Moving from Tauranga to Wellington

Moving to Wellington

New Zealand's capital, built on steep hills around a harbour, with an economy centred on government and the public service.

                Because of the hills, bus routes aren't always direct — check the specific route for any address you're considering, not just its distance from the centre.

                Housing stock skews older and character-filled, often on sections with real elevation change — check accessibility (stairs, driveway steepness) if that matters to you. And factor a property's wind exposure into a viewing, especially anything higher up or facing the harbour — it affects daily comfort more than people expect.

Useful resources

• Wellington City Council — rates, rubbish collection, building consents, local services
• Metlink — Wellington region public transport (bus, train, harbour ferry)

Tasks for this move

• Book a moving company or truck for your long-distance moveNow is the time to book removalists for your long-distance move — leave it too late and they often book out.Read the full guide →
• Connect power and gas at your new addressNow is the time to get power (and gas) connected — don't leave it until moving day.Read the full guide →
• Connect internet and broadbandBook your internet connection now — some plans take a couple of weeks to activate.Read the full guide →
• Notify your insurance providersUpdate your insurance providers with your new address before you move.Read the full guide →
• Confirm your new home is insured from settlement dayConfirm your new home is insured from settlement day — don't leave a gap in cover.Read the full guide →
• Sort temporary accommodation if there's a gap before your new place is readyIf there's any chance your settlement or delivery dates won't line up, sort a backup place to stay now — don't leave it to moving week.Read the full guide →
• Set up mail redirection with NZ PostRedirect your mail so nothing gets lost in the handover to your new address.
• Update your address with Inland Revenue (IRD)Update your IRD address once you've settled in — tax correspondence and Working for Families payments depend on it.
• Update your address on your driver licenceUpdate your driver licence address — it's a legal requirement within a reasonable time of moving.
• Update the electoral roll with your new addressRe-enrol on the electoral roll at your new address so you're in the right electorate.
• Notify your bank and other financial institutionsLet your bank and other financial institutions know your new address.
• Give written notice to your landlord or property managerCheck your tenancy agreement's notice period and give written notice to your landlord now.
• Book your final bond inspectionBook your final bond inspection with your property manager or landlord.
• Take dated photos of the property conditionPhotograph the empty property on move-out day in case of a bond dispute.
• Return all keys, fobs, and garage remotesReturn all keys, fobs, and garage remotes on move-out day.
• Notify your local council of the change of ownershipNotify your local council of the change of ownership so rates go to the right person.
• Arrange final meter readings with your lawyer or conveyancerArrange final water/power/gas meter readings as part of settlement.
• Research and enrol with a new GP or medical centreFind and enrol with a new GP or medical centre in your new region.
• Update your pet's microchip detailsUpdate your pet's microchip registry with your new address.
• Find a new vet and transfer your pet's recordsFind a new vet in your area and arrange for your pet's records to be transferred.
• Check your new council's dog registration requirementsCheck your new council's dog registration requirements.
• Enrol your children at a new schoolConfirm your new school zone and enrol your children, or notify your current school of the move.
• Research childcare or kindy options in your new areaLook into childcare or kindy options in your new area — good ones fill up early.
• Update your children's medical and dental providersUpdate your children's GP, dentist, and other care provider details.
• Get written permission from your landlord for petsGet written permission from your landlord for pets at the new rental, in writing.

Frequently asked questions