Relocating from New Zealand to the Sunshine Coast offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a laid-back coastal lifestyle, beautiful weather, and strong community connections.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from housing and employment to education and removals, to make your trans-Tasman relocation seamless.
Why the Sunshine Coast Appeals to New Zealanders
The Sunshine Coast continues to attract many Kiwis due to its relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty, and established New Zealand expat community.
Over 5% of the Sunshine Coast’s population is New Zealand-born – nearly double the Australian national average. With a median age of 44, the region offers a mature, family-friendly environment. Many New Zealanders are drawn by the subtropical climate, stunning beaches, outdoor lifestyle, and slower pace of life.
Cultural familiarity, an active Kiwi community, and practical advantages like healthcare access, affordable housing (relative to major cities), and job opportunities across healthcare, tourism, and education make Queensland migration an appealing next step.
Sunshine Coast Lifestyle and Climate
The Sunshine Coast lifestyle blends relaxed beach living with modern amenities and outdoor recreation.
Residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year, with warm summers and mild winters. Locals regularly engage in surfing, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Families benefit from safe suburbs, parks, schools, and community events like farmers’ markets and festivals.
For those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing access to healthcare, retail, culture, and professional opportunities, the Sunshine Coast offers a balanced lifestyle that closely mirrors Kiwi values.
Cost of Living Compared to New Zealand
Living on the Sunshine Coast can be slightly more affordable in some areas and broadly similar overall compared to major New Zealand cities.
- Housing: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the Sunshine Coast city centre averages about AUD 755 per week (~NZD 839, or NZD 3,400/month). This is lower than central Auckland, where similar units typically exceed NZD 4,000/month. In Christchurch, one-bedroom rentals often exceed NZD 2,000/month. Median house prices on the Sunshine Coast are approximately AUD 850,000 (NZD 945,000), still competitive compared to Auckland.
- Groceries: Weekly grocery costs average around AUD 130–140 (~NZD 145–155), totalling approximately NZD 600–670/month. Wellington’s grocery costs typically reach NZD 650–700/month.
- Utilities: Monthly costs for electricity, gas, and water average around AUD 81 (~NZD 90), similar to New Zealand’s urban areas. Cold NZ cities like Dunedin often have higher utility bills due to heating.
- Public Transport: The Sunshine Coast uses a flat fare system of AUD 0.50 (~NZD 0.55) per trip — much more affordable than Wellington or Auckland, where monthly transport passes often cost NZD 150+.
- Dining Out: A typical restaurant meal costs AUD 15–17 (~NZD 16.50–18.50), compared to NZD 20–25 in New Zealand cities.
Education and Schools on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast provides diverse, high-quality education options suitable for Kiwi families.
There are over 80 public and private schools, including top-rated institutions like Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Matthew Flinders Anglican College, and St Andrew’s Anglican College. These schools offer strong academic, sports, and pastoral support.
For higher education, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) offers degrees in business, science, health, and education. Vocational education and training (VET) is also widely available.
Schools welcome international students, offering English language programs and cultural support – making the transition smoother for relocating families.
Renting or Buying a Home in the Region
Housing prices are generally more competitive than larger Australian cities, though they vary by location and property type.
- Renting: A one-bedroom apartment costs around NZD 390/week, while a three-bedroom house averages NZD 670–780/week, depending on the suburb. This compares favourably to Auckland, where three-bedroom homes often exceed NZD 850/week. Renting provides flexibility for newcomers still deciding where to settle.
- Buying: The median house price is about NZD 945,000, which is higher than many smaller NZ towns but lower than Sydney or Auckland, where the median exceeds NZD 1 million. Units average around NZD 670,000. Buying offers long-term security and property investment opportunities.
Working on the Sunshine Coast: Key Industries and Opportunities
The Sunshine Coast boasts a growing economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, tourism, manufacturing, and technology.
- Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector, employing thousands.
- Education and professional services offer roles for teachers, researchers, and business professionals.
- Manufacturing includes over 4,000 businesses and new initiatives like the Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub.
- Tourism and hospitality provide seasonal and permanent jobs.
- Tech and creative industries are growing, supported by a local innovation ecosystem.
The region expects to support over 203,000 jobs by 2025–26, making it ideal for skilled professionals and tradespeople relocating from New Zealand.
Relocating Your Household Goods from NZ to Australia
A professional removalist is key to a smooth and compliant international move.
- Planning & Packing: Grace Removals New Zealand offers personalised moving checklists and high-quality packing services.
- Shipping Options: Sea freight is cost-effective for larger shipments, while air freight is faster but more expensive.
- Customs Clearance: All items must undergo Australian biosecurity checks. Grace handles all necessary documentation to ensure full compliance.
- Delivery & Unpacking: Grace provides door-to-door moving service, including unpacking and debris removal upon arrival.
A trusted partner like Grace makes shipping household goods across borders stress-free and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sunshine Coast offers a warmer subtropical climate, a relaxed beachside lifestyle, and strong community vibes compared to New Zealand.
Yes, the region has excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and plenty of outdoor activities for families.
Costs vary depending on the volume of goods, shipping method, and services. Grace Removals provides tailored international moving quotes.
Yes. All household items must go through customs and biosecurity checks. Grace Removals manages the paperwork on your behalf.
Absolutely. Grace Removals provides full-service packing, shipping, insurance, and delivery from New Zealand to the Sunshine Coast.
Why Use Grace Removals for Your Trans-Tasman Move
If you’re planning a family relocation or starting a new chapter in sunny Queensland, Grace Removals makes moving to Australia simple. Their expertise in packing, transport, and customs clearance ensures peace of mind from start to finish.
Grace Removals is a proven expert in international removals with over a century of experience helping families move between New Zealand and Australia. They manage every part of your relocation — from in-home consultation and packing to shipping and final delivery. With offices in both countries, they offer seamless support throughout the journey.
Additional services like insurance, utility connections, and professional cleaning help simplify every step of your move. Contact us today to begin your Trans-Tasman move with confidence.
