New Zealand seriously messed with my head in the best possible way. After road tripping both islands for two months, I get why people drop everything to move here. Wellington completely won me over with its crazy good coffee culture and wild weekend markets. And don’t even get me started on Queenstown, where I’d wake up to mountain views that made me forget I was supposed to be apartment hunting, not just staring out my window all day.
I’ve done the legwork to find the best places in New Zealand for anyone dreaming of calling this paradise home. From beachy surf towns to buzzing cities with incredible food scenes, these 12 spots offer that perfect mix of outdoor adventure and city life. And yes, the work life balance here is exactly as amazing as everyone says!
Most Amazing Places to Live in New Zealand
Looking for places to live in New Zealand? Experience Auckland, a bustling city with a stunning waterfront and diverse culture. Consider Dunedin, known for its historic charm and vibrant student life. Explore Queenstown, a paradise for adventure seekers with breathtaking landscapes. Discover Wellington, the capital city famous for its arts, coffee culture, and scenic harbor. Whether you’re looking for urban excitement or natural beauty, these are some of the best places to live in New Zealand.
- Best for career opportunities: Auckland
- Best for Scottish heritage: Dunedin
- Best for adventure and natural beauty: Queenstown
- Best for families and culture: Wellington
- Best for balance of urban and natural life: Hamilton
- Best for geothermal wonders: Rotorua
- Best for resilience: Christchurch
- Best for coastal living: Tauranga
- Best for wine enthusiasts: Napier
- Best for arts, crafts, and sunny weather: Nelson
- Best for surfing: Raglan
- Best for rural beauty: Waikato
1. Auckland
Auckland isn’t just a city—it’s an entire lifestyle. This vibrant metropolis blends the best of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it one of the best places to live in New Zealand. Whether you’re sipping coffee at a waterfront café, hiking up volcanic hills, or catching a ferry to Waiheke Island, there’s always something to do.
As the country’s economic hub, Auckland is the best city to live in New Zealand for career growth, offering endless job opportunities in business, tech, and finance. But it’s not all work—this city knows how to play. Festivals, concerts, and cultural events fill the calendar, while the food scene is world-class, with everything from fresh seafood to top-tier international cuisine.
With top-tier schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, Auckland is ideal for families, professionals, and adventure-seekers alike. Whether you want a fast-paced city vibe or a peaceful coastal retreat, Auckland delivers.
2. Dunedin
Dunedin has a charm you won’t find anywhere else. With its Scottish heritage, dramatic landscapes, and historic architecture, this southern gem feels like stepping into another world. It’s one of the coolest places to live in New Zealand, where you’ll find vibrant student energy mixed with small-town warmth.
Home to the University of Otago, Dunedin has a buzzing arts and culture scene. The city’s Victorian and Edwardian buildings tell stories of its past, while the thriving café culture, street art, and local music keep it fresh and exciting. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the rugged coastline, with wild beaches, hiking trails, and even the world’s rarest penguins.
Despite its history, Dunedin is forward-thinking, offering an affordable cost of living and a tight-knit community. If you love culture, nature, and a slightly slower pace, this city offers the perfect balance.
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3. Queenstown
Living in Queenstown feels like you’re on a permanent adventure. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine ranges and set along the stunning Lake Wakatipu, it’s one of the best places in New Zealand to live if you crave an active, outdoor lifestyle.
This South Island hotspot is famous for its adrenaline-fueled activities—skiing, bungee jumping, skydiving—but there’s more to it than just thrills. The town has a welcoming community, a laid-back atmosphere, and a surprising amount of cultural charm, with art galleries, wineries, and cozy cafés.
Queenstown is also known for its safety and high quality of life, making it a nice city to live in New Zealand for both adventurers and those looking to slow down in a beautiful setting. If you want a home where the mountains are your backyard and every season brings a new adventure, Queenstown is the place to be.
4. Wellington
Wellington may be New Zealand’s capital city, but it has a relaxed, creative soul. This family-friendly destination is packed with character, from its scenic harbor to its buzzing café culture. Known for its educational and cultural opportunities, Wellington is the best place to live in New Zealand for those who love city life with a strong sense of community.
The city’s job market is thriving, particularly in government, film, and tech, and its compact size makes it easy to get around—no long commutes needed. But what really sets Wellington apart is its vibrant arts scene. Museums, theaters, and street festivals bring the city to life, while the waterfront offers a stunning escape on sunny days.
With excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of green spaces, Wellington is both exciting and welcoming—a perfect mix for families, professionals, and creatives.
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5. Hamilton
Hamilton offers the best of both worlds—urban convenience without the chaos. This fast-growing city on the North Island is known for its balance of city life and nature, making it one of the best New Zealand cities for families and professionals alike.
At its heart is the Waikato River, where locals enjoy scenic walks, riverside picnics, and vibrant weekend markets. The Hamilton Gardens are a must-see, adding a splash of beauty to the city’s landscape. With a booming job market, especially in education and technology, Hamilton is an excellent place to build a career.
Living here means affordability without sacrificing quality—housing is cheaper than Auckland, but you still get great schools, modern amenities, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re after career growth, outdoor adventures, or a family-friendly atmosphere, Hamilton delivers.
