1) PSS International Removals – 1st Choice for Moving Overseas
Ok, we might be biased, but there is a good reason why PSS are regarded as first choice for moving overseas by many in the migration and international relocation industry. The big container shipping companies ship hundreds of thousands of shipping containers around the world everyday. In fact, there are an estimated to be over 15 million shipping containers in circulation worldwide. Whilst technically you could approach them directly to help with your move, you are unlikely to get the best price or service and they they only talk to you you if you are regularly shipping large volumes. A better option therefore is to use a Personal Shipping Company like PSS who specialise in shipping personal goods for people moving abroad. As we help thousands of people ship their belongings all over the world, we are able to negotiate the best shipping rates. There is also much expertise required in imternational shipping and importing your goods into your destination country. PSS will help you with any required documentation, find the best shipping line and negotiate the best rate, pack your container at your house, take care of customs clearance and have our trusted international partners collect your shipment from the port and deliver it to your door. This makes the whole international shipping process as stress free as possible for you. As a highly accredited international removals and shipping company (including BAR overseas, FIDI FAIM, International Association of Movers to name just a few), you can be assured of the highest standards of service. Also as we specialise in personal shipping, every customer is important and valuable to us, no matter if you have a container for your sole use or are just sending a few boxes. As part of our quality service commitment, we only use the best accredited shipping lines. Below we overview the main shipping companies we partner with. All operate to high standards so the list is not necessarily in order of preference. The shipping company we choose would be based on a combination of cost, availability and the destination you are moving to.
2) Maersk Line
Part of the A.P. Moller Group, Maersk are the world’s largest shipping company based in Denmark and operates on an international basis, with the majority of its trades taking place between Asia and Europe, South America and Europe, and UK and North America. With an extensive network of 600 vessels travelling between 370 ports located in 110 countries, a large amount of trades occur on a daily basis both business and personal. Headquartered in Copenhagen and operating for over a century, Maersk has one of the most integrated shipping networks, including warehouse storage solutions in over 50 countries. In 2015, Maersk was reported to have held 15% of the world’s existing container capacity. Maersk are probably the most famous container shipping line worldwide and their ships are very identifiable with a light blue colour. As one the best and most reliable shipping companies, PSS regularly partner with Maersk for a number of popular destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Asia, USA, Cyprus and the UAE.
3) MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
MSC are headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and trades on average 20 million TEU in capacity annually. Founded 50 years ago, their expertise are focused on delivering a variety of goods in a range of different sectors, some of which include : chemicals, food and beverage, agriculture and many more. They also offer bespoke container types to suit different cargo loads, from dry cargo, reefer cargo, special cargo to dangerous goods. However, they also provide a quality service for shipping personal goods for people moving overseas. MSC operates in over 150 countries globally, with 560 vessels travelling in any one of the 200 different allocated routes at any given time. They also offer transport services on land, including intermodal services via truck and rail. Asides from container shipping, MSC also offers warehouse and storage solutions, as well as custom clearance services so your items can be taken care of past the point of just shipping. MSC are recognisable for their bright yellow branding the black colour of their ships’ hulls. PSS ship with MSC from the UK to ports in the USA, Cyprus, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the UAE.
4) ONE – Ocean Network Express
ONE was established as a joint venture between Japanese shipping companies: “K” Line, MOL and NYK in 2017. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the sixth largest shipping company in the world and also a member of The Alliance alongside allie members : Hapag Lloyd and Yang Ming. They’re recognised for their strong branding and bright pink shipping containers, reminiscent of cherry blossoms in Japan (the origin of their parent companies). With their message to unify the world as “one” through collaborating internationally and providing global services, they collectively own 250 vessels and transport 1.4 million TEU in capacity annually, with services being offered in over 100 countries. PSS regularly partner with Ocean Network Express for shipping from the UK to destinations such as USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UAE.
