Three Real Stories About What It Takes to Move to New Zealand
There is something really special about being able to follow along on someone’s journey when they’re doing something massive in life, such as moving to New Zealand.
It’s one of the biggest things you’ll ever do.
It really, really is.
Today we’re bringing you three more members of our community who are going to share with you one-on-one what it’s like for them right now, why they’re moving, and how they feel about it.
You’re going to hear from three members around the world. Two from Germany, one from the USA. They’re going to share how they’re feeling about moving to New Zealand from the United States and from Europe.
If you’ve been wondering whether you’re alone in your fears and your hopes, this is for you. And if you’re still in the early stages of research, start with our guide on how to relocate to New Zealand .
For those wondering is New Zealand a nice place to live, these real stories will give you an honest answer.
Listen to the podcast, and read the full, raw transcript below to follow three different journeys! You can also watch the video version of this podcast below or over on our NZ Ahead YouTube Channel.
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A 5 Part Video Series!
Dan’s Story: “We’re 100% Supposed to Be There”
Who Is Dan?
Dan is from the USA. When he joined our community, he said, “I’m the one that keeps commenting on your YouTube channel.”
He and his wife are currently in the Silicon Slopes of Utah, south of Salt Lake. They’ve been in the States for about 40 years. They were born and raised there.
Why Does Dan Want to Leave America?
Dan and his wife are feeling that some things are going on in their country that don’t match up with what they believe is good for them.
“Some things are going on in our country that don’t match up with what we believe is good for mental health and also good for peace and kindness,” Dan says.
So they started looking for options. A few months back they said, “What the heck? Let’s look at New Zealand.”
From then until now, all the little pieces have been falling together.
What Is Dan Afraid Of?
Dan is honest about the fear. The fear of going someplace new. The fear of leaving what you know.
But he’s also honest about the hope that negates that fear. And with that hope, belief, and then evidence that your beliefs and hopes are in fact true, you can do something.
That’s what Dan calls faith.
What Is Dan Looking For in New Zealand?
“We wanted to find a country that felt like America in the 1980s,” Dan says. “That felt like America that we valued.”
He’s not sugarcoating it. He says things in the United States are changing and they’re not changing for the good.
They’ve been fighting the good fight, protesting, writing their representatives. Now they’re going to peacefully step out.
They came across New Zealand and realized the society they’ve been exposed to, the people, the work language of “hey, we’re all in this together” fits their belief system.
What About the Financial Trade-Off?
Dan knows they’ll be taking quite a financial hit moving to New Zealand. The cost of life in New Zealand is high.
But the trade-off is peace and safety.
“Right now we’re in a conservative state, which is fine, but half the state’s mad at everybody else in the state,” Dan says. “There’s concerns about safety and everything we do here is about fear.”
That constant fear has adversely affected their lives.
What Gives Dan Hope?
“The overall consensus is that the people in New Zealand give us hope,” Dan says. “The kindness and charity that is expressed to us by people in these forums, by Liz and everyone else, gives us the courage and that’s the evidence we needed.”
He doesn’t know what’s going to happen. He doesn’t know if they’ll be able to create a life for themselves and their two young adult kids who are coming with them.
But he knows it’s for the good. And he knows he’ll be surrounded by good people who are actively trying to improve their lives and their communities.
“It’s basically the American dream has become the New Zealand dream,” Dan says. “That if you work hard enough, you can have a good life and you can live in peace.”
For anyone considering the same leap, our why move to New Zealand guide covers the many reasons people make this choice.
And if you’re bringing family, our parent visa New Zealand guide explains the options.
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!
Mark’s Story: “I Have to Take the Leap First”
Who Is Mark?
Mark is from Germany. He’s from Cologne, just outside Cologne.
He’s been working at his company for over 29 years. His partner Dorethea has been at her company for about 23 years.
How Sure Is Mark?
Mark is around 80% sure about moving to New Zealand.
The main reason he’s not 100%? Leaving a company after 29 years is not as simple as it might sound.
His partner is around 50% confident. She’s not as sure as he is.
What Is Mark’s Plan?
Mark will take the leap first. He’ll prepare everything, find a home, find a place, find a job, secure everything.
In the meantime, Dorethea will come over as often as possible. When everything is settled, she wants to rent out their house in Germany to generate a second income. They won’t sell it. They’ll keep it as a backup plan.
Why Is This So Hard for German Families?
When you’ve been working for a company for so many years, it takes a lot to leave. You’re in with them. It’s all going supposedly well.
To throw that all up in the air and move to the other side of the world is not easy.
There’s also the cultural and language barrier. It’s harder when you’re German or French or any non-native English speaker. The workplace chat culture can get lost in translation.
