One of the toughest decisions to make when considering a move to New Zealand is leaving all your family and friends behind. This is a decision that sometimes means people put off the move. For those who decide to go anyway, the prospect of seeing your loved ones when they come to visit is an exciting one.

Given that New Zealand is so far away, it is highly unlikely that anyone travelling there specifically to see you will be coming for less than two weeks, as it is expensive to get there and also takes a long time. As exciting as it is to see loved ones, it can also be a daunting prospect, and you may start to wonder how you will accommodate them, feed them and keep them entertained all at once.

It is probable that you will have been in New Zealand for at least six months before you receive visitors, maybe even longer, so you will have had time to get used to your immediate surroundings and the areas which are local to your new home. Plan day trips and things to do and see so that you are not always in the house or wondering what to do.

Your guests should be willing to shift around and sleep on makeshift beds, especially is you only have one spare room. If you have older relatives coming you may want to ask your children if they are prepared to give up their rooms so that the visitors can have the beds. Remind them that it is only for a short while and perhaps reward them with a treat when the visitors have left, to thank them.

Be sure to keep your home a private place, guests should respect that it is your private property and repay you for your hospitality by clearing up after themselves, replacing any items they use, and buying you a thank you gift or taking you for dinner. There is always a risk that friendships can become broken if your friends don’t behave like the perfect guests.

New Zealand is known for its outdoorsy way of life and good standard of living, so be sure to help your guests make the most of their time there; perhaps organising to do things that they may not have the chance to do back in the UK like swimming with dolphins or bungee jumping!

Having visitors is the perfect opportunity for you to show off your new home, and indeed, your new life. Your friends and family will be happy to share your success and tell you how much they admire your move abroad.