What I Love/Hate about New Zealand After 7 Years in China?

In this video, we dive into the pros and cons of living in New Zealand, from the perspective of a Kiwi who has lived both in New Zealand and abroad.

I’ll cover five good things and five bad things about life in New Zealand, including topics like geographic isolation, slow pace of life, public transport, and much more. If you're curious about what it's really like to live in New Zealand—both the ups and downs—this video will give you a detailed breakdown. Stay tuned for an honest take on the Kiwi lifestyle!

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[TwoCentsOnTour]

*Correction - NZ standard for annual leave is 4 weeks (some places like my old job give more)

[GodfriedFritz]

Watching from rural South Africa, NZ sounds like great place for me to live. Been there before, traveled the north island and did some trout fishing. Great experience.

[haydenisaac]

As a kiwi that has lived in a few other countries this is pretty good summary of the pros and cons. On the nature side we also have quite a big variety of terrain for the size of the country.

[shamenbilly]

Great stuff mark, would love to see you do a tour of the autumn internationals some year, you would be welcomed with open arms here in ireland for sure.

[damnischannel]

Never been to Mainland China, but I have been to HK multiple times. One of the things I'm most jealous of (apart from the amazing food) is the public transport. Trains, metro, buses, minibuses, trams, taxis, ferries.

[Wolf-hhrv]

From South Africa it sounds great. Who wants the stress of big city life? I feel that the entire population of the world is stressed and struggling with anxiety.

[cludbrak]

My brother has been in NZ for 30 plus years (still supports the Sharks and Boks), and I've visted him a number of times. If you're into motorcycling, NZ is an incredible place to visit...There are endless roads to travel and some amazing gravel passes. Just don't go in winter. I was a little grumpy in May due to the temps :), but still loved the riding. Will be back for sure

[juanignaciomartinez]

Crossed NZ in a campervan for my honeymoon in April. Loved it! Amazing nature, beautiful country. Chill vibes, similar to my country (Uruguay). Watched Chiefs vs Hurricanes also!

[SaintArcane]

Sounds like a pretty good place actually. I had never really thought about how isolated NZ was before, but it makes sense.

[brianbarbarich]

Thank you Mark for a great video. Very interesting for a person staying outside New Zealand.
Cheers from Durban, South Africa.
Your China videos are also great. I am so impressed with your fluent Chinese language.

[fleshen]

I have two mates who visited NZ for the last Lions tour and both were shocked by small town NZ closing at 5 despite being full of fans!!

[wfgwoody]

Just finished listening to Annie Jacobsen's new book "Nuclear War - A Scenario" certainly makes me think real hard about returning home to NZ.

[oscarcsims]

Not sure I agree with the "slower pace of life" thing as a Kiwi living in Europe. Accessing services in New Zealand is fast even compared to where I live in Estonia, which is renowned for having an extremely efficient bureaucracy by European standards.

[TheEnzedone]

I miss the food from China.
I remember returning and watching as our 3 year old son stripped off his clothes and ran into the water the day after returning home. I remember thinking, I’m never going to complain about the cost living here again.

[benrobinson]

As a fellow Kiwi who also now lives in Auckland this is right on point. I would also add cost of living as a downside (eg really expensive to buy a home), but as an upside we have a lot of freedom and very low corruption. Also, for those wanting to visit, spend plenty of time outside Auckland as the rest of the country is much more gorgeous, and much of Auckland isn't representative of the rest of the country.

[dunphymarc]

Great video i do remember the shops closed really early when i was there i was a bit surprised. Countryside is unreal in NZ. I do remember talking to some locals and the slang the spoke was a bit confusing but people were so friendly. Back when i was there we had never beaten NZ in rugby so the banter was fun. Would definitely come back for a visit.

[paulmurray]

Nice one Mark, thank you. As an Irishman, NZ and AUS make an interesting comparison. Both are relatively young countries, colonised by the Empire, a long way from London. One possible explanation for some of the differences between the two is that in the 19th century Australia received a lot of forced Irish immigrants while a lot of Scottish settled in NZ. AUS got the free spirited renegades while NZ got the hard working Presbyterians. The Aussies are rude while the Kiwis are well mannered. AUS had a free flowing rugby style while NZ a ruthless one. We often hear the younger Irish who have experienced both countries comment that the craic is much greater in AUS, while in NZ it’s a bit boring. Just a theory.

[zworm]

Nicely balanced video. I think early closing of stores and other work places is nice, it means planning and thinking ahead but, when I was growing up in Scotland, that is the way it was. Closing at 5, even the grocery stores and a half day usually on Tuesday. Gradually that changed and now basically empty stores are open to all hours. Got to remember people have to stay to run the store or business. Nice focus on the children, any Nations future. I have always appreciated how the New Zealand and South African Anthems share languages.

[GillianBrenssell]

This video makes me miss Chengdu so much. NZ is great if you love the outdoors, but if you're a city person, like me, it's terrible. We don't do urban social/community spaces well (if at all). Everything is to locked away in peoples houses or private business and it's really hard to meet new people. NZ people are really nice and friendly, but to actually become friends and part of their social group it's really, really hard. We also don't do poor very well. Cost of living for medium and lower incomes is too expensive to live a complete life. But again, if you are an outdoor loving person NZ is brilliant.

[UrbanTaxi]

I married a Kiwi and we ended up moving to NZ to bring our family up. Prior to that we lived in Asia for 15 years. Absolutely agree, the isolation and the lack of opportunities, plus limited aspiration. It’s ended up being a mega boring prison for me. It’s fine for my wife who’s with her family and friends, and our kids know no better, yet it’s a strain on my mental health.