New Zealand. Aotearoa — The Long White Cloud. I had been dreaming of this country for many years — ever since high school, around 2003. Then I spent 8 years gathering information, saving money, and preparing for the move. I knew from the start that I wasn’t going just to visit. I was going to live there. And since 2011, I’ve been home, in New Zealand. Now I’ve long been a citizen of the country of my dreams.
Probably the most frequent question I’ve ever been asked is: Why New Zealand?
People were asking me that even before I got here. That’s why, back in 2008, overwhelmed with all the information I had gathered about the country over the years, I wrote down my answer in my clumsy little blog on LiveJournal. It was a romantic, sentimental, and somewhat naive answer. But it was convenient for me to simply share the link to that blog post, letting the text I’d written speak for me.
But the question keeps coming back to me year after year — Why New Zealand? I’ve been talking about this country for so long and in such detail — I’ve been running a YouTube channel since 2017 — and here and there I’ve often explained my motivation, why I believe this is the best place in the world for me personally. And yet, only now have I realized that I’ve never actually recorded an updated answer to this important question. It’s time to create a new “link”. One that will last for years to come.
I found it fascinating to reread my old blog posts and rewatch my old videos to compare what mattered to me back then with what matters to me now. I can see that, fundamentally, nothing has changed, my priorities are still the same. But now I see even more advantages, especially practical ones. So this time, I’ll share the expanded version — from a more grown-up version of myself who, despite everything, remains a hopeless romantic.
And let’s clarify right away: this material is purely subjective, one hundred percent. So if I say something in an assertive tone, just assume there’s a little asterisk next to it that says “in my personal opinion.”
Also, this text doesn’t aim to be an objective and comprehensive breakdown of New Zealand’s pros and especially its cons. You’ll find plenty of content on my channel about the downsides, challenges, dangers, and other realities of life in this country. I’ve lived here too long to have any illusions or rose-colored glasses. On the channel, you’ll also find my detailed immigration story, instructions on how to immigrate to New Zealand, videos about different cities, plenty of thoughtful data analysis, rankings, stories of people from various professions — you name it.
If you have a question about the country, chances are you’ll find the answer just by searching the channel.
As for me — I just genuinely, wholeheartedly believe that this place on Earth is special in many ways. I love these islands.
And so I’ll simply answer this very personal question: Why New Zealand?
It’s Far Away
New Zealand is the Edge of the World. It might sound strange, but for me, this is a huge plus. New Zealand is far from global noise and chaos, from politics and conflicts. It’s like another planet — one where everything is slower, quieter, more stable. That’s something I truly value.
Incredible Nature
Even experienced travelers admit that New Zealand is a Greatest Hits Collection. The richness, diversity, and accessibility of natural beauty here are simply unmatched. The Tasman Sea on the West Coast and the Pacific Ocean on the East, endless beaches with paradise-like white or black volcanic sand, fifty shades of green in the hills and forests, in the humid jungles and towering ancient trees that not even a crowd could wrap their arms around.
Stunning rivers, the world’s deepest and purest lakes, mountain ranges with snowy peaks and fjords, countless waterfalls and glaciers — and that’s just an average Tuesday in New Zealand.
And the roads here? Mmm, driving through New Zealand is a unique kind of joy and entertainment.
Nowhere else in the world have I seen such a concentration of beauty per square kilometer — or such wide-eyed wonder from myself.
I’ve traveled a lot around the country, for many years. And even now, I never cease to be amazed by the splendor that surrounds me.
Cleanliness and Care
Beauty shines where it is protected. Anything can be ruined — but that’s not the case with New Zealand. For example, hiking or trekking here is considered among the best in the world. And rightly so. Everything is convenient, well thought out, and equipped with trails.
There are toilets everywhere, informational signs, everything is designed for people’s comfort. But most importantly, behind the care for people lies a deeper care for nature itself.
About one-third of the country’s territory is made up of protected natural reserves. They truly take care of what they have — and it’s impossible not to admire that, even after years of living here. And it’s not just about tourism — it’s like this in every aspect of life here.
Also, it’s an incredible feeling to breathe clean, fresh air and drink pure water straight from the tap — words can’t do it justice.
Climate
Sometimes beauty can be harsh. In places where everything looks stunning to the eye, it’s often not very comfortable to live.
But in New Zealand, there’s a perfect balance. There’s no long, exhausting heat, and no endless months of frosty or damp winter.
