6 Months in New Zealand // NZ vs Australia 2021 | Living Costs, Cultural Differences, & BEST COFFEE! 

Thank you for brining us along on your journey back home! I can't wait to see what is to come!

I can’t believe it’s been 6 months already! Loved this video, thanks lovely.

I live in Newfoundland, Canada so I live nowhere near Australia/New Zealand but I find this so cool to watch! Love learning of the way everyday life differs in different areas of the world! Either of those positions will be lucky to have you! I am sure it will all work out for you☺️

What an amazingly insightful wrap up! This was so brilliant to watch and to hear your observations. Loved it!!

Christchurch being "classed as a town in place like America", and Canadians saying "hello, that's what we do" is making me hit the subscribe button. These are things my INFJ self would think in my head. This is one of the most honest videos about New Zealand and I can definitely relate as someone who moved to NZ within the last two years. Loving this video!

Oh my I love that cushion in the background! I do look forward when I get the opportunity to travel to New Zealand! Such a lovely surprise today to see a new video. Missed you xo

This is so fascinating. Someday I'd love to visit NZ and Melbourne. Maybe someday, in a post-pandemic world

You are honest and realistic and would love to visit New Zealand . It is so beautiful .

I always love your videos with anything pertaining to NZ and Aus and can’t wait to go back to NZ when the borders open!!

I loved this video Arna! I've followed you for years and so cool to see your journey. I moved to Brisbane from NZ 3 years ago and the cost of living and job opportunities are so much better here which makes life less stressful. NZ is beautiful and I miss my family but love it over here! Glad you are both working and settled in CHCH x

You look so happy Arna, and I love that you are embracing your current life in NZ, rather than chasing the next step. It has been at least 15 years since we spent an extended holiday in New Zealand (loved it) and a bit of the east coast of Australia. I am surprised to hear that the ‘bloke’ culture is still very prevalent in Australia. As a Canadian, it really hit us when we were there. But that is one of the fun things about travel is that you observe and learn different cultures. We felt very much at home in New Zealand as it reminded us of Canada, and Australia to the USA, but in a bit of a time warp.

Hi Arna, hope you have a great rest of your week. Thank you for another great video. ❤️

I loved how you described Australia and New Zealand like America and Canada! I can totally see that! Great video! 💕

my god, i miss NZ. if i could live there for a couple of years in the future again, i would. it's so beautiful, the weather is amazing, the people, and the supermarkets... ahhhh. as a norwegian, most things were so cheap to me (except mobile plans... omfg i was shocked) so i was living THE LIFE. can't wait to go back when covid's over.

Your elbow chicken dance wading through the crowd. lol I like your sofa pillow, so cute! New Zealand sounds wonderful!

Such a great vid Arna, as always 🤍 Stay well xx

I totally get you on the old house winter freeze. It’s just lack of insulation and makes a huge difference! My in-laws live in Minnesota and no matter how cold it is outside it is always lovely and comfortable inside due to the insulation and heating. I used to live in a Queenslander and it would get absolutely freezing in Winter, even though the Winter weather in Queensland is very mild comparably (my Canadian husband describes our seasons as Summer and Not-Summer).

Really enjoyed this video. It's such fresh interesting content.

I enjoy your videos which informs us americans about where you live now with where you used to live.

She mentioned me (and my question)! Yay!

I can’t point out why but this video made me so happy! I have not been able to catch up on your last few videos but finally did. I loved hearing more about NZ. Regards to housing prices, I would say the US is going through the same thing. The house prices in my area has been really high and I know loads of houses ends up getting 30-40 offers which is crazy. Also lumber prices are through the roof as well here! Really happy to see you guys doing well. I saw on your recent vlog that you have to move in a few months. I hope you are able to find your dream place.

I really enjoyed hearing about life in NZ vs. Australia. Thank you for sharing the good and the bad for both. I’m definitely interested in visiting NZ someday. The pandemic made me realize how much I took traveling abroad for granted. I live in California, and I keep wondering how long it will be before international travel is possible and safe. In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying your videos and the glimpses into life in NZ. If you feel inspired, I’d love to see a vlog of a local walk/hike. 🙂

This was so informative! Thank you for your fair and honest input. Every country has their issues and it was helpful to know that we all struggle. Sending you guys all my love x

Thank you so much! Great video.

