Alpacas & Small Town NZ

You might be wondering how alpacas would fit in to any discussion about the New Zealand immigration process, but trust me there is a connection, or rather the connection is to where you might find them - small town New Zealand. I have just come back from a few days away with my family in Waihi and as part of that trip, we stayed on an alpaca farm, hosted by some ex-Aucklanders who had escaped the chaos of big city life, for something a little more relaxing.

That trip got me to thinking about how underrated, life in our small centers can be, particularly if you are considering relocating here from distant shores. Most would-be migrants are attracted to our main cities (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch etc.) given the potential availability of work, however small town New Zealand has a lot going for it and for some migrants, this might just be the escape they are looking for.

So in this week’s article I thought it would be good to shine a bit of a light on life in small-town New Zealand, highlighting some of the benefits and opportunities that exist in these hidden gems. I can also speak from experience, having grown up in Tokoroa, which whilst not exactly small (by NZ standards) would still be considered a village if you were moving from somewhere like London or Singapore.

Small Town NZ

Having grown up in a small(ish) town, and then spending time in London, Sydney, travelling extensively through Asia and then living with my family in Auckland, I can speak to how the smaller the place, the more connected you feel. Small towns offer that sense of community that bigger centers don’t, not to mention they offer less traffic, cheaper housing and still have plenty of good employment options. It is however an adjustment and if you were moving from Singapore to Paeroa, it would be like moving from Earth to Mars. The pace is slower in small town New Zealand and there is a degree of adjustment to make, but the benefits can be pretty significant.

Small Town Benefits

Small town NZ offers the potential migrant a completely unique lifestyle, and an escape from big city life.

Traditionally migrants head for the big cities because there is a perception that the work will be there and to a degree that is true. The bigger the place, the greater the level of employment options available, however equally the greater the level of competition for those same jobs. There are some migrants who will have to gravitate to the main centers but for many, small town NZ is a very viable option.

Many of our small towns need skilled workers, especially in agriculture, horticulture, healthcare, education, construction, and tourism. Regions like Marlborough (wine industry) and Ashburton (farming and dairy) are always on the lookout for talent and in fact some of these places run active campaigns to source migrant skills.

Housing, groceries, and everyday expenses are often much cheaper in small towns than in big cities like Auckland or Wellington. This means your money goes further, and you can potentially move that extra money towards a bigger house, more land, or a better quality of life.

Small town communities often involve newcomers quickly - from sports clubs to local markets to volunteer groups. It’s easier to feel like you belong when you’re part of a tight-knit town with a strong sense of community. Being in one of these locations also naturally encourages a more relaxed lifestyle. Less hustle, less stress, and more time to enjoy family, nature, and community events.

For many migrants, moving to New Zealand is about lifestyle and what better way to secure that, than by moving to somewhere with less, people traffic and stress. For others, migrating is more about necessity, and in this case, considering a move to somewhere that isn’t one of our main cities, might give you a better shot at securing employment, with the added benefit of being economically more viable.

The message here is that small town NZ has a lot to offer, not just locals, but those looking to become locals. It takes some adjustment and a bit of a mindset change, but it could be well worth considering.

Location, Location, Location

When planning a move to a new country, one of the most important decisions a migrant will make is choosing the right location. For some that choice is driven by opportunity (jobs) or family and can be pretty set in stone. However for others, who have more flexibility its a good idea to consider all the options. In New Zealand, where lifestyle and community can vary significantly between regions, location plays a huge role in shaping the experience of any migrant attempting to settle in. The right town or region can make a real difference in how quickly someone feels at home, finds employment, accesses services, and builds a fulfilling new life.

Location is Key

There are plenty of fantastic, small town options in NZ, many of which are keen to attract migrant talent.

Small towns in New Zealand offer a unique opportunity for migrants who value space, community, and a closer connection to the great outdoors. However, it’s essential to consider practical factors like employment prospects, education options, healthcare facilities, and transport links. Some towns, such as Cambridge or Blenheim, offer a blend of small-town charm with strong local economies, making them attractive choices for skilled workers and families. Others, like Greymouth or Whanganui, offer a slower pace of life but may require migrants to plan carefully around job opportunities or specialised services.

Lifestyle is another key factor tied to location. A coastal town like Ohope offers an outdoor, beach-focused lifestyle, perfect for families and individuals who love swimming, fishing, and boating, whereas, an inland town like Cromwell might appeal more to those who enjoy lakes, vineyards, and proximity to ski fields. Thinking carefully about the type of environment — rural, coastal, agricultural, or urban — can make a major difference to how you experience your move.

Connection to community is often stronger in smaller towns, but it’s important to choose a location that feels welcoming and supportive. Many small towns in New Zealand have growing migrant populations and are actively working to create inclusive communities. Towns like Ashburton and Timaru have strong multicultural associations and networks that can help newcomers build friendships and find support early on.

Ultimately, choosing the right location is about more than just finding a house - it’s about finding a place where work, lifestyle, family, and community come together in a way that makes New Zealand truly feel like home. My advice to anyone considering the move (and its something I discuss during the initial stages) is to factor in not just the usual main centers but to consider (carefully) what life might look like in somewhere smaller, quieter and with less noise. You might even find an an alpaca or two along the way.

Interested?

Planning a move to New Zealand is a complex thing, with a lot of moving parts and often when people talk about making the move, they do so, not really understanding how diverse life can be here, depending on where you end up. Moving to Auckland would be significantly different to moving to somewhere like Waihi or Thames and so understanding the options from the outset is a good idea.

While many migrants are pulled to a particular location due to family connections, in reality nowhere in NZ is too far to travel to, so if you have relatives here, calling you to Auckland, consider how much time you might actually spend with them, and whether you can perhaps still think about a move to somewhere more remote, if it suits your end goals.

Of course, employment does play a key role for most migrants and its easy to assume that all the jobs are in the main cities, but with the regions often crying out for skills, you might find there are plenty of opportunities hidden away in the quieter corners of the country.

If you are thinking about NZ as your next step, and not quite sure where in the country you should head to, then get in touch with the team today - it all starts with that initial discussion.

Until next week…