Day 1: Touchdown 🇳🇿

You've landed in Aotearoa. Jetlagged, excited, maybe a bit overwhelmed. Here's exactly what to do on day one.

1. 1

   Get a NZ SIM card at the airport

   Skinny/Spark kiosk at AKL arrivals. $5 SIM, $16–26 plan. You need a NZ number for EVERYTHING (IRD, bank, jobs).

   Docs: Passport Time: 10 min
2. 2

   Download essential apps

   Google Maps (offline maps for your city), AT Mobile (Auckland transport), MyIR, your bank's app.

   Docs: — Time: 5 min
3. 3

   Get to your first accommodation

   Shuttle/bus/taxi from airport. Don't drive when jetlagged — Immigration NZ warns against this. "Taking a shuttle, bus or taxi from the airport is easier and safer."

   Docs: Booking confirmation Time: 30–60 min
4. 4

   apply for your ird number

   Go to ird.govt.nz → "IRD numbers for individuals." You can apply online if you have a work visa. Processing takes 1–3 business days. This blocks everything else — do it immediately.

   Docs: Passport, visa, NZ bank account (or foreign account temporarily) Time: 20 min
5. 5

   Rest & recover

   Seriously. Jetlag + admin mistakes = bad combo.

   Docs: — Time: Rest of day