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Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but the first week living in Wellington, New Zealand, is an exciting leap into your new life. Whether you’re an expat, here for a project, a new resident, or an immigrant, what you get done in the first week you’re here will make all the difference in how you get settled in overall.

Wellington is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, making it an ideal place to start fresh. In this article, we’ll walk you through each day of your first week, offering practical tasks, enjoyable activities, and wellness tips to ease your transition into this beautiful city.

You can also download a free Settling in Checklist that breaks down the essential tasks you need to complete in the first few weeks and months after your move to New Zealand.

Day 1: Setting Down Roots

Online Tasks to Tackle

Your first day should focus on essential online tasks that will help kickstart your new life in Wellington. Applying for your IRD number (Inland Revenue number) is best to do once you’re in New Zealand. There are a few documents that you’ll need to provide to demonstrate a reason for needing a number, and can include details from your visa or employer. This number is crucial for tax purposes and helps you get sorted with employment and benefits. Take a few moments to complete this online form; it’s an essential step in your move to New Zealand.

Next, it’s wise to set up your bank account online if you haven’t done so already. Many banks in New Zealand, such as ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, and ASB, have simple online registration processes under a “Migrant Banking” scheme. This allows you to set up your new bank account and transfer money into it, all before you even arrive in New Zealand.

Lastly, don’t forget to get a mobile phone set up. You can research various mobile providers like Vodafone or Spark and choose a plan that suits your needs. Having a local number will help you stay connected with your new friends and family.

Important In-Person Tasks

Once you’ve tackled your online tasks, it’s time to head out and take care of some essential in-person activities. Start your day at a local bank branch to activate your new account. Make sure to bring your passport and any necessary documentation. Most banks will require proof of identity, so it’s better to be prepared.

Pro Tip

If you don’t have the required to apply for an IRD number, ask your bank to print out a transaction statement when you’re there. Inland Revenue will accept this as one of the required documents.

After your banking details are sorted, take a moment to get some fresh air. A gentle walk around your new neighbourhood will help you familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Explore nearby parks or waterfront areas to enjoy the natural beauty of Wellington.

Lastly, check off a critical errand by arranging to have your groceries delivered. Use local supermarket services like New World or Countdown to order online. This way, you won’t have to worry about what to eat on your first night.

Relaxation and Wellness Activities

After a day full of tasks, it’s essential to unwind and relax. Spend your evening settling into your temporary accommodation, perhaps by treating yourself to a warm bath or a home-cooked meal made from your grocery delivery. Or maybe head out to a local restaurant or bar and meet some locals!

Days 2 & 3: Exploring Your New City

Online Tasks to Complete

As you enter the second day, you’ll want to explore more about your new home. Start by getting a Snapper card, which is the best way to access public transport in Wellington – buses and trains only accept cash or Snapper. You can register online and download the app, making it convenient for you to track your spending and top-up your card.

Lastly, do some research on local events and happenings. Websites like Wellington City Council’s page and local Facebook groups can provide insights into community events, market days, or social meet-ups happening around the city. And don’t forget to download local New Zealand apps onto your phone that will keep you in the know.

Key In-Person Tasks

With your online tasks under control, it’s time to head out again! If you are working with a Settling In Consultant, they will be taking you on an individually curated tour to knock out key tasks, take you to locations that are important to you, and will show you around some recommended suburbs (neighbourhoods) where you might want to focus your home search.

It’s a good idea to visit the AA (Automobile Association) to transfer your driver’s license. New Zealand allows you to drive on an overseas license for up to a year, but it’s wise to get your local license sorted early. Make sure you have all the documentation you need before you go so you don’t have to make multiple trips. You can also stop by one of the many outlets that sell Snapper Cards and pick one up to link to the account you set up earlier.

Then, make your way to New World or Woolworths for a proper grocery shop. This time, consider checking out local produce and treats specific to New Zealand. Don’t forget to sign up for loyalty programs while you’re there! If it’s the weekend, make sure to check out the Saturday farmers markets, or the Sunday market on the Wellington waterfront. These markets often have a wider variety and better pricing than supermarkets, and are very popular with Wellington locals.

