New Zealand
Wellington
New Zealand's compact, walkable capital — strong schools and a tight-knit expat community
Family budget at a glance
The all-in range matches the FAQ answer for "How much does a family typically need per month here?" The other cards are single-line benchmarks — they don't add up to that total (school fees and other costs are separate).
All-in / month (family of 4)
~$4,500–$6,500 / month
3-bed family home
~$1,590 / month
Dinner for 2 (mid-range)
~$47
Nanny
~$12 / hr
Wellington is New Zealand's capital and a favourite of families who want a smaller, more walkable city without sacrificing school quality or safety. It has a thriving public service and tech sector, a lively cultural scene, and lower housing costs than Auckland. The main trade-offs are an exposed, often very windy climate and a smaller choice of international schools than Auckland.
Action checklist
Concrete steps to make this move happen, in order.
Click any step to jump to that section ↓
- 1Secure a job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer before applying — the AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa — New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa) requires a confirmed accredited employer
- 2Start your housing search 6–8 weeks before your move — Wellington's rental market is tight, particularly in Kelburn, Wadestown, and Thorndon
- 3Apply to private or integrated schools 12 months before your start date — popular schools in Kelburn and the eastern suburbs fill early
- 4Apply for your IRD number (New Zealand tax ID from Inland Revenue) at ird.govt.nz immediately on arrival — required for employment and banking
- 5Open a New Zealand bank account — ANZ NZ and Kiwibank branches are accessible across Wellington
- 6Register with a local GP in your first week — New Zealand's public health system (Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand) covers most work visa holders of 2 years or longer
- 7Register for early childhood education as soon as your arrival date is confirmed — popular ECE centres in Kelburn and Karori have waiting lists
- 8Arrange comprehensive vehicle and contents insurance on arrival — New Zealand has no mandatory third-party liability insurance for vehicles
Family fit
Great for
- Families who prefer a compact, walkable city over a sprawling car-dependent one
- Parents working in New Zealand's public service, tech, or creative sectors — Wellington is the hub for all three
- Families who want strong public schools without paying private school fees
- Families who value a tight-knit expat community where new arrivals integrate quickly
Watch out for
- Wellington's wind is genuinely strong — the city is famously exposed and the weather changes rapidly
- A smaller choice of international schools than Auckland — research options before committing
- The AEWV requires a confirmed accredited employer — Wellington's job market is smaller than Auckland's
- Wellington is earthquake-prone — the city sits on an active fault; familiarise yourself with Civil Defence NZ guidance
Climate & seasons
Monthly normals (2001–2020) · MERRA-2 (NASA POWER)
Rainy-day counts are approximate (from monthly rainfall).
- HottestJan · 22.8°Cmean daily high
- CoolestAug · 6.2°Cmean daily low
- WettestJun · 92.1 mmmonth total
- DriestJan · 51.5 mmmonth total
- Low
- 11.5°C
- Rain
- 51.5 mm
- Wet days
- ~4
- Low
- 12°C
- Rain
- 57.4 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 11.4°C
- Rain
- 58 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 9.7°C
- Rain
- 69.9 mm
- Wet days
- ~6
- Low
- 7.9°C
- Rain
- 79.7 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- 6.9°C
- Rain
- 92.1 mm
- Wet days
- ~8
- Low
- 6.3°C
- Rain
- 85.9 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- 6.2°C
- Rain
- 81.8 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- 6.5°C
- Rain
- 69.9 mm
- Wet days
- ~6
- Low
- 7.2°C
- Rain
- 77.2 mm
- Wet days
- ~6
- Low
- 8.6°C
- Rain
- 63.9 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 10.3°C
- Rain
- 68.5 mm
- Wet days
- ~6
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Rain (total) | Rainy days (~) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.8°C | 11.5°C | 51.5 mm | 4 |
| Feb | 22.5°C | 12°C | 57.4 mm | 5 |
| Mar | 21.1°C | 11.4°C | 58 mm | 5 |
| Apr | 19.1°C | 9.7°C | 69.9 mm | 6 |
| May | 17.1°C | 7.9°C | 79.7 mm | 7 |
| Jun | 15°C | 6.9°C | 92.1 mm | 8 |
| Jul | 13.7°C | 6.3°C | 85.9 mm | 7 |
| Aug | 14°C | 6.2°C | 81.8 mm | 7 |
| Sep | 15.2°C | 6.5°C | 69.9 mm | 6 |
| Oct | 16.5°C | 7.2°C | 77.2 mm | 6 |
| Nov | 18.6°C | 8.6°C | 63.9 mm | 5 |
| Dec | 20.5°C | 10.3°C | 68.5 mm | 6 |
Family notes
- Warmest month on average: Jan (mean daily high ~23°C); coolest: Aug (mean daily low ~6°C).
- Most rainfall on average: Jun (~92 mm total); driest: Jan (~52 mm).
These values are long-term monthly climatologies from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) for the nearest model grid cell to these coordinates — not a single city-centre weather station. Spatial resolution is about 50 km; coastal belts, hills, and dense urban cores can differ. Precipitation is corrected MERRA-2 rainfall; rainy-day counts are approximated from monthly totals.