Thanks for your clip as I’m thinking of returning to New Zealand too after years abroad, hearing a similar story feels somewhat comforting,, i do worry whether NZ would be slightly too quiet and a totally different lifestyle, but I guess you need to take all the cons along with the pros right :) BTW u have a really nice soothing voice which makes your clips more pleasurable to watch 👍🏻

Thank you, Arna, very interesting. I have really valued living in different countries. I always learn something new about the world and about myself. I wish you well on your new chapter in Christchurch 💗

my boyfriend and I are looking into moving to Melbourne next year from Dunedin so I found this video sooo helpful! thanks so much! the rent prices for 1bed apartments in the cbd seem seem really cheap like too good to be true almost? how would you compare the power/utilities cost between nz and Melbourne? thanks :)

Hi Arna, great video. Just wondering if you had tried the cosmetics from NZ brand Aleph yet?

I really enjoyed this video. Very interesting comparison of the two countries. (I'm an Aussie with extended family in NZ, my cousins live in ChCh. )

We have Vogel's in the UK! Not the full range but usually a couple of varieties are available. Made me so happy when it appeared as it was my staple when I lived in NZ. Loved this video, has made me yearn to visit!

I worked on and off with NZ'dlers and in NZ over the years (LOVE you guys!!!) and have spent some time in the US and Canada. Aus and NZ are very much like siblings, but I'd say Aus is too, more akin to Canada/ians than with the US. I felt a really comfortable vibe in Canada (west coast area), was def closer to Aus than the US imho. But I am a little older and search out different things to those under 30's. The coffee culture in Aus is HUGE, to say the least. Coffee snobs are in every city and town these days (me included, gotta have great coffee). Cafe's who serve bad coffee just don't stay in business! Fun fact: Aus has won best world barista in the last few years and also best blend coffee (from a couple of Canberra lads, if memory serves me?). I love Melbourne too. If I didn't live in my beautiful Alpine city, and my kids and friends weren't here, I'd def love to give Melbourne a go. Melbournians really really get out and enjoy their city. I love that. Thanks for sharing Arna. Cant wait to get back to NZ (this time as a tourist in retirement), it is just so so beautiful.

I have visited & lived in NZ & Aus from Canada several times over the years. I love the outdoor culture in NZ, however as you mentioned the work situation in Aus always seemed better. Sometimes think about living in NZ as I have dual Aus/Canadian citizenship. Have visited Christchurch before & after the quakes, bit of a gut wrenching experience seeing it in 2015 minus much of the lovely old architecture. Although signs of renewal everywhere too!

Wow, what a great video, can't wait to visit you all in New Zealand and Australia in 2024. Keep up the great work and enjoy.

Hi Arna, do you know much about Perth. We are planning to relocate to Perth and currently in Riccarton

A really well done video Arna

So insightful! I've been looking into making the move from Canada to NZ as they are recruiting nurses :)

Genuinely interesting.

Is there any scope of accounting and finance professionals in nz for immigrants

Great video thank you for sharing .

Hey :) I was just wondering where you got that gorgeous cushion from that’s on your couch in the background, it’s so stunning! Xx

I understand the petrol prices comparison. We went to EnZed in 2017 and I did expect higher prices. Cool road trip though.

Exceptional video, the bottom line is key for me. So will be a holiday to NZ, at most for me 😎.

The tall poppy syndrome in NZ I see not as pulling down of people who excel, but those who show off that they are better, so you can do an excellent job, be the best in field, so long as you don't shout about it.

When you say “on trial” what exactly do you mean by that? Like what does it entail? And what happens at the end of it? They keep you on or let you go type of deal? Just curious

300,000?! I grew up in a town of 13,000. There were 32 people in my graduating class. Not only did I know everyone in my class, I knew the whole school. Now I live in the DFW area and I don't know anybody 😳

Really liked this video and your style and honesty Arna! New subscriber here🙂 We’re planning on moving to New Zealand as well, but we’re not kiwis (yet 😁). Hugs!

Very interesting, as a Canadian I definitely relate the closeness yet many differences to the US as you were saying from Aus to NZ. Also, that pillow!😍🌿

I always buy a loaf of Vogels bread when I'm in NZ on holiday.

I love the effort but is it fair to compare this in corona time

I always explain the relationship between NZ and Australia like brother and sister. We will tear shreds off each other but as soon as another country comes in and talks smack about one the other will come in and defend them until their last breath. It's that ANZAC commaradarie vibe.

People in new zealand are so amazing and very compassionate specially to migrants.

I’m thinking of moving to Wellington from Australia. When you said the housing is bad..where should I find good housing? Would you recommend living in the city centre or in one of the surrounding suburbs. Considering I am single.

Here here i love Christchurch City, since the rebuild it's stunning city....

