The number of migrants in New Zealand is growing, and Indian migrants are no exception. If you’re thinking of joining them and want to know which are the best places to live in New Zealand for Indian families, you’re on the right page.

For the longest time, Indians have mostly chosen Auckland when moving to New Zealand. This is mainly since the existing network of Indians in it has made it seem like the best place to live in NZ for other Indians. 

But a few other places are now becoming just as appealing due to their diversity and culture: Wellington, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury.

If you want to learn more about these spots before you relocate to New Zealand, read on!

Indians in New Zealand: A Quick Look

Before we proceed, it is only proper to state the number and percentage of Indians living in New Zealand. According to the Waitakere Indian Association‘s report on the economic contribution of New Zealand Indians, the country’s Indian population is rapidly growing. 

How many Indians are in New Zealand now?

The number of Indians in New Zealand has increased from approximately 65,000 in 2001 to approximately 240,000 in 2018. And the statistics show that one in every twenty New Zealanders is now of Indian origin.

The said report also highlights that the Indian population has grown faster than other Asian ethnicities. As of 2018, Indians make up 34% of the Asian population, compared to 26% in 2001 – clear evidence of the increase in migration.

How old are the Indians in New Zealand?

Looking at their data, the Indian population in the country is very young: more likely to be between the ages of 20 and 40. This reflects the immigration dynamic, in which people who migrate to other countries are typically in their prime age.

The Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Indian Families

For new Indian families in the country, it is always ideal to migrate to cities where there is a sizable NZ Indian population. It is mainly because they can easily adjust to these places in terms of socializing with the community, as well as guidance from their Indians.

As mentioned, most Indians flock to Auckland, making it the very best option for those trying to relocate to New Zealand.

1. Auckland

This city is said to be New Zealand’s most ethnically diverse region. Auckland has a large and diverse economy, as well as a social networking benefit.

Auckland’s existing networks of ethnic social groups and services increase migrants’ desire to settle in Auckland, making it easier for them to settle economically and socially.

According to the same report by the Waitakere Indian Association, 65% of Indians live in Auckland. In fact, their statistics show that one in every ten Aucklanders is Indian, compared to one in every twenty nationally.

Papatoetoe, an Auckland suburb known for its Indian clothing stores and wide selection of restaurants, is New Zealand’s Little India.

The place provides an experienced network of people and a strong ethnic community with a large client base, making it an easier area to develop business in. 

It certainly also provides a good cultural feel for the Indian community with its new initiatives, such as printed roller doors outside shops with colorful images of camels, peacocks, and the Taj Mahal.

In general, Auckland also has its own charm that attracts Indians.

The place is a multicultural urban oasis of food, music, arts, and culture. To those who live there, it’s where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication.

Auckland has the best of both worlds, with beautiful rainforests, parks, and beaches all within walking distance of the city center. 

These bring out a plethora of enjoyable activities, such as skydiving or whale watching, hiking an ancient volcanic cone, or stargazing from the International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

The food scene is also fantastic, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit every taste and budget. The city’s three main wine-growing regions, where superb wine and stunning scenery go hand in hand, also attract expats to relocate there.

While Auckland has the highest concentration of Indian people nationally, there are still sizable populations in other parts of the country.

2. Wellington

The capital city of New Zealand is the second region with a large Indian population, based on the same report by the Waitakere Indian Association, accounting for 10% of them nationally.

Indian newcomers will undoubtedly feel at home with the assistance of the Wellington Indian Association, a charitable organization that promotes Indian culture for Indians in the city.

They promote the welfare and status of Indians in Wellington, as well as a better understanding of Hinduism and Indian culture.

Besides patronizing Indian culture, the city itself is very welcoming to any foreign-born that decides to settle there. Wellington is surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature, and cuisine. 

Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach, is the most notable among the sea of places to visit. It delves into the city’s pulsing cultural scene, which includes numerous museums, art galleries, and theater performances.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, Wellington has mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbor and surrounding hills.

Known as the culinary capital of New Zealand, Wellington is famous for its tucked-away bars, quirky cafes, award-winning restaurants, and great coffee. It is also a city that appreciates gourmet cuisine and fine wine.

Just like Auckland, Wellington has one of the best universities in New Zealand. Victoria University of Wellington consistently ranks high in global university rankings. 

Meanwhile, the city is home to two of New Zealand’s best schools, one a boarding school for boys and girls and the other an independent girls’ school.

3. Waikato District

The district of Waikato in New Zealand can also be an ideal place to raise a family for Indians. The Waitakere Indian Association named them as the third Indian-populated place in the country, next to Auckland and Wellington.