Grid cell used: -41.287°, 174.776° (WGS84)
Visa options
Reviewed Mar 2026
Reviewed Mar 2026
New Zealand operates an employer-accreditation system for most skilled migrants. The AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa) is the main work visa and requires a confirmed job with an accredited employer. An NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is sufficient for short scouting trips.
Tap the ? next to a term for a quick definition.
NZeTA — New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
Available to most Western passport holders. For scouting trips only — no right to work or long-term stay.
AEWV — Accredited Employer Work Visa
The main work visa for skilled migrants. Requires a job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer paying at or above the median wage.
NZeTA — scouting trip rules
- Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, and most EU countries can apply for an NZeTA online — costs ~$14 and is typically approved within minutes to a few days.
- Maximum stay: 3 months. Cannot be extended or converted into a work visa from inside New Zealand.
- Good use: 2–3 weeks scouting Kelburn, Wadestown, Karori, and Thorndon for schools, housing, and neighbourhoods.
- Apply via immigration.govt.nz — the official Immigration New Zealand portal.
AEWV — employer-sponsored work visa
- Your employer must be AEWV-accredited by Immigration New Zealand before they can sponsor you — confirm their accreditation status before accepting any offer.
- The job must be paid at or above the median NZ wage — verify the current threshold at immigration.govt.nz before applying.
- Required documents: passport, job offer letter, proof of qualifications or work experience, and health and police clearance.
- Apply online at immigration.govt.nz — processing typically takes 3–8 weeks for a complete application.
- Dependants (spouse and children) can be included as secondary applicants with full work and school rights in New Zealand.
Confirm your employer's AEWV accreditation status before accepting a job offer — not all employers are accredited and gaining new accreditation adds months to the timeline.
Registration & IRD Number
Reviewed Mar 2026
Reviewed Mar 2026
- Apply for your IRD number (Inland Revenue Department number — New Zealand's equivalent of a tax ID) at ird.govt.nz as soon as you arrive. Required for employment, banking, and most government services.
- There is no mandatory address registration system in New Zealand — update your address with your employer, bank, and GP when you move in.
- Work visa holders on a visa of 2 years or more are eligible to enrol with a GP and access most public health services under Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand).
- ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation — New Zealand's no-fault accident compensation scheme) covers all residents and visitors for injury costs, regardless of visa status.
- After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, you can apply for New Zealand Permanent Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Apply for your IRD number at ird.govt.nz within your first week — you need it before your first payslip and for opening a bank account.
Banking
- ANZ New Zealand, ASB, BNZ (Bank of New Zealand), Westpac NZ, and Kiwibank are the main banks in Wellington. All have English-language banking and central Wellington branches.
- ANZ NZ and ASB allow online applications before or shortly after arrival — activate the account in-branch with your passport and visa letter.
- To open an account you need: passport, visa approval letter, and a New Zealand address.
- Apply for your IRD number (tax ID) immediately — without it, banks withhold tax at the non-declaration rate on any interest.
- Wise and Revolut work well for international transfers while your New Zealand account is being set up.
ANZ NZ and Kiwibank are the most accessible banks for new arrivals in Wellington — bring your passport and visa approval letter to open an account.
Housing
Wellington is more affordable than Auckland. Family-friendly areas include the inner suburbs (Kelburn, Wadestown), the eastern suburbs (Karori, Khandallah), and the waterfront area (Thorndon).
Where to search
These are local rental platforms — this is where residents rent long-term housing (cheaper than Airbnb).
Search 'Wellington' or the suburb name inside each platform to filter local listings.
Tip: Wellington's rental market is small and moves fast — be ready to apply immediately after viewing with all documents prepared.
Typical monthly rents
- 1-bed apartment, Thorndon or Te Aro: $945–$1,240/month
- 3-bed house, Kelburn or Wadestown: $1,535–$2,125/month
- 3-bed house, Karori: $1,300–$1,770/month
- 3-bed house, Khandallah: $1,180–$1,650/month
Best areas for families
What you need to rent
- Valid passport and visa approval letter
- Two most recent payslips or employment contract
- 3 months of personal bank statements
- Reference from a previous landlord
- Bond of up to 4 weeks rent — lodged with Tenancy Services
Schools
Wellington has a strong public school system well suited to expat families. International school options are limited — most expat families use the state system successfully.
Public system
New Zealand public schools are free and open to all residents. Wellington's high-decile state schools in Kelburn, Karori, and Khandallah are among the best in the country and are used successfully by most expat families. The state system is the default choice here — not a fallback.
International options
Wellington has a very small number of private and integrated schools. There are no dedicated full-fee international curriculum schools in central Wellington — families seeking IB or British curriculum programmes typically look at Auckland or consider the state system.
Language notes
All instruction is in English. There is no language barrier for English-speaking families. Te reo Māori immersion schools (kura kaupapa) are available for families interested in bilingual education.
Start the school enrolment process as soon as your arrival date is confirmed — high-decile state schools have zoned enrolment and out-of-zone applications may be limited.
