The first two days in Auckland, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.
For Auckland
How long you are staying
Must do
New Zealand's biosecurity rules are strict, and undeclared food, plants or muddy boots bring an instant fine. Declare anything you are unsure of; declaring is never penalised.
One NZ, Spark and 2degrees sell prepaid SIMs and eSIMs at the airport and in supermarkets. Coverage thins in the hills, and One NZ and Spark reach furthest.
Trains, buses and ferries all take contactless bank cards and phones, with a NZ$20 daily cap; an AT HOP card caps fares at NZ$50 a week and unlocks concessions. Tag on and off every time.
ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac and Kiwibank all open accounts for new arrivals with a passport, visa and proof of address. Many let you start the application before you fly.
Online with Inland Revenue, with your passport and visa. Without it your employer must deduct tax at the 45% no-declaration rate.
Every tenancy agreement must say how the property meets the heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and draught standards. Ask for it at the open home.
Should do
111 is police, ambulance and fire. Healthline on 0800 611 116 gives free advice around the clock, with interpreters on request.
Create the login, then verify it with your passport photo. Inland Revenue, Immigration New Zealand and the transport agency all use it.
The underground line opened in September 2026, with new stations at Te Waihorotiu in midtown and Karanga-a-Hape on K Road. Check how it changes the commute from your shortlist.
Enrolment lowers the fee for every visit, and some practices have closed books, so start early. Bring your passport and visa to show eligibility.
If you have children, check each address on the Ministry of Education's zone map before applying. The line can run down the middle of a street.
Nice to do
Many embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals living abroad. Two minutes now saves a scramble in an emergency.
Twelve minutes across the harbour on a normal fare, and the quickest way to understand why people live on the North Shore.
Many new employees are enrolled automatically. If you want out, you can opt out between the second and eighth week of the job.
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