Migration between New Zealand and Australia has always been fluid, but the scale and consistency of Kiwi movement across the Tasman in recent years has been particularly striking. As we head into 2026, official data and long-term trends point to a continued outflow of New Zealand citizens relocating to Australia, not just temporarily, but with long-term settlement in mind.
While Australia remains the top destination overall, where Kiwis are choosing to settle within Australia is becoming increasingly strategic. Employment opportunities, housing affordability, lifestyle preferences, and access to established Kiwi communities are all shaping these decisions.
This article looks at the four Australian cities attracting the largest share of New Zealand migrants, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, and explores what is driving these choices using official data and migration insights relevant for 2026.























