Visit: Wellington, New Zealand

The land of work-life balance.

The capital city of New Zealand, a country of islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, wants to attract expats by selling the promise of work-life balance. The campaign aims to help connect international workers with local six-figure salary jobs, particularly in tech, film, and healthcare. In fact, one of the perks of becoming a permanent resident here is access to free, high-quality healthcare, as well as education and public transportation.

The cost of living in Wellington, which has an urban population of roughly 215,000 residents, is similar to major metropolitans in the United States, and the perks are many. It is one of the safest countries in the world and boasts epic natural wonders that workers actually have the time and resources to explore.

Nicknamed “Wellywood,” Wellington is establishing itself as a hub for filmmakers. In addition to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the area provided the backdrop for the most recent Mission: Impossible, the live-action Mulan, the Avatar franchise, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Tibetan noodle soup

Visitors can try yak-cheese pizza or a bowl of thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup.

luxurious pashmina

Ladakh produces and exports highly sought-after and luxurious pashmina.

highest saltwater lake

The highest saltwater lake and one of the ten highest telescopes in the world are found in the region.

the Himalayas

In this hub for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the Himalayas, the eco-tourism industry is growing rapidly.

Zealandia ecosanctuary is a lush forest located just outside of the capital city and is home to more than 40 rare native species as well as the kiwi bird, the national symbol.

Tibetan noodle soup

Visitors can try yak-cheese pizza or a bowl of thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup.

luxurious pashmina

Ladakh produces and exports highly sought-after and luxurious pashmina.

highest saltwater lake

The highest saltwater lake and one of the ten highest telescopes in the world are found in the region.

the Himalayas

In this hub for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the Himalayas, the eco-tourism industry is growing rapidly.

New Zealand has one of the globe’s highest per-capita populations of immigrants, while it also strives to preserve its indigenous Maori cultural roots.

Tibetan noodle soup

Visitors can try yak-cheese pizza or a bowl of thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup.

luxurious pashmina

Ladakh produces and exports highly sought-after and luxurious pashmina.

highest saltwater lake

The highest saltwater lake and one of the ten highest telescopes in the world are found in the region.

the Himalayas

In this hub for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the Himalayas, the eco-tourism industry is growing rapidly.

Mount Victoria juts up from the center of the city, providing 365-degree views of the surrounding area as well as easily accessible trails for urban residents. Wellington is located on the southern tip of the North Island and features one of the world’s most highly regarded harbors.

Tibetan noodle soup

Visitors can try yak-cheese pizza or a bowl of thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup.

luxurious pashmina

Ladakh produces and exports highly sought-after and luxurious pashmina.

highest saltwater lake

The highest saltwater lake and one of the ten highest telescopes in the world are found in the region.

the Himalayas

In this hub for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the Himalayas, the eco-tourism industry is growing rapidly.


Photo Credits: Walter Bibikow, Oliver Strewe/Getty Images; Jore Royan, Oliver Strewe/Getty Images

2025-11-24T08:00:00.000