Your first week in New Zealand is busy. Here's your priority checklist to get set up with the essentials.

Day 1: Arrival

Clear customs and biosecurity: Declare all food, outdoor gear, used equipment, and wooden items. Biosecurity officers may inspect your luggage.
Activate your NZ SIM card: Get a prepaid SIM from the airport or a local store. The main providers are Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees.
Arrange transport to accommodation: Uber, taxis, or shuttle buses operate from all major airports. Public transport (SkyBus in Auckland) is cheaper.
Get some New Zealand cash: ATMs are widely available. Most places accept credit/debit cards, but it's good to have NZD for small purchases.

Day 2–3: Banking and IRD

Open a New Zealand bank account: Major banks are ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, and Kiwibank. You can often start the process online before you arrive, but you'll need to visit a branch in person with your passport and visa to activate the account.
Apply for an IRD number: You need an IRD number to work and pay tax in NZ. Apply online through the Inland Revenue website. You'll need your passport and visa details. It usually takes 2–10 working days to receive your IRD number via letter or online.
Check your KiwiSaver eligibility: KiwiSaver is NZ's voluntary retirement savings scheme. If you're working, your employer will contribute 3% of your pay. You can choose to contribute 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%. The government adds NZD $521 annually.

Sort out long-term rental: If you haven't already secured a rental, start applying on Trade Me Property and realestate.co.nz. You'll need proof of identity, proof of income/employment, and references.
Set up utilities: Power, gas, internet, and water. Power companies include Mercury, Genesis, Contact Energy, and Meridian. Broadband providers include Spark, Vodafone (One NZ), Slingshot, and 2degrees. You'll need your bank account details and address.
Register with a local GP: Find a general practice near your home and enrol as a patient. You'll need your passport, visa, and address. Enrolling with a GP gives you access to subsidised healthcare.

If you own a car from overseas: Check if you can convert your overseas licence (see Driving in NZ guide). You'll need to register your car with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and get a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) if required.
If buying a car: Check Trade Me Motors, Facebook Marketplace, or local car dealers. Budget for registration (NZ$300–$500/year) and insurance (NZ$600–$1,200/year for new drivers).
Get an AT Hop card (Auckland) or a Snapper card (Wellington) for public transport.

Provide your employer with your IRD number: Your employer needs this for payroll. If you don't have it yet, they can use a temporary tax rate of 13.5% or higher.
Sign an employment agreement: Your employer must give you a written agreement. Read it carefully before signing.
Set up an online services account with Inland Revenue (myIR): This is where you manage your tax, KiwiSaver, and personal information.
Get a RealMe account: A RealMe account lets you access many NZ government services online with one login.
Explore your neighbourhood: Find your local supermarket (Countdown/Woolworths, New World, Pak'nSave), pharmacy, and dairy (corner shop).
Meet people: Join local Facebook groups, Meetup.com groups, or sports clubs. New Zealanders (Kiwis) are friendly but social circles can take time to break into.