Good overview between both Melbourne & Christchurch, thank you for sharing, chur KIWI bloke

Interesting ‼️💕

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback. 100% agree about the tall poppy syndrome. I have been in NZ for 17 years and am feeling bored living in Auckland. So the move to Melbourne is an opportunity. Q: Is moving at 45 too old?

My dream is to live & work in NZ but not sure why as I’ve yet to visit 🙈 Maybe I just want to live in Middle earth... but I love Scotland & it’s people & not sure I’d leave this country long term but certainly for a year or so!! Really enjoyed this video!!

Such an interesting video!!! -a Latina American 🤍

tall poppy syndrome, i'd never heard of that before. interesting, we have something similar in scandinavia - the law of Jante. it's not an actual law or anything, but basically a fictional set of principles that intend to deter people from thinking they're special or better than anyone else. unfortunately, we tend to not like it if people talk about their own success, or if they seem aware of their own excellence. we'd much rather they "stay humble" and downplay their feats. it's a "Jante society".

I lived in Sydney for 10 years before moving back to Aotearoa. You nailed it on the head about Aussies being more image obsessed, I lived in Bondi… say no more.

You look gorgeous 😘. I adore you. And I love the term kiwis. Being an American, live in NY. This is fascinating. Would love to know what teachers make there. I am a teacher for 22 years this year. That sucks that the housing market is so high and difficult to get a nice house there. I find all this fascinating! And dang your plants woman! They are thriving! Love the leaf pillow. Be well and be safe!!! ❤️❤️ This may be a stupid question but what season are you all in now? It is spring here. Not quite warm but usually in the 60's and sometimes 70's. Just curious.

Hi love! I just want to say that this video was honestly so great! I have been interested in moving to New Zealand for a couple of years and have been researching how to move. I am from Canada and feel like the opportunity to move is actually harder than I expected to and it makes me nervous to think that I wouldn't be able to get an opportunity. I currently have education and work experience in human resources and law clerk/legal assistant, do you know if there are any places you would recommend that offer job markets covering those areas of careers? As well, I feel like I learned a lot about both Australia and New Zealand from this video, it's been very clarifying in some ways. To be honest, I have been following you since 2018 or 2019 (somewhere in there) and you have been the reason that I have considered uprooting my lift and immigrating to New Zealand!

Aside from the fact that a year on and petrol is horrendously priced all over the world, the comparison in petrol prices between NZ & Aus always seems to miss the biggest component of the difference. In NZ the majority of road user taxes are paid for at the pump when you fill up, whereas in Aus those taxes are paid as part of the vehicle registration. So while petrol is more expensive in NZ, car registration is 8 to 10 times more expensive in Australia. It doesn't cover the entire difference but it definitely closes the gap significantly. And if you own more than one car the gap is closed further. I have 3 vehicles - a daily driver, a toy & a camper. All are registered for less than $500 and I only pay road user tax on the one I happen to be driving at the time. In Australia those 3 vehicles would cost closer to $3,000 to register, and I'm paying road user taxes on the 2 in the garage as well as the one I'm driving.

With your home/moving situation that is coming, I recommend a channel by another KIwi called "Living Big In A Tiny House."

Arma: "This house is very old, it's at least one hundred years old..." All the European folks: "Oh, my sweet summer New Zealander." Not mocking, it's just that culture shock thing!

im thinking about moving into new Zealand Next year sometime

Here I was just complaining about gas where I live in the states being up to $3USD/gallon (3.78 liters) 😬

Very specific question but im a swimming/bathing enthusiast (in my language swedish: bada) and was wondering what months of the year you can typically swim in the ocean, and is there alot of shark attacks? Do you enjoy swimmin in NZ? Hope you will be very happy in NZ :)

That blouse 😍

It's interesting you point out the booming housing market. It's been absolute insanity here in Seattle. We've been putting in offers almost every week since December and lost count at how many we've put in an lost. Houses here are going for $50k-$100k+ OVER asking prices and many are all cash offers. (we're talking bidding wars with multiple all cash offers at over $500k) Trying to get into the market as first time home buyers has been impossible for us so far and it's just exhausting.

I love your videos Arna

Your top looks beautiful 🤩

You could get Vogels in London

VOGELS.. Yes. I miss that bread so much.

This was really interesting - I know in the UK New Zealand is one of those countries where we are all like "oh it's so great" so it's interesting to hear what it's really like.

