Digital Nomad Guide to Living in New Zealand

It was all the time a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I lately made that dream a actuality. As somebody from the UK, New Zealand is about so far as you’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming dwelling once more.

It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the best retreat for distant employees searching for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited wherever fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to inform you all about it.

About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, full of jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s in style with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With simply over 5 million calling it dwelling, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is stable and the espresso is superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely value it.

Whether or not you’re climbing in Queenstown, ingesting in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s hot springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s loads to maintain you impressed and entertained.

Dwelling in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Private Expertise)

I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was break up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.

Transferring so ceaselessly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working abilities and usually discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even among the most distant New Zealand cities have been well-suited for digital nomads.

In a while, I’ll talk about a few the perfect coworking areas in New Zealand and among the greatest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from dwelling, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and pals.

Is New Zealand Protected?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries you can visit. Crime rates are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt utterly secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.

Not like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You gained’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s value noting the nation is prone to earthquakes as a result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every day life and plenty of buildings are designed to resist tremors.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s largest cities and cities. Listed below are the perfect locations to contemplate dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is home to the bulk of the country’s population. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted large metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.

Town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of the town and provides it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the best location.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the stunning and in style suburb of Devonport. It’s only a brief hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it was a surprising place to remain.

Should you’re in search of a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable alternative. It’s full of nice eating places, glorious buying, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a handy base for exploring.

For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an space value contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This beautiful little residential neighborhood gives a mix of recent facilities and impartial allure.

Coworking Areas in Auckland

Issues to Do in Auckland

Listed below are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:

1. Climb Mount Eden: A wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Probably the greatest issues I did in New Zealand was a marine eco-safari. Make a journey aboard a luxurious catamaran and observe orcas and dolphins of their pure habitat. Book your unforgettable adventure today.
3. Discover the Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets right here.
4. Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic sights in in the future – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click here for more information.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or when you favor, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Find it here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It gives a pleasant combine of recent amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s ultimate for digital nomads. There’s a giant cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s loads to do once you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your approach across the Riverside Farmers Market. Town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Christchurch

Riccarton is a improbable neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 brief spells within the metropolis. The spotlight for me was the peaceable stroll by way of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town heart.

For a extra full of life expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is difficult to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and the town’s greatest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is right for digital nomads.

Should you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb choose. It’s dwelling to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s good for targeted workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

Once you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch sights to strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this in style spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of superbly curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or take pleasure in a picnic in a tranquil setting.
3. Tram, Punt, and Gondola: Tick off 3 superior actions on land and water with a sightseeing tour on the well-known classic Christchurch Tram, plus punting and a gondola journey on the Avon. Try this great tour I discovered that features all three.
4. Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at considered one of New Zealand’s high sights. It’s the subsequent neatest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is known for its wine, so why not spend a pleasant day within the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Go to three wineries and revel in a mouthwatering lunch. Click here for details.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is a significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy flats and high-end inns, catering to each digital nomad.

Outdoors work, journey can be proper in your doorstep. Go climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic environment and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Queenstown

Frankton is a sensible alternative for any digital nomad working in New Zealand. It’s the place I stayed throughout my go to to Queenstown. Its proximity to the airport is tremendous handy, and the cafe scene offered all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.

For these desirous to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s town center is right. This busy space is full of comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the perfect place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

Should you favor a quieter vibe, Fernhill gives a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. Right here, the primary profit is the breathtaking lake and mountain views – it’s a very inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.

Coworking Areas in Queenstown

Issues to Do in Queenstown

You gained’t be bored in Queenstown; listed below are my high 5 actions to get you began:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. It is a in style exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click here to e-book your spot right now.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high sights! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like another in probably the most stunning locations on earth. Find it here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher technique to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to soar over all of it on a helicopter tour? This expertise is solely unforgettable, click here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
4. Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by way of slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
5. Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and revel in connoisseur delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you gained’t remorse it. Click here to be taught extra about this nice day tour.

4. Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a metropolis constructed for digital nomads. The cafe tradition and relaxed fashionable bar scene make it simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an ideal spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has loads to supply nonetheless. Town’s full of life power and inventive environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name dwelling for some time.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life environment. Cuba Street is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool outlets and bars. It’s the right place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.

For a quieter however nonetheless related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a brief stroll from the town heart, this neighborhood gives gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an ideal place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part the town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and inexpensive lodging choices; making it the right base to follow an ideal work-life steadiness.

