Removals to Southland including Invercargill 

When you’re looking for places to move in New Zealand, it tends to be the same few cities that pop up everywhere, but there are also several others that are equally great to live in. One of these is Southland, the southernmost region of New Zealand’s South Island. Southland is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly communities, and rural feel. However, before moving, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in this area. One of the primary advantages of living in Southland is the cost of living is very much affordable compared to other regions in the country.

Southland also has a relatively low crime rate and a high standard of living, making it an excellent place to raise a family, retire, or live and work. However, it does have drawbacks, like its remoteness, which may limit access to specific amenities and services. Additionally, the region’s climate can be quite cold and wet as it is so far south, which may not suit everyone. In fact, below Southland’s Stewart Island, the next large landmass is Antarctica.

If you plan to move to Southland, you may think about living in the largest city, Invercargill. The town of 57,100 people is known for its friendly locals and affordable housing options. There are several nice suburbs throughout the growing town to choose from. One of these is Appleby which has the ocean on one side and the newly renovated city centre nearby on the other. The best part is the median house price here is only around 328,000 NZD (£164,000), making it perfect for young families wanting a cheaper move to New Zealand.

There are also many other quiet suburbs dotted around, with similar house prices. If these don’t satisfy, there is also Gore, a smaller rural town home to primary farmers working for the region’s large dairy or wool industries. Here, the house prices are only around 347,000 NZD (£173,000), but some are far cheaper than this. And finally, for a truly unique small tourist town feel, there are the towns of Te Anau and Manapouri, located on the shores of two of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Here, the prices of some homes are a lot higher, but if you love an alpine lake view reminiscent of Switzerland, they are well worth the price.

The Southland region has fewer job opportunities than other regions in New Zealand, but a range of industries is still available, including agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. With plenty of flat, fertile land, Southland is an agricultural powerhouse, producing some of New Zealand’s and the world’s best lamb, beef, and dairy products.

Other growing industries include healthcare and education, mainly in Invercargill. For tourism, the average salary is around 54,000 NZD (£27,000). The median wage for agriculture jobs is a bit higher at around 60,000NZD (£30,000) but can be far higher if you work your way up to owning a farm, or even a sizeable high-country farm (or station as Kiwis call them).

If you want to further study in Southland, there are a few options, including the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). SIT is a popular choice for students looking to study subjects such as nursing, hospitality, and business because the institute offers a range of flexible study options, such as online courses and part-time study, as well as the more typical options you’d expect from a university.

Additionally, the prestigious University of Otago has a campus in Invercargill, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs for students. If these don’t satisfy, however, there aren’t many options closer than Dunedin or Queenstown if you’re studying tourism.

You won’t be disappointed if you are looking for things to do in Southland. The region is home to several beautiful and world-renowned national parks, including Fiordland National Park, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Rakiura National Park. These parks offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and even some gold panning and other less common attractions.

Even just looking at Fiordland National Park will leave you in awe. Nature and plant lovers will also especially love the unique plants and animals in the park, like the local fern trees and other local rainforest plants. And finally, for those interested in history, the region has several museums and cultural attractions, including the Southland Museum and Art Gallery and the Hokonui Moonshine Museum.