If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand from America, then you will LOVE this week’s podcast episode!
Today, we have the pleasure of hearing from Ben, who recently made the move to New Zealand from the USA. He shares his family’s experience—definitely a relatable journey filled with challenges, discoveries, and a whole lot of heart.
If you’re considering moving to New Zealand from America, grab a comfy seat and let Ben’s story inspire you!
This post may contain affiliate links. They cost you nothing, but we make a small commission. Please see our Disclaimer page for more details.
Meet Ben: An American Dreamer From Midwestern Roots
Ben comes from a quaint town near St. Louis, Missouri. He’s been working in information technology project management for over five years and is married to Kira, a dedicated registered nurse.
They have a spirited four-year-old daughter, Cora, who is the apple of their eye, celebrating her fifth birthday soon.
“We’ve always lived in a small town and moved to St. Louis in 2018. That’s where the journey toward New Zealand began!”
Ben’s affectionate memories of rural America provide a backdrop for why he and Kira decided to uproot their lives for new horizons.
The Catalyst for Change: Family First
The Decision to leave America to Move to New Zealand
So why leave? As Ben puts it, the major turning point was becoming parents. He felt a profound desire to provide a better life for Cora. Shockingly, when Cora was just one, her daycare announced that they were implementing intruder drills.
“We just decided we couldn’t live with ourselves if anything happened to our daughter. The reality of gun violence in America was hitting home. It was time for a change.”
This gut-wrenching concern for their child’s safety emphasized the urgency to find a more child-centric environment, which ultimately pointed them towards New Zealand.
Discovering New Zealand
For many Americans moving to New Zealand, they think it’s necessary to visit first.
Ben and Kira decided to do extensive research online, scouring podcasts (like the NZ Ahead podcast, yay!), videos, and forums. Eventually, they concluded that moving to New Zealand was the best option for the family.
“I think a lot of people get caught up in visiting first, but we just decided to go for it and trust our research!” Ben shares.
The Reality of Transition and Adjusting to New Zealand Life
After scouring the many cities in New Zealand, Ben and his family settled on the North Shore of Auckland. Ben’s family experienced the usual growing pains of relocating.
They initially felt apprehensive about leaving their loved ones behind, but they were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming the New Zealand community has been.
“The first couple of months were really tough. It’s natural to question your decision, but now that we’re in a routine, it feels like the best choice!”
One of the major advantages they found in Auckland was the abundance of playgrounds, child-friendly cafes, and public restrooms.
Both Kira and Ben felt relieved that their daughter could grow up in an environment where children are embraced rather than stifled.
Ben said it felt like a completely different world from America.
Cost of Living and Quality of Life: USA Vs NZ
Despite the beauty of their new home, adjusting to the cost of living in Auckland was a challenge. Coming from the Midwest, Ben explained that they had grown accustomed to lower housing costs.
“The rule of thumb in America is to keep housing expenses under 30% of your income, while here, it’s between 50% to even 60%—especially in Auckland!”
Ben and Kira meticulously tracked their budget to adapt to their new financial reality. Surprisingly, they found significant differences in food costs compared to what they expected.
One notable aspect was the range of high-quality eateries, including an array of cafes they never could’ve imagined.
“I was shocked at how many cafes there are! You can walk two blocks and find five different places to grab coffee.”
Do You LOVE New Zealand? Sign up below, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide.
A 5 Part Video Series!
Finding Community: Building New Connections.
Navigating Friendships
As Americans living in New Zealand, one of the initial worries for Ben was how they would build a new social network so far from home. However, they soon discovered that various American families were also adapting to their new life.
“Kira and I quickly got involved in the local community and found friendships we’re really grateful for,” he said.
Ben shared how they connected with families from the Slack group they were part of on their journey. They made friends with other newcomers, feeling like they weren’t navigating this transition alone.
Using Resources to Your Advantage
Ben also stressed the importance of utilizing online communities for advice and support. Like many, he wished to avoid the pitfalls of isolation and loneliness when relocating.
“Knowledge is power! The more you understand before making the big decision to move, the better off you’ll be,” Ben enthused.
Things to Keep in Mind for Future Movers
Reflecting on the Journey to New Zealand
When asked what he might do differently if given the chance to start over, Ben reflected on minor regrets. He wishes he’d brought over a few more personal items and memories of home to soften the transition.
“The biggest thing we miss is our California King bed we had made for us. It would have meant a lot to have had it here,” he shared.
Support for Future Movers
Ben’s story resonates with many. For families considering similar paths, he offers one significant piece of advice:
“Be prepared for a journey that isn’t without challenges. It’s natural to feel lost at times, but keep your eyes on the prize.”
Conclusion
Ben’s journey shows that moving to New Zealand from America can be an exciting adventure filled with hope, challenges, and rewarding experiences.
Through thorough research, determination, and a focus on family, they were able to carve out a beautiful life in a welcoming country.
Words of Encouragement
For anyone contemplating a move to New Zealand, Ben’s story serves as encouragement.
Lean into the support of others, embrace the quirks of your new home, and remember that sometimes, the most rewarding paths come with a little uncertainty.
If you’re curious about making a similar leap, join our community and let us lep you! Sign up for the FREE videos and on day 5 we will tell you all about our private NZ Ahead community.
Do You LOVE New Zealand? Sign up below, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide.
A 5 Part Video Series!
Love This Post? Save it to Pinterest!⬇️