6. Rotorua
Rotorua is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Known for its geothermal wonders, rich Māori culture, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s a city where everyday life feels like an exciting adventure.
Living here means being surrounded by bubbling hot springs, steaming geysers, and crystal-clear lakes. You can soak in natural thermal pools after work or hit the famous Redwoods Forest for mountain biking. Rotorua’s strong Māori heritage is woven into daily life, from cultural performances to authentic hangi feasts.
Beyond the tourism appeal, Rotorua is also one of the best areas to live in New Zealand for its affordability, tight-knit community, and outdoor lifestyle. It’s a place where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand—perfect for nature lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking for a unique place to call home.
7. Christchurch
Christchurch is a city of resilience and reinvention. Following the devastating earthquakes, it has transformed into a hub of innovation, making it one of New Zealand’s best places to live for those who love a modern yet community-driven lifestyle.
The Avon River, lush Hagley Park, and nearby beaches make it easy to escape into nature, whether you prefer kayaking, cycling, or a quiet afternoon stroll. Meanwhile, the city itself is buzzing with energy, featuring cutting-edge architecture, a thriving arts scene, and a wave of new business ventures. It’s a place where old meets new, with historic trams gliding past sleek developments and trendy cafés.
Beyond its charm, Christchurch is a growing hub for tech, engineering, and entrepreneurship, offering plenty of career opportunities. With affordable housing, great schools, and a laid-back coastal vibe, it’s proof that reinvention can lead to something truly special.
8. Tauranga
If coastal living with city convenience sounds like a dream to you, Tauranga is the place to be. This North Island gem is one of the best New Zealand towns to live thanks to its beaches, sunshine, and booming economy.
Home to the famous Mount Maunganui, Tauranga is perfect for those who love an outdoor lifestyle—hiking, surfing, and sunset beach walks are part of daily life. But it’s not just about nature—the city’s thriving port, business sector, and tech industry provide strong job opportunities.
With its warm climate, excellent schools, and a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere, Tauranga attracts families, retirees, and professionals alike. It’s a place where you can work, play, and unwind with ease, making it one of the best places to live in New Zealand for a balanced lifestyle.
9. Napier
Napier is a masterpiece of art deco charm set against the stunning coastline of Hawke’s Bay. Known for its sunny weather, world-class wineries, and vibrant arts scene, it’s one of the best places to live in New Zealand for those who love a mix of history, culture, and seaside beauty.
Take a stroll along the Marine Parade or explore the annual Art Deco Festival, where the city’s Gatsby-era architecture comes to life. Napier is also a paradise for wine lovers, with its surrounding vineyards producing some of the country’s best reds and whites.
Beyond its aesthetics, Napier is a safe, welcoming community with affordable housing and a growing economy in tourism, agriculture, and creative industries. Whether you’re sampling fresh produce at local markets or catching a sunset over the Pacific, Napier is a city that embraces the good life, one ocean breeze at a time.
10. Nelson
If endless sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, and a thriving arts scene sound like your vibe, Nelson is calling. This South Island gem is one of the best places to live in New Zealand, perfect for outdoor lovers, artists, and anyone craving a relaxed yet inspiring lifestyle.
Surrounded by three national parks, Nelson is a haven for hiking, kayaking, and beach days on golden shores. The city’s creative energy is just as strong, with vibrant street art, artisan markets, and a buzzing café culture that make it a magnet for artists and free spirits.
Beyond its beauty, Nelson has a strong economy, with opportunities in tourism, winemaking, and entrepreneurship. The warm, welcoming community, combined with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, makes it an ideal spot for families, retirees, and remote workers looking to soak up the best of New Zealand’s lifestyle.
11. Raglan
For those who love surfing, sustainability, and small-town charm, Raglan is the place to be. This laid-back coastal town on New Zealand’s West Coast is one of the best places to live for those craving a bohemian lifestyle with a deep connection to nature.
Raglan is world-famous for its black-sand beaches and legendary surf breaks, like Manu Bay, home to one of the longest left-hand waves on the planet. But the town isn’t just for surfers—it’s a hub of creativity and community, with eco-conscious cafés, boutique galleries, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Life here is slow-paced but never dull. Whether you’re hiking Bridal Veil Falls, enjoying live music, or exploring organic markets, Raglan’s welcoming vibe makes it easy to feel at home. With a tight-knit community, stunning landscapes, and a focus on eco-living, it’s a paradise for those who love the simple life.
12. Waikato
Rolling green hills, lush farmland, and a deep connection to nature—that’s Waikato in a nutshell. Known for its rich Māori heritage and thriving agricultural industry, this North Island region is one of the best places to live in New Zealand for those who appreciate rural beauty with modern conveniences nearby.
Hamilton, the region’s hub, offers great schools, a growing economy, and a laid-back city vibe, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike. Meanwhile, the countryside is dotted with charming towns, where farm-to-table living, weekend markets, and a strong sense of community define daily life. And yes—this is Hobbit country, with the famous Hobbiton movie set nestled in the rolling hills.
Whether you’re looking for space to breathe, career opportunities, or a slower pace of life, Waikato proves that you don’t have to choose between nature and opportunity—you can have both.