In the mood for some adventure? Head over to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. It’s a fantastic way to learn about Kiwi culture, history, and the arts, all while enjoying stunning views of the waterfront.

Relaxation and Wellness Time

After two busy days, dedicate some time to relax. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, where you can take in the beautiful scenery and vibrant atmosphere. Find a local café and try out a flat white and cheese scone—both specialities in Kiwi culture. Pamper yourself by bringing home a little treat or finding a cozy spot to read a book.

Days 4 & 5: Getting Serious About Finding a Home

Online Tasks to Focus On

Now that you’re a little more through the jet lag and you’re getting familiar with where things are here, it’s time to start working on becoming a real local. If you’ve had a tour of some recommended suburbs that meet your needs, your Settling In Consultant will share with you several suggested properties. Normally rental properties have set viewings on the weekends, but your Settling in Consultant can arrange private viewings for you over the next few days.

It’s also time to talk to the local shipping agent to confirm the arrival details for your container and start looking online for any furniture or appliances that you may need to be delivered when you move into your new home.

Pro Tip

Macrons matter

Lastly, install the te reo Māori language pack on your personal computers, and activate the Māori language keyboard. Macrons are the little line that is sometimes above vowels and indicates it should be pronounced as ‘long vowel’. Macrons matter in te reo Māori. The example people often use is how “keke” in te reo translates to “cake” in English. But “kēkē” translates to “armpit”. Macrons matter.

Key In-Person Tasks

On Day 4, if you are importing pets in your move to New Zealand, then this is a great day to meet with your Pet Importer and visit the quarantine facilities. If you’re lucky, your pet may already be there (although you might not yet be able to see them).

On Day 5, you will want to go explore some of the areas that you are considering for your next home. You may even be able to go to some private viewings already. This is also a good time to go visit schools and sports clubs, and talk to some people there who can give you the inside view.

Relaxation and Wellness Tips

After spending time shopping, how about taking the Cable Car up to the Botanical Gardens for a relaxing walk and take in the sounds and smells of New Zealand. Take a moment to appreciate your progress during these busy days.

Days 6 & 7: Preparing for Your New Home

Online Tasks to Complete

These next few days will be busy as you complete application packages for the homes you would like to rent. There is fierce competition for housing in Wellington, and having a strong application package to submit along with the proper forms will be critical. The Property Managers and Landlords are in the position to be very selective to who they offer a tenancy to. They want to make sure that you will take care of their investment and that you will be a good tenant. If you’re working with one of our Settling In Consultants, they will help you put together a compelling package, and will have advised you on what documentation and reference letters you should have obtained before you left your home country.

This is also the perfect time to start exploring which companies or packages you will want to use for your essential utility services such as power, internet, cable TV, and natural gas (if needed). This way, once you have secured a property, you will know which products are best for you.

Important In-Person Tasks

In addition to preparing the application packages, you’ll also be viewing (or as we say in New Zealand, “inspecting”) potential rental homes. It is highly recommended that your Settling In Consultant, or someone trusted, goes with you to view these homes. New Zealand is known for cold, damp homes, and Wellington especially has mould issues due to our long, wet winters and poorly insulated homes. Sun exposure and wind protection is also very important when looking at a potential home, so make sure you keep this in mind.

Relaxation and Wellness Practices

Finish your first week with some reflection on all you have accomplished.

Conclusion

Before you moved from your home country to New Zealand, you had preparation and packing lists, lists of services to cancel and/or pause. And now you’ve found that you have to set up all those services and life-essentials again, but this time in a new country with different ways of doing things, and sometimes with totally different names! It is a lot, and can be overwhelming, but your Settling In Consultant is there to guide you through it all and take away some of the stress.

Make sure to download the free Settling In Checklist so you can keep track of all the details for your first few weeks and months. It’s a break down of what you need to do, and when, covering your first week as well as what you need prior to move in (to your rental), at move in, and after moving in.

Remember to take time for yourself and soak in the beauty of your new environment—whether that’s through relaxing walks or enjoying a warm cup of coffee at a local café.

If you’re looking for more support as you settle into your new life in Wellington, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help you thrive in your new home.