To the person who asked about moving to NZ from the US: heads up, the NZ visa system (at least right now) when it comes to residency is extremely strict. Unless you've got an in-demand career, or a verifiable job offer they won't let you in unless you have like $5M you want to invest. For example: I've got $500k+ in the bank, and want to contribute to the local economy by opening a chocolate shop, but that's not good enough. I would have to open my business here, and stay in business for 2 years (verifiable by tax records) before they'd even let me move to NZ. But to do that, I'd prob have to close or sell my business, and I'm not sure if I'd want to go to all that trouble to open something here just to close and do it all over again in NZ.

Haha, as a German I could feel you so much that you missed the bread 🍞😂

Nice video

Love a good Q&A! 🖤 also, if that leaf cushy isn’t the most Arna thing in the world, I don’t know what is! 😂🖤💋🪴🌱🌿🌵 xxx

Australia - New Zealand is a lot like Germany - Austria. We're also the more laid back ones and generally more humorous.

❤❤❤

Beautiful

I too miss the level of pay as a casual worker in Melbourne, however in saying that, my co workers who were on permanent work contracts earn way less than I had ever earned in New Zealand. Yes petrol is expensive here however I spent on average $100 per week in petrol when living in Melbourne travelling to work (Melbourne Airport from Werribee). Here in NZ l spend the max $30, and l am living remotely. You didn’t mention the horrendous cost of car registration in Aus. $816 compared to $126 pr year here. Plus there is no compulsory road worthy checks on vehicles in Victoria, except when a vehicle is sold. So one can own a car for 20+ year and the chances are it’s never been to a mechanic. Plus mechanics are not regulated as they are here, so one gets totally screwed. Totally unfair to compare a city of over 5million to a city with around 460k. No comparison!! We grow our own tropical fruits here in the Far North, I have bananas, pineapple, mango, etc, etc, fruits I could buy in Melbourne but definitely not grow. You nailed it with the male culture in Australia- very sexist. I came to realise that the Australians hear the same things in our accent as we hear in their accent. I was told to say I was from South Australia, by a customer from NSW, as they sound like Kiwis. It worked 😂😂

I grew up in Auckland, been living and Christchurch for 4 years and I love the South Island, I love NZ but something feels like I just can't live here anymore. I have a lot of family living in Sydney for some weird reason and I'm wondering in my gut feeling if it's worth looking at. I have to bring my Jack Russell and Sheep Dog but I love how Australia pays like 40k more for my partners current job here, I love the snow but I'm done with the cold lol... The beaches are beautiful in their unique way in both countries... Sometimes I just wonder if I should just give it a shot. I miss living in Auckland, no offence Christchurch is too quiet but I do love the no nonsense attitude of the people. I feel like I became an adult here at 32 lol, it's a great safe place for children especially here in Selwyn... But Sydney is like Auckland on Steroids lol. I'm tired of thinking about paying 8 bux for half rotten Cabbage. The fruit selection is sad in winter...

That lone dislike must be from someone miserable lol!!! I understand still getting used to being "home". If I were to go back to Greece even from a smaller U.S. city, that would hit me hard just for the flow. The slower way of life in the South will still be more busy than the calm of a European version of quiet living. Looking forward to it, though!

You you should partner with a local tourism board or the minister of tourism. You organically "sell" NZ to your viewers - it would be nice to see you do it in a official capacity and be compensated for it.

Interesting video, I enjoyed it 😊 I went to the gas station yesterday here in Sweden to fill up my car and paid equivalent to 2,60 NZD per liter 🙁💰💰🇸🇪

I'm watching Philippines🥰🇵🇭🇵🇭

Your accent is getting Australianised too😄

Great video! Being from the US, it's very interesting to hear your take on the differences. Right when you moved back to NZ I started reading about NZ and was really surprised about it. I'm from Louisiana (very South US) and when I say pen or pin, it sounds the exact same lol 😆

Comparing Melbourne to Christchurch is like comparing Sydney to Newcastle....it's completely different..also Tall poppy syndrome is also prevelant with aussies especially when they move to Europe amd the US

Good luck👍🔔 🌹

Hi how are you

What's the bogan situation like between the two countries? Here in Australia we seem to have this bogan pride thing going on and it feels really toxic on the culture so I'm just curious how much they differ.

Wow. I didn’t realise Melbourne only has single shot coffees as standard. In Brisbane ours are 2 shot minimum.

Petrol here in auckland is $2.37 a litre now. It's ridiculous!

New Zealand has a lot of attractive people.

Out taxes are still lower than Australia though,just that we don't earn as much,so it does weigh itself out.

5min about you no info about the countries

I'm very selfish - I want you and Alex to both get jobs with the Houston Symphony so you have to move here and I can hear you perform all the time 😆😆