I'm a German national living in Australia. I am currently on temporary residency but PR is within sight. My long-term plan is to go and live in New Zealand. I know that Aus PR gives me a 5 year window to travel to New Zealand and get a PR visa there.
Now my question is: What are the rules on living in New Zealand once my Aus PR expires? As far as I know I will be able to remain in NZ, but what if I want to travel overseas? What if I want to spend a year or two back in Germany? I also need to mention that I don't qualify for any work related visa for NZ. It seems very unclear and even the NZ immigration website doesn't seem to give a clear answer. Is it true I would be able to return to NZ after my Aus PR expired as long as I have spend a certain amount of time in NZ?
Also, I read that if I travel to NZ with my Aus PR I will be given a variation of travel conditions for 24 months during which I can come and go as I please. Is that true?
What happens after the initial 24 months?
What happens with this 24 month period if I enter NZ more than once with a still valid Aus PR? Does it get extended?
How can I obtain a status that allows me to travel from and to NZ as I please for the rest of my life? (Citizenship is not an option as it is extremely difficult for Germans to get a permission for dual citizenship and I don't want to loose my German citizenship.)
Sorry if this post is really confusing. It would be great if you could give me some advise
Haylie