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 exquisite nation and the best retreat for distant staff 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 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 many alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and large 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 strong and the espresso is wonderful – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.
Whether or not you’re mountain climbing 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.
Dwelling 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, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.
Shifting 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.
Afterward, I’ll talk about a few the most effective 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 pals.
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 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 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 calm down after 3 months of being on guard!
Whereas New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s price noting the nation is liable to earthquakes resulting from its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. Earthquake preparedness is a part of each day life and lots of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.
Finest 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 here are the most effective locations to contemplate dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 giant harbors is dwelling to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.
Town skyline, particularly the long-lasting 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.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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 quick 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.
For those who’re searching for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible alternative. It’s full of nice eating places, glorious procuring, 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 presents a mix of recent facilities and unbiased attraction.
Coworking Areas in Auckland
Issues to Do in Auckland
Listed here 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: Top-of-the-line 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. Ebook your unforgettable journey right now.
- Discover the Auckland Struggle 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 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 case you want, merely take in panoramic views from the remark deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.
2. Christchurch
Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It presents a pleasant combine of recent amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s very best for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.
There’s loads 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.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Christchurch
Riccarton is a incredible neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 quick 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 heart.
For a extra vigorous 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 environment. 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
Whenever you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch points of interest to attempt in your spare time:
- Riverside Market: Discover this in style spot full of native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll by superbly curated gardens, calm down 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. 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 in all New Zealand’s high 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 legendary 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 gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end accommodations, catering to each digital nomad.
Outdoors work, journey might be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic environment and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Finest 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 heart 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.
For those who want a quieter vibe, Fernhill presents 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 really 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 high 5 actions to get you began:
- White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. This can be a in style exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e-book your spot right now.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high points of interest! Experience the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like 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. Velocity 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 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 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 stylish bar scene make it straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it a fantastic spot for exploring too.
For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has loads to supply nonetheless. Town’s vigorous power and inventive environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name dwelling for some time.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous environment. Cuba Road 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. Positioned only a quick stroll from the town heart, this neighborhood presents gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s a fantastic place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.
Wellington CBD is at all times a superb choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the pieces the town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the right base to follow a fantastic work-life steadiness.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 high 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 long-lasting cable automotive. Click on right here to e-book 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 make the most 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 calming ferry trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to an exquisite seaside and many nature to take pleasure in. Ebook 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 high quality 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 right now.
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. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and a fantastic consuming tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is dwelling to distinctive wildlife and out of doors adventures together with mountain climbing and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the guts of the town and a fantastic alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and many historic attraction, you’ll have all the pieces you want throughout a keep right here, together with procuring, 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. Total 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 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 here are my high issues to do in Dunedin:
- Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning house to calm down 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 the town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This in style tour typically sells out. Click on right here to e-book 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 in your style buds and also you’ll be taught so much concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra info.
The best way to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
For those who plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, preserve your lodging choices open. Listed here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:
1. Reserving.com: A helpful device for reserving all the pieces 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 heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has a number of selections on each islands. All the time play along with your dates to see in case 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 website in the marketplace 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 presents a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure to test 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 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 similar 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. Usually talking, the test 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 price $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat may 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 enormously throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences price 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 residences.
Transportation Prices in New Zealand
The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and secure public transport techniques. Throughout my time in Auckland, I ceaselessly used the ferry to take me instantly 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 journey and could 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 reasonably priced and handy approach to journey, quick journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot increased 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 by airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and operating with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of knowledge in minutes.
My plan price me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the primary distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay at the very least $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a primary 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 may learn all about it on this Auckland home sitting information.
- Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automotive feels like a fantastic thought 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 in style supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought of the most affordable however by procuring round you’ll discover totally different bargains in several shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful 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 outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside 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 have been dry and nice. That is after I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.
One of the best time to journey to New Zealand will depend on your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer season (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountain climbing, 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 Dwelling in New Zealand
Like several place on the earth, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Execs of Dwelling 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 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 atmosphere, glorious healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to total well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions equivalent to mountain 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 dwell.
Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
- Excessive Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities could be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
- Distant Location: Its distance from different nations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield pricey and time-consuming.
- Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace, which means that earthquakes are a standard 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 presently supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember the fact that solely sure nations are eligible and sure standards have to 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 rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).
All the time comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs 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. Get pleasure from your travels!
