Get a job in Auckland

You can move to Auckland by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits).

Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.

Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together

Public Transport

• AT HOP Card: Prepaid card for buses, trains, and ferries.

• Buses: Most common public transport, but can be slow in traffic.

• Trains: Limited network, mainly serving west, south, and east Auckland.

• Ferries: Useful for reaching places like Devonport, Waiheke Island, and North Shore.

Driving

• Left-hand driving, with heavy traffic during peak hours.

• Parking is expensive in the city centre.

• Many people use cars due to limited public transport options.

Domestic flights

• Auckland Airport connects to other NZ cities and islands.

• Flying is often faster than driving for long-distance travel.

What is the AT HOP Card?

The AT HOP card is a prepaid smart card for use on Auckland’s buses, trains, and ferries. It provides discounted fares compared to cash tickets.

Where to buy and top up:

• Available at AT Customer Service Centres, selected retailers, and online.

• Can be topped up online, at machines, or retailers (minimum top-up: $5).

Prices:

• Card purchase: $10 (non-refundable).

• Discounted fares: Usually 20–25% cheaper than cash fares.

Using the card:

• Tag on when boarding and tag off when exiting to avoid extra charges.

• Works on buses, trains, and ferries, but not taxis or airport shuttles.

How to look for rentals:

• Trade Me Property: Largest rental listing website
• Realestate.co.nz: Used by agencies for property listings
• Facebook Marketplace and groups: Good for short-term rentals and flatmates.
• Property management agencies: They are able to help with finding long-term rentals

Best areas:

• City Centre: Convenient for work, expensive, mostly apartments
• Ponsonby and Grey Lynn: Trendy areas with cafes and nightlife, a bit pricey
• Mount Eden and Epsom: Family-friendly, good schools, mid-range pricing
• North Shore (Takapuna, Albany): Beaches, quieter, but longer commutes.
• South and West Auckland (Henderson, Manukau): More affordable, diverse communities

Prices and renting process:

• One-bedroom apartment in the centre: NZD $2100 per month
• Avondale: NZD $2200 per month
• Epsom: NZD $2400 per month
• Mt Eden: NZD $2700 per month

You usually pay four weeks’ rent upfront plus one or two weeks’ rent in advance. The lease length is typically 6–12 months, but shorter terms available

The summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and humid, 20–30°C, with occasional heatwaves. Autumn (Mar–May) is mild, 15–25°C, with cooler nights and more rain. Winter (Jun–Aug) is usually cool but not extreme, 7–15°C, and with some storms. Spring (Sep–Nov) is nice, 12–22°C and with a mix of sun and rain showers.

Rainfall is generally spread throughout the year, averaging 1200 mm annually. It’s a windy city, especially in coastal areas and during storms.