Moving to New Zealand Checklist (Free Printable)

As our moving date crept closer, I realised we needed a proper checklist to keep us organised. Somewhere around six to nine months out, the sleepless nights kicked in and all we could think about was what needed doing and when. I am good at prioritising, but I am also forgetful, so we wrote it all down.

Here is the checklist that got us from a house in England to a new life in New Zealand, whether you are coming from the UK, the US, Australia or anywhere else. It covers the big things, like getting your visa granted and your documents in order, and the small ones that are easy to forget, right down to cancelling the gym membership. There is a free printable version at the end to scribble on and make your own.

6 to 9 months to go: commit

The big one

• Put your house on the market. This may need to happen even sooner.

The essentials

• Start your visa application. Medicals and police checks alone can take one to two months.
• Check your passports and driving licences are valid.
• Make a folder of all your important documents, with copies kept somewhere safe.

Research

• Read up on job hunting, schools, cost of living, tax, healthcare, travel and pet relocation.

Get quotes

• Gather quotes from freight companies, migration and health insurance, and pet relocation firms. Choose your companies and get them booked in.

3 to 6 months to go

Give notice

• Cancel or give notice on TV, internet, phone, insurance and other subscriptions.
• Give your employer fair, formal notice. It is less daunting than it feels.

The fun part

• Book your flights.

2 months to go

Give notice

• Tell your children’s schools you are leaving.
• Give notice to your landlord if you are renting.

Take action

• Open a New Zealand bank account.
• Request credit references from your bank.

Sell up

• Sell any furniture and belongings you are not shipping. A good excuse for a proper declutter.
• Sell your car, or ask your mover to store or ship it.
• Think hard about electrical appliances. Whiteware is dear in New Zealand, but check what will actually run on NZ power before you pay to ship it.

4 weeks to go

Book

• Temporary accommodation in New Zealand if you need it.
• Your pet’s kennel if relevant.
• A hire car for your first weeks.

Take action

• Register your children at their new schools.
• Start packing non-essentials, and collect boxes.
• Give a forwarding address to your bank, passport office, licensing authority and accountant.
• Pay off any outstanding debts.

2 to 3 weeks to go

• Transfer your money with a foreign exchange specialist, which is usually cheaper than the bank.
• Confirm your international removals booking.
• Ask your insurer for a copy of your no-claims history. It can bring down your NZ car insurance.
• Make sure your travel, medical and transit insurance is sorted.

1 week to go

• Finish packing.
• Clean all outdoor gear thoroughly: lawnmowers, garden tools, bikes, tents, boots. New Zealand’s biosecurity rules are strict, and a disinfectant like Virkon S helps.
• Redirect your post.
• Cancel your direct debits, car insurance and any deliveries.
• Sort your transport to the airport.
• Change some cash into New Zealand dollars.
• Double-check your hand luggage has your travel documents.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to move to New Zealand?

Most people need six to twelve months from deciding to landing. The visa is the long pole: medicals, police checks and processing can take a few months on their own, so start there.

Do I need a job before I move to New Zealand?

Usually, yes, if you are coming on a work visa. Most work and skilled-residence pathways need a job offer from an accredited employer, so sort your visa route early.

Can I bring my pet to New Zealand?

Yes, but there are strict import rules and often a spell in quarantine, so book a pet relocation specialist well ahead. See our guide on moving with your pets.

What can’t I bring into New Zealand?

New Zealand’s biosecurity is tough. Declare or bin any food, plant material and dirty outdoor gear, and clean boots, tents and tools thoroughly before they are packed.

How much money should I have saved before moving?

Enough for your flights, shipping and about three months of living costs while you settle in. We break the numbers down in how much money you need to emigrate.

We first wrote this checklist in 2015 when we made the move ourselves, and we have kept it current for 2026. Download the free printable version below to make it your own. Questions about your move? Get in touch through our contact page.