It was at all times 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 dwelling once more.
It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the perfect retreat for distant employees searching 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.
Are you able to reside a distant life-style?
Take the quiz and see if we can assist.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program will likely be accepting a most of 10 individuals to begin constructing their dream distant life-style. Be taught extra & see if we can assist you obtain your targets!
About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and many alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s fashionable 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 wonderful – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.
Whether or not you’re mountaineering in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s sizzling springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s loads 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 break up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.
Shifting so steadily inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working abilities and frequently 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.
In a while, I’ll focus on a few one of the best 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 at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.
Is New Zealand Secure?
New Zealand is one of many most secure nations you possibly can go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I at all times felt fully secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.
In contrast to 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 price noting the nation is liable to earthquakes as a result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of each day life and lots of buildings are designed to resist tremors.
Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand
I used to be lucky to journey round most of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed below are one of the best locations to contemplate residing as a digital nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is dwelling to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
The town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of the town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the perfect location.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Auckland
All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and fashionable 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.
For those who’re searching for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful purchasing, 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 affords a mix of contemporary facilities and impartial appeal.
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 the town and surrounding countryside.
- 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. E-book your unforgettable journey immediately.
- Discover the Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
- Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic points of interest in in the future – 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 remark deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.
2. Christchurch
Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It affords a pleasant combine of contemporary services and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s very best 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. The town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Christchurch
Riccarton is a incredible 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 Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town middle.
For a extra energetic expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is tough 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.
For those who’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 ambiance. It’s good for centered workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.
Coworking Areas in Christchurch
Issues to Do in Christchurch
While you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch points of interest to attempt in your spare time:
- Riverside Market: Discover this fashionable spot full of native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll by superbly curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or take pleasure in 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 trip on the Avon. Try this nice tour I discovered that features all three.
- Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one in all New Zealand’s prime points of interest. It’s the subsequent 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 luxuriate 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 price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end accommodations, catering to each digital nomad.
Outdoors work, journey will likely be proper in your doorstep. Go mountaineering, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Greatest Areas to Dwell 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 desirous to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle is right. This busy space is filled with snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally one of the best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.
For those who choose a quieter vibe, Fernhill affords a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Right here, the primary profit is the breathtaking lake and mountain views – it’s a really inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.
Coworking Areas in Queenstown
Issues to Do in Queenstown
You gained’t be bored in Queenstown; listed here 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. This can be a fashionable exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to guide your spot immediately.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime points of interest! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like some other in one of the lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
- Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher method 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 by slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat trip, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
- Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and luxuriate in connoisseur delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you gained’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 a terrific spot for exploring too.
For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has loads to supply nonetheless. The town’s energetic vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name dwelling for some time.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and energetic ambiance. Cuba Road is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers and bars. It’s the right place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.
For a quieter however nonetheless linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Positioned only a brief stroll from the town middle, this neighborhood affords beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s a terrific place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.
Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every little thing 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 observe a terrific 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 trip on the enduring cable automotive. Click on right here to guide your tickets.
- Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming areas from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, or reap the benefits of a tour filled with 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 trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to an exquisite seashore and many nature to take pleasure in. 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 advantageous wines and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click on right here to guide your tour, together with transfers immediately.
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 big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and a terrific consuming tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is dwelling to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with mountaineering and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the center of the town and a terrific alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic appeal, you’ll have every little thing you want throughout a keep right here, together with purchasing, eating, and native points of interest.
North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the College of Otago, which provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, very best for work-life steadiness.
St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seashore vibe however loads of trendy facilities. Keep right here for the views and luxuriate 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, lovely house 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 one of the best of Dunedin, from the town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This fashionable tour usually sells out. Click on right here to guide your tour.
- 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 study quite a bit concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra info.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
For those who 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. Reserving.com: A helpful instrument for reserving every little thing from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.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 middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has plenty of decisions 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 largest home sitting web site in the marketplace frequently has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Highway readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this hyperlink.
4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo affords a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Be sure you verify each to safe one of the best 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 residing in New Zealand. Even within the larger cities, most issues felt pretty affordable, right here’s the breakdown:
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out is similar to most US and UK locations. You’ll be able to anticipate to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically talking, the verify for an honest 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 commonplace brew will often value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely beneath $5/lb.
Lodging Prices
Costs will differ vastly throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the larger cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest 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
The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I steadily used the ferry to take me straight throughout the water into the center of the town middle.
Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per journey and might be bought on-line, through an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.
Uber is broadly used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy method to journey, brief journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot greater than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel was above $6 throughout my keep!
SIM Playing cards, Information, and WiFi
Getting linked in New Zealand is a easy and easy course of. Strolling by 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 knowledge in minutes.
My plan value me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the primary distributors resembling Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Information-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay at the very least $15/month to get totally arrange and linked with a primary package deal.
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 may learn all about it on this Auckland home sitting information.
- Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automotive seems like a terrific 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 fashionable supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most cost effective however by purchasing round you’ll discover completely different bargains in numerous shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
- Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice open air and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, 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 center 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 very best time to journey to New Zealand is determined by your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer season (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountaineering, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn supply fewer crowds and milder climate.
There’s no hurricane season, however the sizzling climate round holidays like Christmas and New Yr can carry excessive journey demand. For very best situations, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Execs and Cons of Residing in New Zealand
Like every place on the planet, residing in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Execs of Residing in New Zealand
- Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is without doubt one of the most lovely nations 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 surroundings, wonderful healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to total well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions resembling mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly accessible.
- Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to reside.
Cons of Residing in New Zealand
- Excessive Price of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities might 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 Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, which means that earthquakes are a typical pure hazard.
- Bugs and Sandflies: Sure areas, particularly close to water, are recognized for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.
Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand
New Zealand doesn’t at present supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees usually make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Understand 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 employees want to make sure they adjust to rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often 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 cherished my time there and might’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 massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!
