Find Accommodation

Hotels & Motels

Many people choose to stay in a hotel or motel for their first few nights in New Zealand until they get settled, get over their jet lag and have time to search for something to buy or rent. 

A motel can be an economical option, with most units being self-contained, including a small kitchen, cooking applicances and utensils.

For a comprehensive list of accommocation options by location, price and type, click here.

    Motel

Rental Accommodation

Renting homes in New Zealand is very common.  Whether you are renting while getting adjusted to your new town, or until you find the perfect house to buy, it's a good first step to getting settled as a new migrant in New Zealand.

It's likely your household goods, including your furniture and beds, will arrive in New Zealand a few weeks after you and your family. Furnished rental accommocation is available in most New Zealand towns and cities.

Things You Need to Know

1. Before you start searching for a rental property, make sure you familiarise yourself with how things work in New Zealand and what your rights are as a tenant. Click here for information about how to get started.

2. Most landlords will require you to sign a tenancy agreement for a minimum of 6-12 months. Make sure you check the minimum tenancy period with your landlord before you sign any agreement.

3. You will also need to pay a bond, which can be between 2-4 weeks rent in value. This money is held by the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal and covers the landlord should the property be damaged in any way or the tenants default on their rent payments.

If you pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and tidy, you will receive this money back from the Tenancy Tribunal at the end of your tenancy.

   Rental Accommodation

4. You will need to pay your first rent payment in advance, which is usually 2 weeks worth.

Accommodation Types & Costs

New residents should be prepared to spend quality time looking for a house to rent in New Zealand as prices and quality can vary dramatically in many parts of a city. 

You can rent almost any type of property your heart and wallet desires in New Zealand, from stylish inner city apartments, little bedsits, spacious old homes with large outdoor living areas or a lifestyle block on the outskirts of town. Furnished accommodation is also available.

Below is an estimate of weekly rental costs for a 3-bedroom house:

  • Central Auckland $280 - $530
  • Hamilton $180 - $300
  • Wellington City $270 - $500
  • Christchurch $200 - $400
  • Dunedin $180 - $300

Searching for Accommocation

Whether you want to buy a property or rent something temporarily, the best place to start is by visiting www.realestate.co.nz - New Zealand's single comprehensive property web site that is owned by the real estate industry. It is the largest source of New Zealand property for sale with around 700,000 listings and is one of the most visited real estate web sites in New Zealand. Source: Real Estate Insitute of New Zealand

Many property owners also choose to advertise on TradeMe, which has an extensive list of properties for sale and available to rent.

For more information about home ownership and house prices in New Zealand, click here.

Short Term Rentals (Auckland)

If you are looking to rent something short term until you get on your feet, get in touch with Rob Pickstock of Short Stay Rentals in Auckland. Rob offers short-term, quality, clean, fully furnished accommodation for a couple or a family. You can email Rob at rob@shortstayrentals.co.nz