5) Hapag Lloyd
Hapag Lloyd (also a member of the The Alliance alongside ONE and Yang Ming) offer logistic and shipping services in just under 400 locations, trading between Latin America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America, with frequent trading to countries like Cyprus, Australia, New Zeland, US and UAE. As one of the largest liner shipping companies in the world, Hapag Lloyd offer a wide range of container types to support different cargo requirements i.e. breakbulk, open top, hardtop, flatrack and platform. As well as being headquartered in Germany, they also have regional offices located in Hamburg, Genova, Dubai, Singapore, New Jersey and Valparaiso – with regional cargo contacts available readily for shipment enquiries. Annually, Hapag Lloyd are known to transport 12 million TEU in capacity via 230 vessels, with the majority of their cargo including foodstuffs and beverages, materials and chemicals. Hapag Lloyd are famous for their bright orange shipping containers which really catch people’s attention when they are parked outside your home to collect your household goods. PSS partner with Hapag Lloyd to ship from the UK to ports in Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, USA, Canada UAE / Dubai and more.
6) Sealand
Sealand is in fact now a Maersk company, focusing on intra-regional shipping within continents: the Americas, Europe, Mediterrenean and Asia. Sealand’s network covers 300 ports in 90 countries, supporting the shipment of dry, reefer, special and dangerous goods cargo. Alongside container shipping, Sealand also provide intermodal transport via sea, rail, truck and barge, with value protect to keep your goods covered at all times. Like the majority of modern international shipping companies, Sealand’s website and mobile applications allow live tracking of existing shipment orders to keep you informed of potential delays and estimated delivery times. At PSS we mostly partner with Sealand for shipping from the UK to destinations in Europe, most notably Cyprus and Malta.
7) OOCL – Orient Overseas Container Line
OOCL, a shipping company headquartered in Hong Kong, are primarily known for their integration of technology to improve their logistic and shipping services - including being one of the first to design an application for managing and tracking orders. They are also known for being awarded on their launch of internal data management system, IRIS-2, as well as their ongoing project on the use of artificial intelligence to improve the overall logistics and transport process with Microsoft Research Asia. OOCL are in fact the first shipping company to become accredited against the Safety, Quality and Environmental (SQE) management system, applicable to the 59 vessels they own, each up to 21,000 TEU in capacity, trading between Asia, Europe, America, Australia and Africa. We mainly use OOCL as an alternative for shipping to Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
8) DAL – Deutsche Afrika Linien
DAL are a privately owned German shipping company, run by the Essberger/Von Rantzau family and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. DAL provides both container and general freight services, with its shipping network covering Africa, Europe, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean (though its main focus is that of East and South Africa). DAL owns 4 vessels, totalling just over 21,000 TEU in capacity, and is one of the first shipping companies in history to trade to and from Africa. DAL frequently trades to and from South Africa and the Canary Islands (including Tenerife) so we find them very useful if you’re moving there.
9) Tropical Shipping
Tropical shipping is a transport and logistics company based in West Palm Beach, Florida, providing door-to-door shipping and intermodal services for container shipments as well as less than container loads (LCL). They have 50 years of experience shipping internationally across 30 locations for both personal and business use, using integrated real-time shipment tracking services and marine insurance covered by Sea Seas for added piece of mind. At PSS we use Tropical for shipping from the UK to the Caribbean & Bahamas.
10) CMA-CGM
CMA-CGM are a large French shipping company headquartered in Marseille, trading between 160 countries worldwide, owning the second largest reefer carrier in the world. They have an extensive network of 420 ports globally, running 500 vessels that travel via 200 routes, holding 21.6 million TEU annually in capacity. CMA-CGM provide door-to-door logistic services via sea and land, with experience in transporting dry, refrigerated, special and dangerous goods cargo. CMA-CGM are also highly proactive when it comes to sustainability, launching their CMA-CGM plus scheme for the environmentally conscious who are looking to lower their cargo’s carbon footprint. They provide the choice of package between: using a natural gas that releases less air pollutants, using a biofuel that releases less carbon emissions or allowing you to contribute to sustainable agricultural and social projects. Whilst not one of the main container shipping lines we use, CMA are useful to have as a backup option.
11) Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation are a Taiwanese shipping company founded in 1972, transporting load both domestically and overseas and cover Asia, Australia, Europe and America. They own over 100 vessels, transporting 640,000 TEU in capacity annually. Yang Ming are ranked ninth for the number of containers imported and exported to and from the US. As members of The Alliance, they collaboratively work with their allies in providing shipping services across 80 ports worldwide. Asides from transport and logistics, they also offer warehouse services and the repair and lease of containers.
Which international shipping company should you use?
The above are some of what we consider the best shipping companies operating out of the UK. But fortunately you don’t have to go to the trouble of choosing which is best for your circumstances as your experienced Move Manager will take care of that for you. To get a quote for moving or shipping overseas you can use our international removals and shipping cost calculator. Alternatively you can go direct to our shipping pages for USA, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Canada and South Africa. There are many good shipping companies to choose from. As long as you select an accredited company you should be fine. However, even when you use one of the best, you still need to ensure your belongings are expert packed for a long sea voyage and you also need to be confident that the import and customs procedures are taken care of.
The post The 11 best international shipping companies in the UK for 2021 appeared first on PSS Removals.
Lying on Cape Palliser road's coastal side, this is the perfect freedom camping spot in the south. This picturesque and unique fishing village allows you to stay for 21 nights. While here, go birdwatching, journey to the lighthouse nearby, and watch the seal colony and seabirds make their homes in the region. This secluded and quiet location will also present you with lovely coastal sunsets and sunrises, hiking and swimming, rock-pooling with your kids, and walks in the town settlement.
If you love to campervan to a remote location where you can engage in rugged nature activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and mountain biking, then this is the location for you. Orangihikoia is a hidden gem that is perfectly located a small distance away from Lake Waikaremoana and north of Te Taita O Makora. Be warned, however, that to access the campsite, you have to pass through a narrow, long, and winding road that might be difficult for first-time campervan drivers.
Do you love to sleep to the sound of the ocean? Then take a drive to Kaiaua Beach, located six kilometers off the state highway. There, you will enjoy long and winding views of sparkling water for three nights. The Beach is part of the Hawkes Bay area, and it offers plenty of swimming, fishing, and beach walking opportunities. This is one campsite you will have to book in advance, however.
If you love stunning, unique locations, then this is where you should start your campervanning journey in New Zealand. Located in Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, this freedom camping site is filled with ancient vegetation trees that make up its fertile lowland forest area. This early Maori settlement is difficult to trek around the sloping forest hills. Nevertheless, it houses the popular Maungatapu Track ride that lets you travel between Nelson and Pelorus valley. Prepare to hike, fish, swim, and kayak. Another beautiful thing about this campsite is that it is divided into two: the powered and the non-powered sites. But, no fires are allowed on the campsite.
Divided into the South of Mavora Lake and North Mavora Lake sites, your campervanning trip here will involve swimming, tramping, hiking, mountain biking, walking, and fishing. You will get fire spots, BBQs, picnic tables, and stunning views here, in addition to boat rides on the North Mavora Lake site.
This is the perfect spot for campers who want to explore the Paparoa National Park while setting up a base camp. The campsite is also located close to the beach allowing you to sleep to soothing ocean sounds. You will also wake up to an amazing sunrise landscape with direct access to the trails across the beach. Scale the sheer limestone gorges, tramp, swim, bushwalk, and fish here if you want.
Don't let this small freedom campsite fool you; it has a lot to offer. Think birdwatching, hiking trails, shaded resting areas, fire pits, and plenty of campervan space. The Tararua Forest Park is also available for nature lovers looking for a camping experience in the wild. Get to experience all the native birds in New Zealand here, and don't hesitate to take a swim in the forest water body. The only shortcoming of this site is that it does not allow pets.