Indian newcomers may find the area very appreciative of its culture, particularly its food scene, as there are numerous Indian restaurants throughout the region and in Hamilton. 

The restaurants serve a wide variety of Indian cuisines and traditional dishes from various Indian states and regions, all with a spicy twist.

The Diwali festival has been celebrated in the area for the last 22 odd years to promote and develop the multiculturalism philosophy, influencing activities and structures within NZ society, spearheaded by the Indian Cultural Society, Waikato Inc.

Meanwhile, Indians settle their families in the Waikato district because of its economy and industries.  Many of them pursue opportunities in agribusiness, thoroughbred horse breeding and training, forestry, and coal mining. 

Another important sector is education, which includes a major university, a teacher’s college, a technical institute, a hospital, and nurse training.

Living in Waikato also provides peace of mind. Its rural tranquility and views of farmland and bush are gaining popularity. 

The region’s coastal areas provide a relaxed way of life. For instance, the Coromandel is a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders, and Raglan is a surfing mecca, all within and near the Waikato region.

4. Bay of Plenty

According to the Waitakere Indian Association, the Indian population in the Bay of Plenty region is around 6,200, accounting for less than 10% of the country’s total population. It ranks fourth among New Zealand provinces/cities with a large Indian population, right after Waikato. 

The small towns of Te Puke and Papamoa in BOP have the most Indian families living there. But what is it about these small villages that appeal to the Bay of Plenty’s growing Indian community?

An article by Sunmedia in 2014 states that it is mainly because the towns’ lifestyle is the same as the Indian style. 

Lehmber Singh, an Indian-born resident of Te Puke, stated that they found it very easy to settle down when they moved to this town because it is similar to the village where he used to live in India.

Not to mention the additional job opportunities he and his family received through the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors (the Western Bay of Plenty District’s main economic drivers), with which he is very familiar.

The cost of living in BOP is also relatively low for newly migrated Indians, making it no more of an adjustment than it is in India. This is also the primary benefit of residing in the region.

The price of housing and rent will stay within your monthly budget. Because of this, any individual with an average salary package can find this place suitable to live. 

Not only can you get access to housing, but you can also get access to other necessities at lower and more affordable prices.

Lastly, the area provides a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. Indians find this very pleasing, as it is the opposite of living in a densely populated country. 

In fact, because BOP has a smaller population, it has a lower level of pollution. And that’s why the location is ideal for those seeking a life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

5. Canterbury

Canterbury is the region in which Christchurch, the most ethnically diverse city in 2018, is located, and it is ranked among the top five by the Waitakere Indian Association in terms of having a large Indian population.

Most Indian migrants prefer to settle in the region because they are part of the Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ng Hapori pilot program, which extends a warm welcome to all newcomers, including recent migrants, former refugees, and international students.

Another aspect is its thriving economy. It has a strong performance in key sectors including construction, hi-tech manufacturing, technology, agribusiness, and tourism. 

Expats are given opportunities in these fields, making it financially easier for Indian families with experience in the sector to settle in.

Canterbury is also home to many cultures and has thriving sports, arts, and entertainment scenes, as well as a wealth of restaurants, cafés, and bars. 

Many arts, music, cultural, and film festivals are held each year, and the region hosts numerous international concerts, musicals, and comedy acts in a variety of venues.

There are specialty food and craft markets held every weekend, and the region’s restaurants and shopping districts are diverse in ethnicity.

Indian families may also find Canterbury’s educational system and schools to be easily accessible. 

In the Canterbury Region, there are approximately 300 primary and secondary schools and approximately 500 early childhood education (ECE) options, including teacher-led and parent-led services.

When it comes to tertiary education, students in the region have two options: the University of Canterbury or Lincoln University, a specialist land-based university. 

The Ara Institute of Canterbury, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, and a number of English language institutes are among the other tertiary options.

The place also hosts a variety of activities for foreign-born students, such as trips, excursions, and activities that allow them to practice their English and make new friends.

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New Zealand has a vibrant and cosmopolitan culture that has evolved from the many nationalities that have chosen to call the country home, and Indian families are one of them. 

As predicted by Statz NZ, the Asian population is projected to make up 26 percent of the total New Zealand population by 2043, compared with 16 percent in 2018. 

And as previously mentioned in a report by the Waitakere Indian Association, Indians make up almost half of the total population of Asians in the country, which can be rounded up to 240,000 Indian people.

This is why it’s no secret that New Zealand’s diversity will grow rapidly in the coming years, and it’s likely that many more Indian families will relocate to the country. 

And with that, we hoped that this article would assist those in locating the best place to live that meets their needs and interests!