OpenTube

Moving to Wellington NZ: The Reality of Costs, Weather & Housing

GLOBE Trotting ADVENTURERS

3,610 views

#movingtoWellingtonNew Zealand #costoflivingWellington #Wellingtonhousing

Thinking about moving to Wellington, New Zealand? While it's known as a creative, world-class capital, living here day-to-day is very different from visiting for a weekend. In this complete 15-minute guide, we break down the unfiltered reality of living in Wellington—from steep microclimates and housing quality to actual living costs, public transit, and the unique local lifestyle.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - The Daily Reality & Microclimates
3:45 - The Real Cost of Living & Housing Trap
8:00 - Culture, Community & Lifestyle
12:00 - The Trade-Offs & Final Verdict 📍

#movingtoWellingtonNew Zealand #costoflivingWellington #Wellingtonhousing

Welcome to Globe Trotting Adventurers!
Your Roadmap to Intentional Living.
Are you over 60, dreaming of something different, or considering a major life transition?

We’re John and Lorna, an Aussie/Kiwi couple who decided to stop "surviving" and start living by embracing slow travel and moving abroad.
After relocating from Australia to Northern Thailand in 2023, and now to New Zealand in 2026, we’ve learned that your "second act" can be the best part of your life. On this channel, we share:

• Practical travel tips for a more intentional pace of life.
• The reality of expat life: Honest advice on logistics, visas, and banking when moving to New Zealand.
• Motivation for your own transformation: Real stories to help you design a life that feels authentic to you.
If you’re ready to trade the daily grind for the freedom of exploration and a community that values purpose, subscribe and join us for the journey. It's never too late to start something different.

If you would like to help support our channel, it is always appreciated.

Buy Me a Coffee
https://buymeacoffee.com/globetrottin...

🍿 Watch More of Our Adventures:

@globetrottingadventurers

New Zealand Adventures Playlist: NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES

Expat Life in Thailand Playlist: Expat LIFE in CHIANG MAI, THAILAND!

📱 Follow Our Journey:
Facebook: Facebook: 1J3iqqaZoG
Instagram: Instagram: globetrottingadventurers

Please consider Subscribing to our channel and travel with us as we uncover the extraordinary destinations.

20 Comments

@globetrottingadventurers Creator 1 month ago (edited) Pinned

👋 We’d love to hear from you & SUBSCRIBE.
Are you currently planning a move to New Zealand, or are you a Wellington local with some top tips to share? Let us know in the comments below—we love reading your stories and answering your questions! ❤️👇

@naomithistlewood8468 1 month ago

Interesting to hear all the pros and cons and lovely to see the stunning scenery! Makes me want to visit. Probably in Summer!

@meridianlabsapps 1 month ago

very helpful video, thank you!

@BeyondRealmsOfficial 1 month ago

Thanks so much for this honest and detailed look at living in Wellington, guys! It’s really helpful to hear about the realities of the microclimates and housing beyond just the tourist highlights. Best of luck and God bless with your move to Whitby—looking forward to seeing how you settle into your new home!

@michaelheliotis5279 1 month ago (edited)

As a Kiwi who has lived in Wellington for 15 years since I moved down for uni, this is definitely the most astute, detailed, and nuanced appraisal of Wellington that I've seen in a YouTube video, and none of them will break down your decision to live here more concisely than this one. The only thing I'd add is that all of the pros and cons listed can be found in other NZ cities (housing in Auckland, Queenstown, and increasingly Tauranga is also expensive, for example) but Wellington is the only one that brings these qualities together in a unique mix that makes it absolutely positively Wellington.

@jacquelinewhite6556 1 month ago

I love the walkability of downtown Welly. Though walking everywhere should come with a warning, which my GP called "Wellington Knee". My old meniscus in my left knee declared traipsing 6-to-12 km per day up and down the steep hills a no-go, and it disintegrated.
So I would heartily recommend lots of strength-building exercises to support knees! Those hills are no joke!

@davidk6264 1 month ago

South Islanders love to travel up to Nelson and Marlborough , calm and sunny.

@MothershipVideos 1 month ago

That summed it up pretty much....cheers.

@cairo793 1 month ago

Wellington can be really mild in winter, really depends on the year. This winter has been quite cold so hopefully spring is better.

@MuneeburRehmanButt-x9k 10 days ago

That's amazing! I'd really love to design thumbnails for your channel videos.

@DanMcLaughlin-c1y 1 month ago

You can't beat Wellington on a good day!

@r0hon 1 month ago

There are two highways in and out of wellington - via the east coast/waiarapa

@AlimaChichibabina 1 month ago (edited)

OMG I miss these kind of produce markets in Canada, farmers markets with local stuff are here, but they are so expensive. I really miss overwhelming sea of green on the counters. Ans walkable downtown of course 🫠🐾

@ritahoward3773 1 month ago

There is an umbrella that can be used in wellingtons wind it called a Blunt Umbrella but they are pretty pricey. I’ve had mine for 5 years.

@tolrem 1 month ago

If you want much better weather just live on the Kapiti Coast about 50ks north.

@daniellerichard1385 1 month ago

I enjoy your content, however I think you need to address the quality of your video and sound (especially if you are looking to grow!). Thank you from Melbourne.

@iska788 1 month ago

Hey, I’m moving in in the next couple of months. Which area would you recommend for a single man in his 40s who works in the CBD? A one room studio would be enough for me.