealand Movers, who have over 40 years of experience in moving Kiwis across the Tasman, outline a detailed checklist when moving to Australia from NZ.
Moving to Australia from New Zealand Checklist:
1. Visas and Immigration for New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens have one of the easiest pathways to living and working in Australia.
Most Kiwis are granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival, which allows you to:
- Live and work in Australia
- Study
- Travel freely in and out of the country
It’s worth noting that the SCV is a temporary visa, not permanent residency. While you can stay indefinitely, the government may limit your access to certain benefits. If you’re planning a long-term move, it may be worth looking into residency options down the track.
2. Find a job
It’s always easier to move to Australia from NZ when you’ve lined up a job on the other side first. Not only will this give you peace of mind regarding a financial safety net, but your new employer may also be able to cover part of the cost of moving, flights, etc.
There is currently strong demand across a range of industries in Australia, including:
- Healthcare and aged care
- Construction and engineering
- IT and technology
- Education and childcare
- Hospitality and tourism
3. Choosing the Right City
Australia is a big place, and with remote work becoming more and more common, you may have significantly wider options for choosing where you’re going to live. More than 85% of the population lives within 50km of the coast. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are renowned for their coastlines, but smaller, arguably undervalued cities like Coffs Harbour and Townsville also have their fair share of amazing beaches.
Read our blog about the top 5 cities to move to in Australia to find out more.
4. Find Short-Term Accommodation
It’s always best to lock in short-term housing in your city of choice, so that you can be present at inspections of homes for sale or rent. We never advise buying or leasing a home, sight unseen.
5. Book Your Moving Company
Once your plans are in place, it’s time to organise your move.
New Zealand Movers are experienced in helping Kiwis relocate to Australia, with over 44 years of Trans-Tasman moving experience. Their team can assist with every stage of the move, making the process more straightforward.
Services include:
- Professional packing and wrapping
- International shipping (sea and air freight options)
- Customs clearance
- Door-to-door delivery
Having an experienced team guiding you through the process can make a big difference, especially when it comes to documentation and timing.
Budgeting for Your Move
The cost of moving to Australia can vary depending on a few key factors:
- How much you’re taking (volume)
- Where you’re moving to
- Whether you choose sea freight or air freight
- Whether you use packing services
- Time of year and availability
Getting a quote early on can help you plan your budget and decide what services you need.
6. Convert Some NZD to AUD
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to have some Australian dollars ready for your arrival.
New Zealand Movers works with XE to help customers with international money transfers, offering:
- Competitive exchange rates
- No transfer fees
- A secure way to move your money
It’s still worth comparing options to find what works best for you, but having this sorted ahead of time can make things easier when you arrive.
What to Do After You’ve Arrived
1. Enroll in Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system, and New Zealand citizens are generally eligible to enrol.
You’ll need to visit a Medicare office with your passport and relevant documents.
Private Health Insurance
Medicare covers many basic healthcare services, but it doesn’t include everything. Things like:
- Dental care
- Optical (glasses and contact lenses)
- Some specialist treatments
Because of this, many people choose to take out private health insurance for extra cover and shorter waiting times.
2. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
A Tax File Number (TFN) is required to work in Australia. You can apply online once you’ve arrived.
3. Open a Bank Account
Opening an Australian bank account will make managing your finances much easier.
You should also:
- Let your New Zealand bank know you’re moving
- Check any accounts or payments you still have in NZ
- Set up a way to transfer money between countries if needed
4. Transfer Your Driver’s Licence
In most cases, you can transfer your New Zealand driver’s licence to an Australian one without needing to sit a test. Requirements can vary slightly depending on the state, so it’s best to check locally.
5. Register with Local Services
Once you’re settled, you may also need to:
- Register with a local GP
- Enrol children in school or childcare
- Set up utilities and rental agreements
Ready to Make the Move?
Moving to Australia is an exciting step, and being organised early can make the process much smoother.
If you’re planning a move, the team at New Zealand Movers can help guide you through each stage, from packing and shipping through to delivery in Australia.
Get in touch to request a quote and start planning your move.
