Where Can a Doctor Work In New Zealand?

In most cases, General Practitioners can choose where they want to work and live in New Zealand.

Ochre Recruitment can help you find the ideal role, whether you’re seeking a locum, short-term, long term or permanent position.

Some doctors prefer to work in urban locations as they aren’t keen to cover on-call, or they like being closer to a secondary or tertiary hospital. Others have a passion for rural medicine, covering on-call and completing ward rounds at a local rural hospital.

It all comes down to your medical career aspirations.

Here are a few popular destinations that may pique your interest.

Wellington

As the cultural capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a vibrant artistic, theatrical, and culinary hub, and is consistently cited as one of the world’s most liveable cities. The people of Wellington are known for their open-mindedness and love of food and culture. It’s the go-to NZ location for ‘foodies’ with an outstanding selection of food, wine, beer and coffee.

In keeping with New Zealand’s active sporting culture, Wellington also offers a wide range of options for participation in cricket, soccer, rugby league, and—but of course—rugby union. Wellington is host to a range of international sporting fixtures, including regular international rugby matches featuring the All Blacks, as well as international cricket events featuring the Black Caps.

There is a wide variety of quality schools in both the public and private systems.

Gisborne

Gisborne is renowned for its laid-back and warm beach lifestyle and is a popular surfing destination. Sample the spectacular seafood and wine, or choose one of the many uncrowded beaches on which to relax and unwind.

It’s a popular Summer destination for New Zealanders, with many heading to Gisborne each year for the Rhythm and Vines music festival.

People tend to choose Gisborne for the relaxed lifestyle and ready access to surfing, sailing and many other outdoor activities that NZ is famous for.

Education options are plentiful, with access to schools for all ages.

We work with a variety of practices in Gisborne including Three Rivers Medical, Puhi Kaiti Health and Gisborne Hospital.

West Coast

Located in the South Island, New Zealand’s rugged West Coast is a jaw-dropping stretch of wild coastline that incorporates a diverse range of natural environments, including glaciers and dense native bush. The endlessly picturesque West Coast is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

The people on the West Coast are a hardy lot, but very friendly. Cute little towns and hamlets dot the coastline, providing important core services and amenities to the region. The West Coast is a very popular tourist destination, with regular convoys of campervans on the lookout for white bait fritters and that perfect photo spot.

Every year, Hokitika hosts the fairly unconventional and highly entertaining Wildfoods Festival, offering a range of unique and interesting foods to sample.

Our clients on the West Coast include Greymouth Medical Centre, Reefton Medical Centre, Buller Health Services, Coastal Health and Coast Medical.

Waikato

The Waikato region is one of the world’s richest agricultural and pastoral areas and is a hub for agribusiness, agricultural research, and NZ’s dairy industry.

The most populated city in the region is Hamilton, famous for its livability and the beautiful Waikato River that flows through it. Hamilton’s residential areas are linked to the river by an extensive network of bike paths and walkways. The city boasts several world-class sporting facilities, including one of the largest aquatic centres in New Zealand. Hamilton is one of the most beautiful garden cities in New Zealand, with the internationally award-winning Hamilton Gardens a must-see.

You’ll find a vibrant cultural precinct in the city’s south end, offering exhibitions at the Waikato Museum, music and theatrical events, and a delectable variety of cafés, bars and award-winning restaurants.

We work with Waikato Hospital, Tokoroa Medical Centre, Wetsend Health Centre and Raukura Hauora O Tainui, assisting them with both locum and permanent placements.

Northland

Northland is known for its Maori cultural heritage and subtropical climate.

The region’s clement temperature opens it up to a huge range of outdoor activities, whether you’re surveying the rugged beauty of the West Coast or amongst the more urbane settlements along the East Coast.

The Bay of Islands is a particularly idyllic spot, where you can take a boat cruise, swim with dolphins, go diving, do some fishing or simply relax in the sun.

Northland is one of New Zealand’s most important historical locations, with particular significance to Maori history and culture. Get a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s history with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Our key clients in Northland include Whangarei Hospital, Kerikeri Medical Centre, The Doctors Tikipunga, Te Tai Tokerau and Hauora Hokianga Health.

Northland, New Zealand

South Canterbury

A go-to destination for families, foodies and adventure seekers, South Canterbury is replete with beautiful outdoor environments, a large collection of ancient Maori rock art sites, Korora or little penguins, a rich artistic heritage, plenty of outdoor adventures, fabulous culinary fare, and great Kiwi hospitality.

South Canterbury's geography is made up of sweeping plains, rolling hills, meandering rivers, native forest, and unspoiled coastline. There are many picture-postcard views to be had here, and so many options for discovering these gorgeous environments.

The area is particularly popular with mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts. Trails zigzag their way through the area, ranging from gentle family-friendly tracks to testing hikes that take several days.

We have been partnering with Tinwald Medical Centre, Three Rivers Health, Sealy Street Medical Centre, Rakaia Medical Centre and Tomaru Hospital for many years.

Marlborough

This world-famous location is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and heavenly fresh produce. Marlborough holds New Zealand’s largest growing wineries with panoramic views surrounded by crystal blue waters and vineyards. Delicious produce caught from the Cloudy Bay allows for locals to savour daily in the unforgettable taste of the region.

With gorgeous all-year-round sunshine, take a stroll through the untouched paradise of Arapaoa Island, venture across the Te Araroa trail, or cycle through the Queen Charlotte track from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. You will never run out of ideas to experience in this location. Start your journey at Marlborough today!

Why is New Zealand such an appealing medical
career move for International Doctors?

Here are the top five reasons according to doctors whom we’ve helped relocate to New Zealand:

A very healthy work-life balance;

The broader scope of work provides more opportunities for procedural specialisms and
areas of interest, such as women's health, chronic illness, and occupational health;

A change of pace and less pressure, with a greater emphasis on quality of life;

A temperate climate and - of course - access to unspoiled landscapes;

The potential to buy a practice.

You really can learn to live again New Zealand!

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