If you have a self-contained campervan, you can visit Reid's Farm for three nights and four days. This is another location perfect for nature lovers that prefer to sleep near water bodies. The campsite allows users to park their vehicles along the edge of the river, where they can experience the sound of birds and water creatures drifting into the sunset. Find this farm on Waikato River banks and Huka Falls Road and enjoy swimming, walking, fishing, and hiking activities.
Looking to freedom camp flexibly in Queenstown, then travel to Twenty Five Mile Stream. This is the perfect place to rest for four nights in your campervan when on your holiday travels. Kayak, swim, and fish on your rest days. From here, you can then access Queenstown directly or venture into Arrowtown.
Our final freedom camping site is the breathtaking stormy and moody Milford Sound Lodge. You will get your ultimate campervan camping experience here from the forest and powered sites that manage to afford you a staying experience in the wild. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the numerous activities this site has to offer as well – they include kayaking, track and bushwalking, sound boat cruises, trout fishing, hiking, and sound diving.
Campervanning in New Zealand is a fun experience. But before you get your holiday started, remember to take your time to get used to the new time zone and learn the New Zealand freedom camping rules. Then take time to explore the stunning nation; you don't want to miss anything incredible on your journey. Don't forget to give us a call when you are ready for your 
The Gold Coast is Australia's 6th largest city and with so much to offer it's no surprise it's one of the fastest growing. As a result there are plenty of employment and business opportunities even in these difficult times. If there is anywhere that's going to bounce back quickly then it's the Gold Coast! There is no better place to advantage of the rise of the work at home culture than the Gold Coast. The local government already has plans well underway to make the Gold Coast Australia's leading digital city and the coronavirus pandemic is only accerating this. If you’re considering moving from the UK to the Gold Coast, then now might be the time to put those feelers out for employment.
This is for many the most important of considerations when choosing a place in which to begin a new life. What you see on a daily basis, the beauty or lack of it, can seriously affect your mental health. Waking up to blue skies will always make your day start off on the right note and the Gold Coast is certainly not short of those! The scenery on the Gold Coast rivals some of the most famously stunning spots in the world and the beaches are only the beginning!
Most people think of Surfer’s Paradise when they think of the Gold Coast and it can’t be denied that this glitzy seaside resort is an attraction for people of all ages and from all walks of life for good reason. But for those not interested in shopping, dining, surfing and nightclubs there’s an array of quietly idyllic beaches to choose from in less developed areas, such as Snapper Rocks which plays host to the annual Quicksilver Pro Surfing Completion and the nearby Froggys Beach, a popular wedding destination. Then there are also some lively and cosmopolitan beaches such as the award-winning Burleigh Heads from which you can see the skyline of the Gold Coast, looming dramatically over the bright blue waters. When you choose to live in the Gold Coast you'll have access to 57km of stunning coastline where you can really live the Australia dream!
If you’re looking at moving to the Gold Coast to take advantage of a more outdoorsy lifestyle, then you will definitely be interested in the epic rainforests which the area boasts. Not too far from the metropolitan area is Tamborine National Park which offers eco adventures, rainforest canopy discovery walks and many educational opportunities which help to conserve the area’s outstanding natural beauty and wealth of wildlife. In fact, the Gold Coast has over 21,000 hectares of exotic rainforest to explore.
This is a serious plus for anyone considering moving to Queensland. The Gold Coast is…well… it’s cosy all year round! Warm, wet winters and hot humid summers make for a very special environment in which beautiful plants and trees thrive in the lush landscape and aching bones cease to ache. It’s a popular destination with those over 60 due to the weather and especially good for anyone who isn’t fond of the drier conditions found in the southern part of Australia. When you live in the Gold Coast you're guaranteed sunshine all year round!
