Why New Zealand?

One of the most commonly asked questions I hear is “why move to New Zealand?”
I always ask, “Have you been there?’” Usually the answer is no because if you have been before you would never need to ask why there! It’s beautiful with all ecosystems, sheep everywhere, nice people, they speak English, really care about the environment and have universal health care.

We visited New Zealand in 2003 before we had kids and agreed if we ever went back we would stay for 6 months or more. Now our 5 year plan does not involve kids and it’s fairly easy for an American doctor to get a job there so I decided why not go for it?? 😏 My husband Eric is moving with me but will not work as he thought the application process and learning a new system is pretty onerous. He is very supportive of my dream! I must say the applications are numerous and take time and patience as getting back to me is often “island time” or when they get to it. Also costly: I have spent almost 10k and we are not moved yet.

Yes we will be super far from the United States so our parents better not fall, get sick or die. And both of my kids had better stay out of trouble too but they are adults with their own lives now. But we are also very lucky to have lots of family and friends to back us up. New Zealand is also an amazing place on earth and we get one life to live and now is a great time to go! Scary but exciting to think about where I will be 6 months from now.

We will do an Airbnb for the first month, then long term rental and finally buy a house. Need to figure out the town and possible flood areas before we buy anything. 😉 We will definitely have at least one extra bed for visitors!

stock photo of Milford Sound