Moreover, even though we may look small on the map in terms of land area, you can actually find a climate zone to suit your personal taste.
For example:
- Tauranga, sunny all year round
- The almost tropical far north
- Dry Queenstown with four distinct seasons and snow-capped mountains in winter
- Mild and balanced Christchurch
- And, of course, humid and unpredictable Auckland or windy, but vibrant Wellington.
Almost everywhere you’ll find plenty of sunshine and no extreme temperature swings — which is great for your health. The New Zealand climate is truly comfortable for living.
A Measured Pace of Life
There is one more aspect of New Zealand that I, unfortunately, haven’t yet fully embraced — the Kiwi lifestyle. People here strive to live peacefully and with enjoyment. They don’t prioritize work that drains every drop of energy from you, only to be replenished during rare vacations. ere, people prefer to truly live. Each day, each week.
That’s why many start their workday early — to finish early too. And then they rush home to family, to friends, to their people. To do what they love, pursue hobbies, or simply relax in a comfortable environment.
Of course, not everyone manages to achieve this right away — myself included. But most people aim for it. And I still have room to grow. So many books left unread, so many interesting thoughts unwritten.
It’s rare here to meet someone obsessed with career climbing. And due to the small population, everyone knows each other — once you’re in your industry, job searching becomes much easier, provided you have a good reputation. Connections matter.
For the same reason, even in sports, for example, you have a much greater chance of reaching a high, meaningful level than you would in an overpopulated country. Also, no one here really cares about showing off. People are very relaxed and not focused on appearances.
In short, New Zealand is the perfect place to pursue peaceful, fulfilling goals. To truly live.
Safety
The important feeling of stability comes with a sense of safety. New Zealand gives me that too.
I don’t worry about my kids out on the street, about my wife driving or myself walking alone late at night. Of course, like everywhere, there are places where you need to stay alert. Unfortunately, even New Zealand hasn’t escaped the curse of dishonest people.
But it’s only here that I stopped checking my pockets every five minutes in public places. Only here that I started forgetting to lock the front door. Only here that I stopped stressing about whether I locked the car at night.
These safe places do exist — you just have to choose them wisely. And beyond that, I feel safe when my kids are in nature, when I go hiking, when I’m rafting down a river. Not only people don’t pose a threat — in New Zealand, there are no predators or poisonous creatures dangerous to humans.
That’s why you can truly relax and let yourself absorb the beauty around you.
Friendly People
People around the world even joke about how kind New Zealanders are. It has become a defining feature of true Kiwis and everyone else who makes it to these islands. Almost everyone here smiles and looks happy. Of course, people are people everywhere, meaning they can be different. But it’s in New Zealand that I feel more comfortable than anywhere else. Because I’m mostly surrounded by polite people.
People who yield on the road and help when needed, who listen to your stories with curiosity, who treat foreigners with patience and understanding, judging not by nationality but by actions. And who are extremely respectful toward accented speech, which is very common here. These are people who won’t share their bad mood with others simply because they were raised that way.
And in such an environment, you naturally become kinder too. You feel like starting a casual chat with someone on the street, like smiling at a passerby or letting someone go first at an intersection. It’s so heartwarming and relaxing — and eventually, it becomes your new normal.
Also, the elderly here are incredibly happy. They walk hand in hand in pairs, sit in cafés, go for lots of walks, know a lot, and constantly smile.
Active outdoor lifestyle
Where there’s calm, you need to balance it out with a dose of adrenaline — and boy oh boy, Kiwis really know how to do that. Surfing is practically a religion, sports are a way of life. Snowboarding and skiing, biking — especially mountain biking — all kinds of active water sports, skydiving, paragliding, yachts and boats, car and motorcycle racing… you name it, they’ve got it. And it’s all available at every level — from the most accessible amateur options to professional setups for real enthusiasts. Just go for it. Jump, dive, ride, fly — forward and only forward. Get your adrenaline fix.
Historical Background
Like it or not, history shapes a society. Compared to many other countries, New Zealand avoided truly horrifying events in its formation process. Yes, there were still wars when Europeans came to colonize the land already inhabited by the indigenous Polynesian Māori. But even then, they eventually managed to reach agreements, forming one of the youngest countries in the world — which later became independent.