What good is all that stunning weather without a good selection of theme parks in which to enjoy it! When you’re tired of the beach (if that’s something you think might actually happen!) then you can head to any one of these amazing theme parks.
Gold Coast shopping is above and beyond many other Australian cities because it has always had to cater to its large tourist influx. This is after all the favoured place for Aussies to holiday and a large portion of European and American visitors head here. The city houses some of Australia’s largest duty-free outlets and shopping centres as well as a growing independent sector.
Like any large metropolitan area, the housing on the Gold Coast varies in terms of price but there’s one thing for sure and that’s the fact that you get a lot for your money, especially when compared to other Australian cities. Compared to British housing, Australian houses are generously sized and tend to have a laundry room in addition to a separate kitchen or kitchen diner. On the Gold Coast, most houses are built with the weather in mind and will include a great outdoor area for eating or relaxing day and night. Covered verandas are popular for obvious reasons and with gardens being on average larger than those in the UK you’ll still have tons of space for the kids to play outside because they don’t take up half the garden!
As if there weren’t enough curious creatures in Australia to begin with, it seems most of them live on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. There are over 1,300 animal species here and 1,700 plant species. Good news for gardeners! You’ll see amazing birds of all colours, dramatic amphibians and insects galore on the Gold Coast as even a simple walk turns into a nature trail very quickly as you begin to notice the vast array of animals, birds and insects around.
Officially! Sharing the title with Brisbane, the Gold Coast is listed as one of the most desirable places in the world in which to live. Considerations which were taken when compiling this list included political, social, economic and environmental factors in addition to personal safety and health. 
All of New Zealand is quite easily accessible by road and air - even small towns have domestic Air New Zealand flights on a regular basis. Other airlines, such as JetStar, mean there is always plenty of choice. There are five international airports – two on the North Island (Auckland and Wellington) and three on the South Island (Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown) so travelling back to the UK or making the 3 hour trip to Australia is no problem either way. In addition to air services, New Zealand is well serviced by buses such as ManaBus, which covers North Island, and InterCity and NakedBus which operate nationwide. A part from the urban services in Wellington and Auckland, the railways in New Zealand are more geared towards freight and tourism, which is why they are branded ‘The Great Journeys of New Zealand’. With New Zealand being about the same size as the UK, it is relatively easy to drive around both islands. UK driver’s licences and international driving permits (IDP) are valid for 12 months from when you arrive so this is a good option if you are used to driving around. With New Zealand being left-hand drive, it could even be worth your while shipping your car out from the UK. Speak to PSS’ advisers and they’ll be happy to give you advice and a quote.
Due to the country’s diverse landscape, the climate in the North and South Islands is pretty different. As most of the country lies close to the coast the temperatures are mild. North Island is warmer and wetter with subtropical weather on the far north, while as you travel south temperatures decrease. Most of New Zealand has at least 2000 sunshine hours a year compared to just 1500 in the UK. Snow rarely falls in coastal areas, but some parts of alpine area on the South Island can be as cold as –10c in winter. Temperatures are fairly similar to the UK, with North Island highs during summer being around 25 degrees with lows around 12, while on the South Island temperatures go to 22 high with lows of 10 or even less in some parts. People who like higher temperatures and warmer weather, but don’t mind a bit of rain, would prefer living in the north. However, those enjoying more sunshine, but not minding chilly mornings, will find South Island a better place to live.