Coworking Areas in Wellington

Issues to Do in Wellington

Make time to slot in these 5 high Wellington actions:

1. Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automobile Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s most important highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the enduring cable automotive. Click here to book your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming areas from the Lord of the Rings films, or make the most of a tour full of much more motion. Click here for details on the half-day tour to get you started.
3. Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry journey to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to a ravishing seaside and plenty of nature to take pleasure in. Book your ferry tickets here.
4. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Dive into New Zealand’s wealthy tradition and historical past at Te Papa, the nation’s nationwide museum. Click here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
5. Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on superb wines and revel in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click here to book your tour, including transfers today.

5. Dunedin

Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a beautiful metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a major quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an ideal ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is dwelling to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with climbing and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s all the time one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of the town and an ideal alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic allure, you’ll have every part you want throughout a keep right here, together with buying, eating, and native sights.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the University of Otago, which provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, ultimate for work-life steadiness.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of trendy facilities. Keep right here for the views and revel in entry to unbelievable close by nature, good for outdoor-loving digital nomads.

Coworking Areas in Dunedin

Issues to Do in Dunedin

Listed below are my high issues to do in Dunedin:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning house to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click here for details.
2. Speights Brewery Tour: Uncover the historical past behind New Zealand’s iconic Speights beer with a brewery tour. The well-known drink originates from Dunedin and this tour is a should for beer lovers! Click here for more details.
3. Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the perfect of Dunedin, from the town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This in style tour usually sells out. Click here to book your tour.
4. 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s greatest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with on your style buds and also you’ll be taught lots concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click here for more information.

How you can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

Should you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, preserve your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Booking.com: A helpful software for reserving every part from hostels to luxurious flats. Booking.com usually permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and value matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.

2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has a lot of decisions on each islands. All the time play together with your dates to see when you can hit sure low cost markers.

3. Trusted Housesitters: Save on all of your lodging prices by securing a home sit. The most important home sitting website available on the market usually has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Street readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this link.

4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo gives a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Remember to examine each to safe the perfect costs and mess around together with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.

Price of Dwelling in New Zealand

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the price of dwelling in New Zealand. Even within the greater cities, most issues felt pretty affordable, right here’s the breakdown:

Eating places and Groceries

Eating out is corresponding to most US and UK locations. You possibly can count on to pay round $15 for a casual meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the examine for a good dinner out will simply set you again $80-$100.

Like most locations, you’ll by no means be removed from a pleasant espresso store. Your normal brew will often value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely under $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will fluctuate tremendously throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the most important metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis flats value upwards of $1200/month, with $200 utilities on high.

If planning a brief keep, refine your searches utilizing the choices mentioned within the earlier lodging part. You’ll discover a full vary of choices throughout New Zealand, from shared hostel dorms and Airbnb rooms to luxurious flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport techniques. Throughout my time in Auckland, I ceaselessly used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the guts of the town heart.

Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per trip and could be bought on-line, through an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy technique to journey, brief journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot larger than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gas was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Strolling by way of airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and working with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of information in minutes.

My plan value me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official retailers for the primary distributors resembling Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay at the very least $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a fundamental package deal.

Cash Saving Suggestions for New Zealand

1. Home Sit: Save on all of your lodging prices by securing home sits in New Zealand. I did it for half of my keep and you’ll learn all about it on this Auckland house sitting guide.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by practice or automotive appears like an ideal concept however is extremely uneconomical. Finances airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
3. Store Round: There are a number of in style supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought of the most affordable however by buying round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are all the time helpful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside life throughout your keep.

Climate in New Zealand

New Zealand experiences four distinct seasons, providing various climate all year long. October is the guts of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures have been dry and nice. That is once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The very best time to journey to New Zealand is determined by your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer time (December to February) is nice for seashores and climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn supply fewer crowds and milder climate.

There’s no hurricane season, however the scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New 12 months can carry excessive journey demand. For ultimate situations, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like every place on the planet, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is without doubt one of the most stunning international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life steadiness and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions resembling climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
• Protected and Peaceable: Low crime rates and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities can be expensive, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
• Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, that means that earthquakes are a typical pure hazard.
• Bugs and Sandflies: Sure areas, particularly close to water, are identified for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.

Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand

New Zealand doesn’t at present supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees usually make the most of the Visitor Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Understand that solely certain countries are eligible and sure standards should be met.

For American and Canadian residents a visa-free journey settlement permits stays of as much as 90 days, whereas Brits can keep for as much as 6 months. Distant employees want to make sure they adjust to laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa scenario based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory info. Click on right here to be taught extra about working vacation visas in NZ.

In Conclusion

I hope my digital nomad information to New Zealand has impressed you to make it your subsequent distant working base. I cherished my time there and may’t wait to return and discover some extra.

Whether or not you take pleasure in breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!