From the start, New Zealand wasn’t used as a dumping ground for convicts, as was the case elsewhere. Instead, it attracted enterprising, hard-working people — farmers and craftsmen — often moving as large families. In a sense, New Zealand became a land of dreamers and doers — people who were tired of old Europe and wanted to build a new society from scratch, one where you could earn a comfortable life for yourself and your family through your own efforts.
Family Values
And that’s where the strong sense of family comes from. Despite all the freedoms New Zealand is known for, like legal same-sex marriage, the absence of discrimination based on sexual orientation, and a general acceptance of people as they are — many people here are very family-oriented. They love their children, they love spending time together as families, and they have fun doing it.
The conditions for raising kids here are truly wonderful: lots of playgrounds and entertainment, a gentle and harmonious approach in kindergartens and schools. Even higher education is made more accessible, thanks to a student loan system that doesn’t strain the parents’ budget — the child pays it back later gradually from their own income. I’m happy that my children were born and are growing up here, at the edge of the world.
High Quality of Life
Comfort here isn’t just for kids — it’s for adults as well. New Zealand consistently ranks at the top of international quality-of-life indexes, and that’s no coincidence. Don’t get me wrong — I like to be precise with words. There are places in the world with higher incomes, places with lower living costs, places with more advanced services and technology, or a wider selection of goods. But the balance of what New Zealand offers is something many developed countries simply can’t beat.
Of course, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. But no matter how you look at it, the average quality of life here is high. Yes, you need to work for it — to be smart, skilled, and proactive. But isn’t that how the world works anywhere? New Zealand gives you the right conditions to build a good life — and when you put in the effort, you can earn a level of comfort that feels truly deserved. You can live in a tidy, well-kept neighborhood, do meaningful work alongside respectful colleagues, eat high-quality food, spend time in nature or at exciting events, travel, and build deep, genuine friendships.
Political System
I never gave it much thought when I was younger, but now I realize how important it is to live in a country with a functioning electoral system. Here, there’s real competition. Every vote genuinely matters. That keeps the government — no matter who’s in charge — on its toes. It forces them to pay attention to the needs of their voters.
There’s a sense that you matter here, that you can and should influence your own life and the lives of those around you. That’s both a responsibility and a privilege.
English Language
On a more practical note, one thing I really appreciate is how convenient it is to live in an English-speaking country. Most of us learned English as a second language. It’s the global language of communication, so it’s a huge relief not to have to learn something entirely new from scratch.
And once you improve your English, you start to feel more confident not just in New Zealand, but in the rest of the world too. You read books, watch movies, talk to people — and somehow, your whole view of life expands.
By the way, if you’re looking to improve your English, dive into business or professional vocabulary, or prepare for international exams, just a reminder — our online Kiwi Education school is here to help and has already been successfully doing that for many.
Immigration System
To build a healthy society, you need a sound immigration system — and New Zealand has one. It’s not based on a lottery, or distant ancestral roots, or simply buying a passport. You rarely see refugees or undocumented migrants here.
New Zealand’s immigration system is designed to attract the professionals the country needs. It’s not perfect, but it works. People usually come after finding an employer, or through education. And through professional immigration programs, you can earn permanent resident status up to the age of 55. That gives people a real opportunity.
Yes, you either need to be a qualified specialist or have enough money to cover at least a year of study — but for many, that’s still an achievable path. And the system supports bringing your family, too. Over time, this kind of filter helps form a population capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Respected Passport
And one more convenient bonus — a New Zealand passport is one of the most powerful in the world. It opens the door to many countries visa-free. For younger people, there are plenty of nations that offer Working Holiday Visas. And nearby Australia is just across the sea — many Kiwis go there for a while, and many of them return to New Zealand afterward, becoming true citizens of the world — open-minded, curious, vibrant, and kind.
And yes — the grass really is greener here. Come see for yourself. There’s even a legend that says before creating the Earth, God practiced on a small patch of land, testing out all His ideas for beauty. That place became New Zealand — a country people travel to in order to build the life they’ve always dreamed of, bringing along their hard work and talents.
So, as you’ve probably guessed by now — I love New Zealand. And even though I’ve long had the opportunity to move pretty much anywhere in the world, I choose to stay here. I choose to stay home. But your opinion might be different. Gather information, explore whether this country is the right fit for you.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to subscribe to my Telegram channel. There’s plenty of content about life in New Zealand. And for those seriously considering a move, check out the Kiwi Education website. You’ll find everything you need to know to start turning your dream into reality.
I won’t say goodbye — just see you later. Hopefully, we’ll meet one day in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