But as we always say, you have to be willing to take that leap. And Mark is doing exactly that.
If you’re over 55 and wondering about your options, our guide on how to immigrate to NZ over 55 covers age-related pathways.
For those coming from Europe, our moving from France to New Zealand guide offers similar insights.
Casso and Jacob’s Story: “A Thousand Percent in Our Hearts”
Who Are Casso and Jacob?
Casso and Jacob are from Berlin, Germany. They’ve got a little one-year-old daughter called Tara.
Casso is a social worker. Jacob is her husband.
How Sure Are They?
Casso is a thousand percent sure emotionally. New Zealand is the place where she could see Tara growing up, where she could see them growing old.
It has everything they’re dreaming of. It just checks all the boxes.
But realistically, she’s at about 70% right now.
What’s Holding Them Back?
Jacob needs an English test score of 7 in all bands for her visa. He was the worst English student in school. He has ADHD and can’t really focus on anything for long. The pressure to get that test score right is enormous.
“Everything just depends on that because if we don’t have that, no pressure, nothing else works,” Jacob says.
He keeps learning and keeps doing it. But because of his experience with school and exams, he’s limiting himself a little bit in being super sure.
Jacob is also at about 70%.
What Keeps Them Going?
“We do everything that’s possible to reach the dream,” Casso says. “It’s just slower as well with a child. We’re not giving up on it until we hit rock bottom.”
Even if they have to take another route, even if they have to do a new job and get the visa first, they don’t care. They will make it.
What Do They Love About the NZ Ahead Slack Community?
Casso says the community gives them hands-on help. They can connect to other social workers who give them insights into the job market. Many of their fears can be posted in the community and people answer them kindly.
“Without you guys we probably would have not been so sure about this whole thing,” Casso says.
For those considering healthcare roles, our guide on healthcare New Zealand jobs for US citizens is a great starting point.
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A 5 Part Video Series!
What Do These Stories Tell Us About Moving to New Zealand?
There Is No “Right” Percentage
Dan is 100% sure it’s the right thing. Mark is 80% sure. Casso is 1,000% in her heart but 70% realistically.
There is no magic number. There is only your number.
Fear and Hope Can Coexist
Every single person in this episode admitted to fear. Fear of leaving. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure.
But they also all have hope. And that hope is what keeps them moving forward.
The Community Makes the Difference
Every person mentioned the community. The kindness. The support. The people who have walked the walk before them.
That’s why we do what we do.
New Zealand Doesn’t Have to Be Forever
As Ryan said in a previous episode, it doesn’t have to be forever. You can always go back. Just look at it as an adventure.
But you’ll never know unless you try.
For those who worry about the challenges, our downside of moving to New Zealand guide is honest about the realities—but also about the rewards.
And if you’re considering a return, our returning to New Zealand guide covers that journey too.
Frequently Asked Questions: What it Takes to Move to New Zealand
Q: How sure do I need to be before moving to New Zealand?
A: There’s no magic number. People range from 65% to 100%. The key is being honest with yourself about your fears and excitement.
Q: Is it okay to be scared?
A: Absolutely. Everyone in this episode admitted to fear. Great things feel scary.
Q: What if my partner isn’t as sure as I am?
A: Mark’s story shows a great approach—he’s going first to scout and prepare, while his partner comes over as often as possible before making the full move.
Q: What if I fail the English test?
A: Casso’s story shows the pressure is real. But there are multiple test options and you can retake them. Also, some visa pathways don’t require the same scores.
Q: Does moving to New Zealand fix all your problems?
A: No. It won’t wash away your problems. But it can give you a fresh start and a better lifestyle.
Q: What if it doesn’t work out?
A: You can always go back. It doesn’t have to be forever. As Brian says, “No one’s going to put you up against a wall and shoot you.”
Q: What about healthcare jobs in New Zealand?
A: Our guide on healthcare New Zealand jobs for US citizens covers the opportunities available for medical professionals.
Ready to Join the Journey?
If you’re planning a move to New Zealand, you don’t have to do it alone.
Your next steps:
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Head over to nzahead.com/free for our free 5-day video guide on life in New Zealand.
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Join our private NZ Ahead community on Slack for support from people on the same journey.
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Explore our guides on new zealand work visas and moving from united states to new zealand .
If you’re still deciding where to settle, our guide on new zealand south island or north island can help you choose.
And if you’re considering a move with a partner, our new zealand partner visa guide explains how to include your family.
If you’re planning a visit before you move, check out our guides on the best time to go in New Zealand and new zealand in November .
As Dan said, “It’s basically the American dream has become the New Zealand dream.” And as we always say, brave is unbeatable.