Thinking about making the big move to London? You’re not alone – for decades, kiwis moving to the United Kingdom have chosen London as their home away from home, and it’s easy to see why.
With a population close to nine million, it is almost twice the size of New Zealand. London has a lot to offer. It has world-class career opportunities, amazing culture, great education, and a buzz you cannot find elsewhere.
London is also a city where Kiwis genuinely thrive. The shared language, the familiar work culture, and a well-established community of New Zealanders already living there make settling in far more manageable than you might expect.
Whether you’re planning your OE, chasing a career opportunity, or relocating with the whole family, here are our top reasons to make London your next destination.
A Thriving Job Market
London is one of the world’s leading business and financial centres, and the job market reflects that. There’s strong demand for workers across a wide range of industries – finance, tech, healthcare, education, engineering, creative industries, and hospitality, to name just a few. If you’re finding a job at a global corporation, a fast-growing start-up, or a creative agency, London offers the kind of opportunities that are hard to match anywhere else.
For Kiwis, the transition into the London job market is often smoother than expected. English is the language, the work culture is familiar, and New Zealand qualifications and experience are well regarded by employers.
Whether you’re planning casual work while you find your feet or taking a serious step forward in your career, the job market in a big city like London accommodates both. The city truly is a fantastic place to live and work, and the experience you gain here – if it’s a few months or several years tends to be invaluable. To start your job search, check out uk.indeed.com and reed.co.uk.
Vibrant Culture and Entertainment
London is one of the world’s great cultural capitals, and living here means you’ll never run out of things to do or see. World-class museums like the British Museum and the Tate Modern are free to enter. Iconic neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Camden, Brixton, Greenwich and Notting Hill each have their own distinct character and plenty to explore, each one feels like a different city within a city.
The food scene alone is worth the move. London’s culinary offering spans everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to brilliant street food markets representing cuisines from every corner of the globe. Add in live music, West End theatres, Premier League football, rooftop bars, comedy clubs, and a nightlife scene that never really sleeps, and you start to get a sense of just how much this city packs in.
There’s also a thriving community of New Zealanders living in London, with Kiwi bars, social groups, and sporting clubs making it easy to stay connected to home while building a new life abroad. Living in London is an enriching experience on every level.
World-Class Education
Whether you’re moving with children or considering further study yourself, London’s educational credentials are outstanding.
Some of the world’s most prestigious universities are within an hour of the city, including Oxford and Cambridge, which consistently rank in the global top ten. Within London itself, University College London, King’s College London, and Imperial College London are world-recognised institutions offering programmes across every major field of study.
For families with school-age children, popular suburbs like Richmond, Sutton, and Bromley are well known for their top-rated schools, safe communities, and lovely green spaces. It’s a big city with many great options for families at every stage. The quality of education is a key reason many Kiwis stay longer. It offers strong schools, from primary through university. Many who move to London stay far longer than they planned.
Getting Around: The Public Transport System
One of the things Kiwis love most about London is the public transport system. The Underground (the Tube), buses, the Overground, and the Elizabeth line connect every corner of the city efficiently and affordably. For New Zealanders used to driving everywhere, being able to hop on the Tube and arrive almost anywhere in Greater London within 30 to 45 minutes is a genuine lifestyle upgrade and a surprisingly enjoyable one.
Using an Oyster card or tapping your credit cards at the reader makes public transportation seamless, and daily fare caps mean you won’t overpay no matter how much you travel.
Most Londoners don’t own a car at all and once you’re familiar with the network, you’ll understand why. It’s also one of the easiest ways to save money on everyday costs, cutting out fuel, insurance, registration, and parking fees entirely. Getting comfortable on the public transport system in your first few weeks is one of the best moves you can make as a new arrival.
Visas
Your Pathway to Move to the UK
Before you can move to the UK, you’ll need to sort your visa and the good news is that Kiwis have some great options. The most popular route for younger New Zealanders is the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, which allows those aged 18 to 35 to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years. It’s an excellent way to experience everything London has to offer while keeping your future options open.
For those looking to stay longer or arrive with a job already lined up, other options include the Skilled Worker visa, student visas, and family visas. Each has its own requirements and timeframes, so it pays to do your research early. It’s generally recommended to start your visa application at least three months before you plan to leave New Zealand. For the most up-to-date information and requirements, head to the UK Government website.
Healthcare in the UK
The National Health Service (NHS)
One of the genuine benefits of moving to the United Kingdom is access to the National Health Service NHS. Once you live and work in the UK and have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, you can access NHS care. This charge is usually included in your visa application fee. You can use NHS care on similar terms to other UK residents.
The National Health Service NHS covers GP visits, hospital care, mental health services, and subsidised prescriptions. The healthcare systems of the UK and New Zealand share a similar foundation – both are publicly funded and built around the idea that everyone should be able to access care when they need it so the transition tends to feel familiar. For those who want it, private healthcare is also available, and many employers include private health insurance in their benefits packages.
One of the most important things to do when you first arrive is register with a local GP. It’s a straightforward process and getting it done early means you’re covered from the start.
Cost of Living in London
Let’s be honest about the cost of living in London – it’s something every Kiwi needs to plan for. Rent is the biggest expense, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. Central areas (Zones 1 and 2) are pricey, while Zones 3 to 5 offer more space for your money while still being well connected. Sharing a flat is very common and one of the most effective ways to keep costs down, especially in your first year.
The good news is that salaries in London particularly across finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering tend to reflect the higher cost of living. There’s also a huge range of free events, markets, and cultural activities that make it easy to enjoy everything the city has to offer without spending a fortune.
Setting up a UK bank account and getting local credit cards sorted early helps you track your spending and avoid unnecessary international transaction fees. With some planning, most Kiwis find they can live well, explore plenty, and still save money along the way.
Family Life in London
Families who move to London often find the transition easier than they expected. The city’s best family suburbs offer a quality of life that competes with anything back home. Richmond is loved for its strong community feel, excellent schools, and the stunning Richmond Park – nearly 2,500 acres of open space perfect for weekends with the kids. Sutton is known for having one of the lowest crime rates in London and a wonderful range of schools. Bromley has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering more space and affordable housing by London standards, alongside fast rail links into central London.
London’s parks and green spaces: Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Kew Gardens, Victoria Park, and many more are genuinely special. The city is much greener than its reputation suggests, and for Kiwi families who love the outdoors, it’s a real bonus.
Historic Charm and Diverse Neighbourhoods
Beyond the practicalities, London is simply a wonderful place to live. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to charming cobblestone streets and centuries-old pubs, the city has a character and history that takes years to fully discover and that’s part of the fun.
Every neighbourhood has its own personality. The riverside charm of Greenwich, the creative energy of East London, the upmarket feel of Kensington, the village-like atmosphere of Hampstead — there’s somewhere in this big city for everyone. Strolling along the Thames on a Sunday morning, discovering a weekend market, or finding your favourite local – these are the small, everyday moments that quickly start to feel like home.
Ready to Make Your Move?
London has a lot to offer Kiwis — great jobs, world-class culture, excellent schools, a brilliant public transport system, and the kind of energy that makes every day feel like something new is just around the corner. New Zealand Movers are here to help you get there.
With over 40 years of experience moving New Zealanders around the world, our team knows exactly what it takes to make an international move smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re shipping a part or full household, we’ll make sure everything arrives safely so you can focus on your exciting new adventure.
Request a free moving quote online or call us on 0800 000 022 to get started today.
