Move to London from New Zealand

When you move to London from New Zealand, a major life shift that involves changing time zones, currencies, and cultural rhythms. Also known as relocating to the UK from Oceania, it’s not just about packing a suitcase—it’s about understanding how the city works behind the scenes. You won’t find free healthcare waiting for you the moment you land. You won’t get a state pension just because you used to pay into KiwiSaver. And yes, rent in Zone 2 can eat half your salary before you even buy groceries.

That’s why people who make this move successfully don’t just follow Instagram influencers. They look at London rent prices, the real average costs by borough and zone, not the flashy Airbnb listings. They check UK visa for New Zealanders, the specific routes like the Youth Mobility Scheme or Skilled Worker visa that actually work for most people. And they talk to others who’ve done it—like the Kiwi nurse in Croydon who shares her Oyster card top-up hacks, or the ex-Wellington teacher now running a small bakery in Peckham.

You’ll need to figure out how to pay without getting hit by hidden fees—cash vs card in London, which ATMs don’t charge you extra, and why Dynamic Currency Conversion is a trap. You’ll learn where to find cheap vegan meals if that’s your thing, or how to get decent dim sum without paying £25 for three dumplings. You’ll discover which transport stations are truly step-free, and how to claim a refund when TfL overcharges you—because it happens more often than you think.

This isn’t about tourist tips. It’s about survival. You’ll find posts that show you what it’s really like to live here: the quiet Sundays in Greenwich, the late-night food after a theatre show, the struggle to find a flat that doesn’t smell like old socks. You’ll see how New Zealanders in London build communities—through book markets in Spitalfields, vegan donut shops in Hackney, or live music pubs where everyone knows your name by month three.

There’s no magic formula. But if you know what questions to ask—about rent, visas, food, transport, and belonging—you’ll avoid the traps most newcomers walk straight into. Below, you’ll find real stories, real data, and real advice from people who’ve already made the jump. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you book your flight.