Emigrant raves: Living on Waiheke – paradise at low cost!

Emigrant raves: Living on Waiheke – paradise at low cost!

Phoebe Merrick, an American, decided to stay there after a summer vacation on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. She has now lived on the island for two years and raves about the breathtaking landscape, the relaxed lifestyle and the love she has found there. Merrick, who works as a freelance marketing manager, feels financially comfortable thanks to the strong U.S. dollar and reports a combined annual income of about $132,000 with her partner, a self-employed plumber.

Waiheke Island is just a short ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. There are no traffic lights on the island and a strong yachting culture. The socioeconomic diversity is remarkable: multimillion-dollar homes and modest summer cottages coexist peacefully. The island is known for its olive groves, vineyards, sandy beaches and numerous hiking trails, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Loud islands.com Many commuters who travel to Auckland every day have discovered the advantages of quiet island life.

Challenges in island life

Despite all the benefits, Merrick notes that living on Waiheke also comes with challenges. An example of this is driving on the other side of the road and the lack of common delivery services. But the beauty of nature and the quiet way of life make up for many of these difficulties.

In a contrasting account, another couple, Gary and Kat, recount their negative emigration experience in the Bahamas. Gary was killed in a robbery in 2015 while Kat escaped. These traumatic experiences led Kat to return to the UK, where she describes the loss as devastating. Such stories highlight the risks associated with emigration.

The popular choice New Zealand

New Zealand itself is considered emigration-friendly and is a popular choice for emigrants. The country is particularly popular with Germans - Switzerland, Austria, the USA and Spain were the most popular destination countries in 2023. In 2022 alone, 20,973 Germans emigrated to Switzerland. On Waiheke, many expats see the opportunity to live a lifestyle that is radically different from the hectic everyday life in their countries of origin.

There are important tips for prospective emigrants: an overview of the job market, making contacts, clarifying legal aspects and organizing accommodation are crucial for a successful new start abroad. The experiences of people like Phoebe and Mike Spratt, who left a stressful career in California and moved to Waiheke in 2000, show that this island can be a place of new beginnings and inner peace.

The name and appearance of a lifestyle characterized by wineries and a friendly community highlight Waiheke Island as a fascinating place to live where nature and quality of life go hand in hand.