Where Are Kiwis Moving in 2026? Top Australian Cities Compared

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.

Why Australia Continues to Attract New Zealanders

According to recent migration reporting, Australia continues to receive the majority of New Zealand citizens leaving the country. In 2024, New Zealand recorded a net loss of around 30,000 New Zealand citizens to Australia, the highest level in more than a decade. Provisional figures through late 2025 suggest this trend remains firmly in place heading into 2026.

Key drivers behind this sustained movement include:

• Higher average wages and stronger employment demand in many Australian industries
• Simplified migration rights under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement
• Established Kiwi communities across major Australian cities
• Lifestyle considerations, including climate, housing options, and work-life balance

For many movers, the decision is not just whether to move, but how to do it efficiently, particularly when relocating households, vehicles, or pets across international borders.

Brisbane: Lifestyle Growth and Practical Affordability

Brisbane and the wider South-East Queensland region have emerged as one of the strongest settlement areas for Kiwi migrants in recent years. Population growth in this region reflects a combination of employment expansion, relatively accessible housing markets, and strong lifestyle appeal.

Why Kiwis Choose Brisbane:

• Job opportunities in healthcare, construction, education, and trades
• A warmer climate and outdoor lifestyle, particularly attractive to families
• Housing markets that are generally more accessible than Sydney and Melbourne, despite recent price growth

For Kiwis relocating to Brisbane, sea freight shipping to Australia is a popular choice combined with secure storage options, this allows customers to manage timing differences between property settlements and rental availability, a common challenge in fast-moving Queensland markets.

Sydney: Career Opportunities with Higher Entry Costs

Sydney remains Australia’s largest employment hub and continues to attract career-focused Kiwi professionals. Its global business presence, particularly in finance and technology, along with its concentration of leading universities, research institutions, and education-related employment, keeps Sydney high on the list for skilled Kiwi professionals and families.

What Draws Kiwis to Sydney

• A broad professional labour market and higher earning potential
• Strong international connectivity
• A large and established Kiwi population, easing the transition

However, Sydney’s housing costs and competitive rental market often require careful planning. Many New Zealanders choose quality packing and partial shipping solutions, sending essential or high-value items by air freight, while arranging sea freight for the remainder. Others use temporary storage until permanent accommodation is secured, a practical approach in tight rental conditions.

Melbourne: Balance, Culture, and Community

Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the most liveable cities in Australia and remains a popular destination for New Zealanders seeking balance between career opportunities and lifestyle.

Melbourne’s Appeal for Kiwi Migrants

• Strong employment sectors, including healthcare, education, and technology
• Cultural depth, from arts and sport to food and festivals
• Well-established Kiwi communities across metropolitan suburbs

Melbourne is often chosen by families undertaking full household relocations. As a result, movers frequently look for structured moving processes that include professional packing, movers insurance to Australia, and clear timelines. Insurance in particular provides peace of mind when transporting household goods across international borders, something many first-time movers underestimate.

Perth: Space, Opportunity, and a Different Pace

Perth offers a compelling alternative for Kiwis seeking affordability, space, and industry-specific employment opportunities, particularly in mining, engineering, and construction.

Why Perth Attracts New Zealanders

• • Lower housing costs compared with eastern capitals
  • Strong demand for skilled trades
  • A coastal lifestyle with less congestion

Because of the distance involved, relocations to Perth require more detailed logistics planning. Container shipping, vehicle shipping to Australia, and well-timed sea freight solutions are particularly relevant. Many Kiwis moving west also transport vehicles, making professional vehicle shipping services essential to ensure compliance with Australian biosecurity and import regulations.

Key Factors Influencing City Choice in 2026

New Zealanders have access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system.

Employment and Income
Australia’s labour market continues to outperform New Zealand’s in several sectors, particularly for skilled and trade-based roles. This remains a major motivator for working-age migrants.

Housing and Cost of Living
Sydney and Melbourne offer strong economic opportunities but come with higher entry costs. Brisbane and Perth often provide a more accessible starting point, particularly for families or first-time migrants.

Lifestyle and Climate
Climate preferences, commuting times, and access to outdoor activities increasingly shape migration decisions, especially for families planning long-term relocation.

Logistics and Moving Complexity
The more complex the move, whether shipping furniture, vehicles, or pets, the more likely migrants are to seek end-to-end relocation support. Video surveys and free in-home consultations help movers understand costs and timelines before committing.

Moving Pets and Vehicles: Often Overlooked, Always Important

For many Kiwi families, relocation decisions are influenced by the ability to move pets and vehicles safely and legally. Australia’s strict biosecurity framework makes professional handling essential.

• Moving pets to Australia requires advance planning, quarantine coordination, and strict documentation
• Vehicle shipping to Australia involves compliance checks, cleaning, and import approvals

These factors often influence not just when people move, but also where they choose to settle, with some cities offering smoother transition between housing availability and logistics timelines.

What the Trends Suggest for 2026

All indicators suggest that Kiwi migration to Australia will remain strong through 2026, with Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth continuing as the primary settlement hubs. While individual motivations vary, the common theme is a search for opportunity, stability, and quality of life.

As migration becomes more intentional and better planned, New Zealanders are increasingly looking for structured moving processes, transparent pricing, and flexible shipping options, rather than treating relocation as a last-minute decision.

Where Kiwis choose to live in Australia in 2026 reflects a balance between economic reality and lifestyle aspiration. Each city offers distinct advantages, and understanding these differences helps migrants make informed decisions, not only about the Australian destination, but also about how to move effectively.

For those planning a move, early preparation, realistic planning, and professional guidance can significantly reduce stress and cost, allowing the focus to remain on settling into life across the Tasman with confidence.