Before You Arrive
Moving to Wellington is an exciting step. This guide covers everything from visas and shipping to setting up your new life in Aotearoa's capital.
Visas and Immigration
Most migrants need a visa before arriving. The most common pathways include the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Straight to Residence visa, and the Skilled Migrant Category. Check Immigration New Zealand's website for current requirements and processing times.
Shipping Your Belongings
Wellington is a compact city, so you may not need a car. If you're shipping household goods, allow 6–12 weeks for sea freight. Most removalists serve the Port of Wellington. For smaller moves, excess baggage on flights or courier services like Pack & Send work well.
Setting Up When You Arrive
IRD Number
You need an IRD number to work in NZ. Apply online through the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Most applications are processed within 2–10 working days. You'll need your passport, visa, and a New Zealand address.
Bank Account
Open an account with one of the major banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, or Westpac. Most let you open an account before you arrive. You'll need proof of identity and your IRD number. Kiwibank is popular with newcomers for its ethical focus and NZ ownership.
Finding Accommodation
Start looking on Trade Me Property and Realestate.co.nz. Short-term rentals on Airbnb or Bookabach give you time to explore suburbs. Expect to pay 2–4 weeks' rent as a bond, plus one or two weeks' rent in advance. See our Rental Guide for full details.
Phone and Internet
The major providers are Spark, Vodafone (One NZ), and 2degrees. Prepaid SIMs are easy to get at supermarkets and dairies. For home broadband, fibre is widely available across Wellington — check availability before committing to a plan.
Cost of First Month
Most newcomers budget NZ$3,000–$5,000 for setup costs including bond, first month's rent, utilities connection, and groceries. Having a bit extra set aside makes the transition much smoother.
Getting Around
Wellington's city centre is very walkable. The bus network (Metlink) covers most suburbs, and the iconic cable car runs from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. Many locals cycle or e-scooter. See our Transport Guide for more details.
What Your First Month Actually Costs
Budget NZ$7,000–$10,000 per person for the first month. The unavoidable costs: bond (up to 4 weeks' rent — $2,400–$3,000 on a $600–$750/week place), one to two weeks' rent in advance, basic furniture and bedding ($1,000–$2,500 if you buy second-hand), groceries and household basics ($400–$600), transport ($150–$300 — buses, or a Snapper card), and phone and broadband setup ($100–$200). The site's own guidance of $3,000–$5,000 for setup costs assumes you arrive with accommodation arranged; add more if you need short-stay lodging while you search.
The timing mechanism to plan around: your IRD number can take 2–10 working days, your first payslip another two weeks, and landlords want proof of income before approving applications — so plan for three to four weeks on savings even with a job secured. Having the full buffer makes the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one.
First-Week Checklist: Do These in Order
- Activate a NZ SIM (Spark, One NZ or 2degrees prepay from about $16/month) so you have a local number.
- Open a bank account — ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank or Westpac; you can start the process online before you land, and Kiwibank is popular with newcomers.
- Apply for your IRD number through myIR — required before your first payslip.
- Register with a GP — Wellington's medical centres enrol newcomers quickly; visits cost about $19–$60 for enrolled patients.
- Start rental viewings with your documents ready (ID, income proof, references).
- If you'll drive, convert your overseas licence at AA or VTNZ within your first 12 months — and be aware Wellington's hills, one-way streets and the Mount Victoria Tunnel take some getting used to.
Common Mistakes Newcomers Make
- Underestimating the wind and hills — test your daily commute on foot or by bus before renting; a "10-minute walk" uphill in a Wellington nor'wester is not what it sounds like.
- Renting sight-unseen from overseas — book short-stay accommodation first and view in person; scams targeting offshore applicants are common.
- Ignoring the earthquake rules — Wellington is New Zealand's most seismically active city: check your rental or home's earthquake rating (NBS) and know your building's evacuation plan.
- Skipping the Snapper card — cash fares on Metlink buses are more expensive than Snapper fares.
- Assuming your overseas credit history transfers — it doesn't; expect to build credit from scratch, which can affect phone plans and some rentals.