It was all the time a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I not too long ago made that dream a actuality. As somebody from the UK, New Zealand is about so far as you possibly can journey earlier than you start coming house once more.
It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the best retreat for distant staff looking for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited anyplace fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to let you know all about it.
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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 large cities, it’s widespread with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
With simply over 5 million calling it house, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is strong and the espresso is superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.
Whether or not you’re climbing in Queenstown, ingesting in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s scorching springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s a lot to maintain you impressed and entertained.
Residing in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Private Expertise)
I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was cut 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 steadily inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and usually discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even among the most distant New Zealand cities had been well-suited for digital nomads.
Afterward, I’ll talk about a few the most effective coworking areas in New Zealand and among the finest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from house, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and buddies.
Is New Zealand Protected?
New Zealand is one of many most secure nations you possibly can go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt fully protected 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 received’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 protected, it’s price noting the nation is susceptible to earthquakes as a result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of day by day life and lots of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.
Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand
I used to be lucky to journey round most of the nation’s largest cities and cities. Listed below are the most effective locations to contemplate dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is house to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted massive metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
Town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of town and offers 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 widespread 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 shocking place to remain.
Should you’re searching for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a implausible alternative. It’s full of nice eating places, wonderful 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 price 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 contemporary 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:
- Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
- Whale Watching: Among the best 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. E-book your unforgettable journey at this time.
- Discover the Auckland Battle Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a shocking heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
- Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic points of interest in sooner or later – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra info.
- Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in the event you choose, merely absorb panoramic views from the commentary deck. The most effective views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.
2. Christchurch
Christchurch is a good choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It gives a pleasant combine of contemporary amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s excellent for digital nomads. There’s a giant cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.
There’s a lot to do while you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your manner 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 implausible 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 via Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town middle.
For a extra vigorous expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is tough to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and town’s finest 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 good decide. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s good for targeted workdays and has quick access to the CBD and close by parks.
Coworking Areas in Christchurch
Issues to Do in Christchurch
If you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch points of interest to attempt in your spare time:
- Riverside Market: Discover this widespread spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and impartial bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll via fantastically curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or get pleasure from a picnic in a tranquil setting.
- 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 experience on the Avon. Take a look at this nice tour I discovered that features all three.
- Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one among New Zealand’s prime points of interest. It’s the following smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
- 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 on right here for particulars.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is a serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end resorts, catering to each digital nomad.
Exterior work, journey can be proper in your doorstep. Go climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and inventive 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 supplied all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.
For these eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle is right. This busy space is full of snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the most effective place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.
Should you choose a quieter vibe, Fernhill gives a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Right here, the principle 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 received’t be bored in Queenstown; listed below are my prime 5 actions to get you began:
- White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s beautiful rivers. It is a widespread exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e book your spot at this time.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime points of interest! Journey the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to another in one of the stunning locations on earth. Discover it right here.
- Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher approach to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to soar over all of it on a helicopter tour? This expertise is solely unforgettable, click on right here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the vital enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
- 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 received’t remorse it. Click on right here to study 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 straightforward 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 a lot to supply nonetheless. Town’s vigorous vitality and inventive ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name house for some time.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous ambiance. Cuba Avenue is true across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool outlets and bars. It’s the proper place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.
For a quieter however nonetheless related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Positioned only a brief stroll from town middle, this neighborhood gives beautiful 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 thing town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the proper base to apply an ideal work-life steadiness.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:
- Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s major highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the enduring cable automobile. Click on right here to e book your tickets.
- Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, or reap the benefits of a tour full of much more motion. Click on right here for particulars on the half-day tour to get you began.
- Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to an attractive seashore and plenty of nature to get pleasure from. E-book your ferry tickets right here.
- 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 on right here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
- Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on fantastic wines and revel in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click on right here to e book your tour, together with transfers at this time.
5. Dunedin
Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a stunning 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 beautiful structure and an ideal ingesting tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is house to distinctive wildlife and out of doors 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 town and an ideal alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and plenty of historic allure, you’ll have every thing you want throughout a keep right here, together with buying, eating, and native points of interest.
North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the College of Otago, which supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Total the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, excellent for work-life steadiness.
St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seashore vibe however loads of fashionable 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 prime issues to do in Dunedin:
- Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning area to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click on right here for particulars.
- 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 on right here for extra particulars.
- Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the most effective of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This widespread tour typically sells out. Click on right here to e book your tour.
- 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s finest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with in your style buds and also you’ll study so much in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra info.
The best way to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
Should you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, maintain your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:
1. Reserving.com: A useful instrument for reserving every thing from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.com typically 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 middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has plenty of selections on each islands. At all times play along with your dates to see in the event 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 web site 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 hyperlink.
4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo gives a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure to examine each to safe the most effective costs and mess around along with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.
Price of Residing 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 akin to most US and UK locations. You’ll be able to count on to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically 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 normally value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely underneath $5/lb.
Lodging Prices
Costs will fluctuate drastically 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 residences value upwards of $1200/month, with $200 utilities on prime.
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 residences.
Transportation Prices in New Zealand
All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I steadily used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the guts of town middle.
Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per journey and will be bought on-line, by way of an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.
Uber is broadly used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy approach to journey, brief journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot larger than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gasoline was above $6 throughout my keep!
SIM Playing cards, Information, and WiFi
Getting related in New Zealand is a easy and easy course of. Strolling via 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 shops for the principle distributors resembling Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay no less than $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a fundamental bundle.
Cash Saving Ideas for New Zealand
- 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 home sitting information.
- Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by practice or automobile seems 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.
- Store Round: There are a selection of widespread supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most cost effective however by buying round you’ll discover totally different bargains in several shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are all the time useful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
- Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is likely one of the most stunning nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of climbing, pure magnificence, and seashore life throughout your keep.
Climate in New Zealand
New Zealand experiences 4 distinct seasons, providing various climate all year long. October is the guts of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures had been dry and nice. That is after I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.
The most effective 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 convey excessive journey demand. For excellent circumstances, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in New Zealand
Like several place on this planet, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Professionals of Residing in New Zealand
- Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is likely one of the most stunning nations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
- Laid-Again Life-style: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life steadiness and low stress ranges.
- Excessive High quality of Life: A clear atmosphere, wonderful healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to total well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions resembling climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly obtainable.
- Protected and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to stay.
Cons of Residing in New Zealand
- Excessive Price of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities will be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
- Distant Location: Its distance from different nations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
- Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, that means that earthquakes are a standard 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 the moment supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Take into account that solely sure nations 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 staff want to make sure they adjust to laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).
At all times comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs primarily based by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal authorities’s web site will provide all the required info. Click on right here to study 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 beloved my time there and might’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether or not you get pleasure from breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!