New Zealand has about 15 official cities (most are located on the North Island) and lots of small, interesting towns, townships, villages and settlements with plenty of character. Compared to busy North Island, cities and lifestyle in the south are more laid back. People in many parts of the South Island feel a long way from the stresses of the city life and that’s probably one of the reasons they are really friendly and welcoming. The biggest and busiest cities on the North Island are Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga and Napier/Hastings - perfect for those who enjoy being part of the bigger crowd. Auckland, with its population of 1.5 million is the biggest city in the country. This is a place where most of the people settle when they first land in New Zealand. There are ample opportunities and it’s pretty easy to find your way around. Known as “the coolest little capital in the world”, Wellington offers all the luxuries of a big city perfectly balanced with a relaxed way of life. Wellington region has a population of over 500,000 and offers a huge diversity of everyday activities. Across the Cook Strait on the South Island, the largest city is Christchurch with a population of about 380,000. The city is still in the process of re-building after a devastating earthquake in 2011. Famous for its culture, Christchurch is a lovely place to consider living in and the weather is great. Further south is Dunedin (120,000), second biggest city on the South Island. Lots of international students are coming to study there as it is considered one of the best places to live in New Zealand for employment and education. Other cities by population are Nelson (65,000) and Invercargill (54,000). In summary, North Island wins for having the biggest cities, but South Island’s towns have plenty of character. 
The cost of living in New Zealand is considered high and when you consider housing prices, life on the South Island might be cheaper. However, according to payscale.com people earn more on the North Island so this tends to balance things out, especially if you live outside the city centres. If you are renting, utilities are paid on top of your weekly rent. Those include electricity, gas (if you are using it for hot water or cooking) and water – charges depend on how much is used. If you own a car you will need a warrant of fitness for it (the New Zealand equivalent of the MOT) which costs around $50-$80 and if you have an old car you will need to re-do this every 6 months. Prices in supermarkets are similar everywhere in the country, but this depends on what you like to buy and you can always choose between cheaper and more expensive products. Here are some prices of regular shopping basket items in 2020 (source: numbeo.com): You can quite clearly see that everyday supermarket items are most expensive in Auckland. Howerever when comparing Wellington (north Island) and Christchurch (South Island) they are much more similar - although Christchurch is cheaper overall.
Living on the South Island is considered significantly cheaper than living up north. Most new migrants choose to rent a home until they have decided exactly where they would like to settle. The majority of people coming to live in New Zealand end up living in Auckland. The cost of living and housing in the biggest New Zealand city is high, but the wages are also considered higher than in the rest of the country. With many job opportunities available it shouldn’t be a problem to find an affordable place to live in. The rent in Auckland is most expensive with an average cost of around $350 a week for a one bedroom home not so close to the city centre. For the last few years the North Island city of Whanganui has been considered the most affordable place to live in New Zealand. Comparing the prices, rent on the South Island is cheaper. A two-bedroom home in the largest city on the island is around $380 a week and if you decide to go all the way to Invercargill a weekly rent for a two bedroom house is around $250 or cheaper. If planning to buy a house, South Island has undoubtedly cheaper prices. In March 2018 the average value of the housing for the Auckland Region was over $1m while properties in Christchurch have an average value of about $500,000.
Both North and South Island offer plenty of job opportunities to newcomers depending on your skill set. Obviously, if you already have a job offer, this will decide where you move to, but New Zealand has a buoyant economy so there are opportunities everywhere. The main industries in New Zealand are construction, agriculture and tourism, with many jobs openings in IT, medicine and engineering as well. There is a higher chance of finding work on the North Island around the bigger cities such as Auckland, Wellington or Hamilton where you can often find a job pretty quick in lots of different sectors. On the South Island, Christchurch with its peaceful and relaxing lifestyle, is very popular among migrants, with plenty of job opportunities in construction and trades as this city needs a lot people to help in rebuilding. In other parts of the South Island most of the jobs available are in agriculture, manufacturing, recreation, hospitality and tourism. There are jobs on offer in other industries, but a bigger variety can be found on the North Island.
With malls in the biggest cities around the country and outlet stores, craft and food markets available everywhere, shopping in New Zealand is easy. Naturally, bigger cities on both islands have more to offer than small towns but the shopping experience on both islands is pretty good. There are stores in almost every bigger town in which you can buy everything at one place – from food to homeware, clothes, camping gear and sporting equipment. There are four main supermarket chains (Countdown, New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square) which can be found on both islands, and there is no significant difference in food prices across the country. New Zealanders are keen on quality food so you are not short on great cafes or restaurants on either North or South Island.