Education options
High-decile New Zealand state schools (public, zoned)
Free, open to all residents in zone. Kelburn, Karori, and Khandallah zones produce strong academic outcomes — the standard choice for expat families in Wellington.
Integrated private schools (faith-based and independent)
A small number of private and Catholic integrated schools in Wellington. Offer NZ curriculum with a different character or ethos.
Childcare
Wellington has a good supply of licensed ECE (Early Childhood Education) centres. The government funds 20 hours/week of ECE for children aged 3–5, reducing costs significantly.
Daycare & nurseries
- Licensed ECE (Early Childhood Education) centres accept children from 3 months old — the main childcare form in Wellington for working parents
- Typical fees: $32–$53/day. Children aged 3–5 receive 20 hours/week of government-funded ECE — this significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for that age group
- Funded ECE hours can be used at any licensed centre — confirm your child's eligibility at education.govt.nz
- Popular centres in Kelburn and Karori have 2–6 month waiting lists — register as soon as your arrival date is confirmed
Nanny & au pair
- Full-time nannies charge $11–$15/hr — slightly lower than Auckland but still reflecting Wellington's cost of living
- Nanny-sharing is common among expat families in Kelburn and Wadestown — reduces hourly cost significantly
- Au pairs are a popular option — typically $106–$148/week plus a private room and board
- Start your nanny search 6–8 weeks before arrival — Wellington's nanny market is small
Where to find childcare
- Seek.co.nz — New Zealand's main job platform, used for nanny and childcare listings in Wellington
- TradeMe Jobs — also used for nanny and au pair listings
- Search 'Wellington Expat Parents' or 'Kelburn Wellington Parents' on Google — local community groups for personal recommendations
Healthcare
Reviewed Mar 2026
Reviewed Mar 2026
- New Zealand's public healthcare system (Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand) covers permanent residents and work visa holders on visas of 2 years or more. Enrol with a local GP within the first week.
- Enrolled GP visits are subsidised — typically $9–$24 for adults, free for children under 14. Walk-in and non-enrolled visits cost $47–$89.
- ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers all accident-related injuries for everyone in New Zealand regardless of visa status — no excess, no-fault scheme.
- For visa holders not yet eligible for public funding, arrange IPMI (International Private Medical Insurance) before arrival — family plans typically cost $165–$325/month.
- Wellington Regional Hospital and Starship-affiliated Wellington Children's Hospital provide public hospital care — both are well-regarded for family health services.
Register with a GP as soon as you arrive — subsidised GP visits for eligible visa holders require enrolment; walk-in rates are significantly higher.
Safety
- Violent crime is rare — Wellington is consistently one of New Zealand's safest cities for families
- Petty theft and vehicle break-ins are the main daily risk — keep valuables out of parked cars
- Earthquake risk is real — Wellington sits on an active fault line; familiarise yourself with Civil Defence NZ guidance and have a household emergency kit
- Wind is a genuine daily hazard for children — Wellington's gusts can be sudden and strong; cycle helmets and outdoor clothing are essential year-round
- Family suburbs (Kelburn, Karori, Wadestown, Khandallah) are very safe with active community networks
FAQ
Is Wellington good for families?
Yes — Wellington is a compact, walkable, culturally rich city that families consistently rate highly. Smaller and quieter than Auckland, with a strong community feel, excellent schools, and easy access to nature on all sides.
How much does a family typically need per month here?
Budget $4,500–$6,500/month for a family of four including rent. A 3-bedroom in a good area runs $2,000–$3,200/month — more affordable than Auckland.
Is housing hard to find here?
Moderate. Wellington's rental market is smaller than Auckland's. Good properties in Kelburn, Wadestown, and the eastern suburbs move quickly but the overall pool is manageable. Start searching 4–6 weeks before arrival.
Do children need international school here, or can local schools work?
Local public schools work very well — same strong New Zealand state school system as Auckland. School zones matter here too. Research school catchment areas before choosing a rental neighbourhood.
Is healthcare easy to access as a newcomer?
Yes. Same New Zealand public health system as Auckland. Register with a GP early — Wellington has well-regarded hospitals and specialists, and access is generally faster than in Auckland. If your visa qualifies, public care is largely free.
Do you need a car in Wellington?
Partially. Wellington's compact inner city is very walkable and has good bus coverage. The hills and wind make cycling less universal than in flat cities. A car is useful for outer suburb living and weekend trips.
How difficult is the paperwork and bureaucracy after moving?
Simple — same New Zealand process as Auckland. Apply for your IRD number online, open a bank account pre-arrival via ANZ NZ or Kiwibank, register with a GP early. Wellington's smaller size means most admin resolves faster than in Auckland.
What usually surprises families after arrival?
The wind. Wellington is consistently and genuinely very windy — it's not a figure of speech. Families from calm climates find the daily wind disruptive, particularly for young children outdoors. It's a quirk rather than a deal-breaker, but it comes up in every newcomer conversation.
Sources
Official government, institutional, and public sources.
Community
Expat groups and community forums. Use the search buttons below to find them.
Search 'Wellington Expats' or 'Expat Family Wellington NZ' on Google — community with housing, school, and settlement advice
Search: “Wellington Expats Facebook group”Search on Google