Why Americans want to move to NZ

While beautiful beaches like Cathedral Cove might lure Americans to New Zealand, it's all about Donald Trump right now. Photo / iStock

Americans are looking at New Zealand in a new light and it's entirely politically motivated.

Americans are looking at New Zealand in a new light - and while our beautiful beaches might get a mention, it's entirely politically motivated.

In recent interview with the New York Times, Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joked that with the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency looming large, "Now is the time for us to move to New Zealand."

She's not the first person to make the suggestion, with comedian Billy Crystal saying he'd consider moving to "a nice little ranch in New Zealand" if Trump was elected.

Threats to move to Canada are common around US elections, but New Zealand became the destination of choice during the 2012 election.

At the time, both Obama and Ronmey supporters threatened to descend on our shores if the election didn't go their way.

Following Ginsburg's comments, the Huffington Post have put together a list of why politically disgruntled Americans might want to consider moving to New Zealand come November.

It's not all about Trump as well - our "out-of-control gorgeous" beaches topped the list, followed by our mountains.

Wellington was given a shoutout as "one of the cheapest cities for living abroad" and Kiwis were dubbed the kindest people on the planet.

The classic Kiwi meat pie was also a drawcard. Photo / iStock

Meat pies, great coffee and glow-worms were also considered drawcards, while New Zealand was described as a "prehistoric fairy tale, with natural wonders at every turn".

Environmental news site Grist suggested that prospective residents would need to be well off, as New Zealand immigration rules "favour the wealthy".

"The easiest way to get residency in New Zealand is to invest. And we aren't talking allowance money either: It takes an investment of US$7.2 million to be considered for permanent residence."

To speed up the process, marrying a Kiwi was also suggested.

And it seems the Government is encouraging Americans to give it a go - there's even a site targeted at potential immigrants from the USA.

"We speak the same language and share a lot culturally, which will help make you feel at home," it reads.

There's no mention of any housing crisis either - the site claims there are "lots of choices when it comes to finding a home in New Zealand".

"A spacious stand-alone home in the suburbs with a garden and room for children and pets - semi-rural living on a larger plot of land in the countryside, possibly with larger animals - living by the sea - smart urban apartment living with a view - they're all possibilities here."

- nzherald.co.nz