There’s no better country than New Zealand for those who like spending time outdoors in a safe environment. If you like walking, climbing, surfing, tramping or any kind of outdoors activities you are moving to the right place. New Zealanders are very outdoorsy and always look forward to spending long weekends in nature. The best thing is that both North and South Island offer many different things to do, including city activities and wandering around nature reserves, national parks and walking trails. Also known as City of Sails, Auckland is famous for its vibrant central business district, long sandy beaches and bush walks not far away from the city centre. Some of the highlights in Auckland are Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, Wynyard Quarter and Auckland Waterfront, Waitakere Ranges for walking enthusiasts on the west, beautiful beaches on the east side and Waiheke Island within a short ferry ride. A huge number of New Zealand’s tourist destinations are located on the North Island. From the Far North Cape Reinga, popular summer destination Tauranga, well known Rotorua with its hot mud pools and thermal hot springs, to Lake Taupo for a quick winter getaway. Surfers will enjoy riding waves in Raglan, adventurers will take on one of the great walks including Tongariro Alpine Crossing and nature lovers will discover all the beauty of the bush walks. On the other hand, South Island is well known across the globe for its fascinating scenery, from the Wynyards in the Marlborough region on the north of the island, Abel Tasman National Park on the west coast, Fiordland National Park where famous Milford Sound is, to unique Stewart Island on the far south. As Stephen Fry recently enthused, “Fiordland, ladies and gentlemen. What a spectacle. Earth destination number one.” Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”, Queenstown is a magnet for everyone looking to experience some of the best adventure activities. This small town on the South Island is a popular place for people who like skiing, kayaking and climbing.
Sea temperatures in New Zealand are not really high, but with about 15,000km of coastline it’s not hard to find a place near the sea on the North or South Island. If you like swimming and going to the beach, you will prefer living on warmer North Island where you can enjoy sunbathing on beautiful beaches. Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Maunganui Beach near Tauranga, Ninety Mile Beach in Kaitaia, Onetangi Beach on Waiheke Island and many beaches close to Auckland including Mission Bay and Takapuna are just some of the places on the North Island. Even though sea temperatures are lower on the South Island, there are magnificent places to enjoy hot summer days. Beaches in Abel Tasman National Park, Tahunanui Beach in Nelson, Brighton Beach in Dunedin and Curio Bay in Southland region are the places to be.
People migrating to New Zealand have a chance to enjoy a number of sporting activities as well as plenty of entertainment events around the country. As a family oriented place, New Zealand offers a lot of family friendly activities. The variety of entertainment and leisure activities depends on whether you choose to live in a big city or in a small town in the country. An interesting fact is that even some of the smallest townships have leisure centres with a swimming pool. On both islands, you will be able to choose whether you want to see a movie in a cinema, show at a theatre, or dine out in one of the restaurants or local pubs. Most of the bigger events take place in big cities, so if you would like to see a famous star performing in New Zealand it would probably be in Auckland on the North Island or in Dunedin or Christchurch on the South. New Zealanders like to contribute to the community in any way they can, so the best way for newcomers to meet the locals is to join one of the social and community groups which share their interests. There is also a big camper van culture on New Zealand and this is a great way to go exploring the outdoors on the weekends.
New Zealand is a desirable place to live and there are so many great reasons to make a move including quality of life, scenery, weather, outdoors lifestyle and plenty of jobs for skilled migrants. Those from the UK who like bigger cities, more people, warmer and more pleasant weather will prefer living on the North Island while those looking for a laid back lifestyle, all kind of outdoor activities and less crowded places to raise a family will enjoy their life on the South. But no matter which island you choose to move to, New Zealand offers one of the best qualities of life in the world, so we’re sure you will be delighted, whatever your decision. As New Zealand is not so big, weekend trips to either island are very easy so you can enjoy the best of both islands where ever you live.