Living in Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is something of a mecca for jobseekers from around the country and overseas. It’s got the right mix of career opportunities, incredible scenery in every direction, and the welcoming culture that Kiwis are famous for.

There are roughly 1.5 million people who call Auckland home, so even though it’s the biggest city in the country, it isn’t as busy or hectic as major hubs overseas. To make your move to the ‘City of Sails’ as easy as possible, here is our comprehensive guide to living in Auckland, New Zealand.

Where to live in Auckland

When you’re deciding where to live in Auckland as an expat, it will likely come down to how easy (or difficult) the commute is, and how close you are to your workplace and local amenities such as shops and entertainment.

Fortunately, there’s plenty to choose from. Here is a quick introduction to some of the main areas you might like to live in Auckland.

Auckland City – The Auckland CBD is the heart of the city located on the waterfront, and it’s small enough that you can easily walk to most central destinations within 20 minutes or less. Living in Auckland CBD means you’ll be in an apartment building, and while they generally cost more than suburban locations, it can save on transport costs and car parking.

Devonport – Devonport is an older, more relaxed upscale suburb on the other side of the harbour from Auckland CBD. It’s a 12-minute ferry ride across the harbour, and you can purchase a 10-pack of crossings for NZ$46, making it an affordable, quick, and beautiful commute. Alternatively, you can make the drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the city.

Three Kings – Named for the three extinct volcanoes it’s built on, Three Kings is a diverse and hip suburb just 6 km from the CBD. It has its own shopping districts and amenities, as well as a thriving restaurant scene.

Ponsonby – An upscale part of the city, Ponsonby is known for its chic and speciality shops, fantastic nightlife and dining, and older, finer homes. It’s just 3 km from the CBD, making it easy to drive or walk on fine days.

Newmarket – Newmarket offers a secondary business hub just a few kilometres from the central city, with a range of businesses, shops, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll find a mix of apartment buildings and homes in this popular area.

Mission Bay – For those who love the beach, Mission Bay could be the place to be. An 8 km drive from the central city, this upmarket area is hugely popular during weekends thanks to its gorgeous waterfront location and dining scene.

The Auckland jobs market

Auckland’s major employment industries are diverse, so there is a huge variety of jobs on offer in the city, especially in innovation, ICT, and hospitality.

In 2014, 51 New Zealand companies took spots on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific index, with almost half of those (24) based in Auckland. It’s no surprise then that Auckland has more than 6,700 companies in the ICT sector, together employing more than 30,000 people.

Tourism and hospitality are also large job markets in Auckland, and throughout New Zealand. Tourism recently became the country’s largest export, and now directly employs more than 330,000 people – as many as one in eight jobs in New Zealand.

Looking ahead, Auckland’s job market remains in growth mode. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment predicts that from 2016-2019, Auckland will see some of the strongest growth in the country at 2.4%, with roughly 58,800 new workers during that time.

Salaries in Auckland

Auckland workers bring home some of the highest average salaries in the country. The median personal income in Auckland was $29,600 in the last census (2013), second only to Wellington. Auckland did have the highest household median income of all the regions at $76,500 per annum.

If you’re interested in finding out how much you might earn in Auckland in your sector, use the tools available at the Michael Page Salary Guide.

Renting in Auckland

Auckland rental properties are often managed by real estate agencies, although there are many that you can rent through private landlords. One of the most popular websites for renting property is Trade Me (you can also buy and sell a huge array of items on this site), and many are also listed on realestate.co.nz.

To apply, you will usually need to fill out an application form, and offer references. You may even need a reference letter from a previous landlord and current employer. Most rents are paid weekly and, should you be accepted, you will usually have to pay the first and last week’s rent up front, as well as a damage deposit.

Note that many rental properties in Auckland are unfurnished. You can either pick up affordable furniture and household items on Trade Me, or you can hire them from mrrental.co.nz.

Household utilities in Auckland

If you rent a property in Auckland, it is the responsibility of the property manager (or landlord if it’s a private listing) to ensure all the appliances included are in good working order when you move in. Should something break down or malfunction during your tenancy, it is also up to them to organise a repair or replacement.

Most rental properties will include water rates in the weekly rental price, but you will be required to pay for additional bills such as power and Internet. However, be sure to read your rental agreement, as some properties will include these as well.

If you purchase a property in Auckland, you will need to organise suppliers for power, Internet, and phone services.

Major energy providers in Auckland include:

Mercury Energy – electricity, gas, and solar

Trustpower – electricity, phone, gas, and Internet

Contact Energy – electricity, gas, and solar

You will also be responsible for setting up Internet at home, as well as a phone line if you want one. The main providers in Auckland are:

You may also be able to bundle your home Internet and phone line with a deal on your cell phone plan.