Imagine waking up everyday to a view of snow-capped mountains, driving through lush green fields until you arrive at the swelling seaside for a day's fishing, all the while breathing in the fresh, ocean air under bright Pacific sun. In New Zealand, it's possible.

As in the UK, most people are drawn away from the freedom of the countryside to the hustle and bustle of city-life to bring home the day's bread. Fortunately for Kiwis, city-life in New Zealand is still just as breathtaking as the countryside.

Both Wellington (the nation's capital) and Auckland (the nation's economic hub) are harbour cities with warm, temperate climates. On a sunny day, and there are more than a few of those, Auckland and Wellington bask in an almost Mediterranean climate.

In Mercer's 2008 Quality of Living Survey, Auckland ranked fifth for quality of living in the world, while Wellington followed closely behind at number twelve.

Even better, all major cities in New Zealand are never more than an hour away from some of the country's most spectacular coastlines, mountain ranges, or natural attractions.

Economy and Job Prospects

It is not just the natural beauty of New Zealand that gives a world-class reputation for standard of living. The economy is in tip-top shape with highly-skilled job opportunities and globally competitive salaries waiting to be snatched up. The country has proven itself to be a world-leader for implementing sustainable approaches to business, the environment, and tourism. The Government has even released a strategy to ease the settlement of the thousands of immigrants who land on the shores of New Zealand every year.

With the credit crunch in the UK looming, fuel prices soaring, staple food prices rising by 60 percent, there seems like no better time to make the move to New Zealand.

Visa Options

Immigration New Zealand offers a range of visa options for people who wish to migrate to the country.

Skilled migration allows overseas workers with specific skills to gain permanent residency in the country. At the moment, nurses, social workers, engineers, motor mechanics, electricians, welders, fabricators, and metal workers are in high demand in New Zealand. If you have any of these skills, you may be able to qualify quickly for skilled migration without a job offer in New Zealand. You must also be under 56 years of age, meet the basic health, character and English language requirements, and pass the Points System to be eligible for skilled migration to New Zealand.

The New Zealand Immigration Department also offers a work permit. A work permit is a temporary visa for skilled migrants. You are allowed to work and live in New Zealand for the amount of time specified on your visa. If you qualify for a work permit, your spouse or partner can also apply for a work permit.

If you would like to try before you buy, and you are between 18 and 30 years of age, you can apply for a working holiday visa. This allows you to work, travel and live in New Zealand for up to 23 months if you are a British citizen.

If you are an investor, entrepreneur, or an employee of a relocating business, you can apply for a business visa. New Zealand business visas allow either temporary entry or permanent residency. The temporary entry business visa allows applicants to explore business opportunities in the country before applying for permanent residency.

Applying

Once you have decided which visa is for you, jump online and take a free assessment to see if you are eligible. The processing times for New Zealand visas are variable, and depend on the visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. However, if you are applying for a working holiday visa the application should only take a couple of weeks.

To find out more about visa application processes or to find out the best way for you to migrate to New Zealand, speak to a qualified migration consultant.