It was at all times 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 may journey earlier than you start coming residence 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 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, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s standard with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
With simply over 5 million calling it residence, 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 value it.
Whether or not you’re mountaineering 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 lots 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.
Shifting so ceaselessly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and recurrently discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even a few of 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 a few of the greatest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from residence, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and buddies.
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 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 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 resulting from its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. 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 lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed here are the most effective locations to think about residing 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 probably the most acquainted massive metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
Town skyline, particularly the long-lasting 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 Dwell in Auckland
All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and standard 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.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible alternative. It’s filled with 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 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 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 wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
- Whale Watching: The most effective 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.
- Discover the Auckland Warfare Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets 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 Movie Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click here for more information.
- Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or if you happen to want, merely take in panoramic views from the commentary deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Find it here.
2. Christchurch
Christchurch is a good possibility 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 supreme for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.
There’s lots 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 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 town middle.
For a extra vigorous expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is difficult to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and town’s greatest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is good for digital nomads.
If you happen to’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good decide. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s excellent for centered 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 here are 5 Christchurch points of interest to attempt in your spare time:
- Riverside Market: Discover this standard spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll by fantastically 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 experience on the Avon. Take a look at this great tour I discovered that features all three.
- Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at certainly one of New Zealand’s high points of interest. It’s the following smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click 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 here for details.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is a serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end accommodations, catering to each digital nomad.
Outdoors work, journey can be proper in your doorstep. Go mountaineering, 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 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 town center is good. This busy space is filled with snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the most effective place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.
If you happen to want a quieter vibe, Fernhill gives 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 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 here 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. It is a standard exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click here to e book your spot as we speak.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high points of interest! Journey the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to every other in some of the lovely locations on earth. Find it here.
- Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher strategy to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to soar over all of it on a helicopter tour? This expertise is just unforgettable, click here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: Some of the enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
- Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and revel in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious day trip, you received’t remorse it. Click 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 simple 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 lots to supply nonetheless. Town’s vigorous vitality and inventive ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence for some time.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous ambiance. Cuba Street 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 related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Positioned only a brief stroll from town middle, this neighborhood gives 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 wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the pieces 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 observe 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 essential highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the long-lasting cable automobile. Click here to book your tickets.
- Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings films, or reap the benefits of a tour filled with much more motion. Click here for details on the half-day tour to get you started.
- Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a wonderful seaside and plenty of nature to take pleasure in. Book your ferry tickets 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 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 here to book your tour, including transfers today.
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 gorgeous structure and a fantastic ingesting tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is residence 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 town and a fantastic alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and plenty of 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 University 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, supreme for work-life steadiness.
St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of fashionable facilities. Keep right here for the views and revel in entry to unbelievable close by nature, excellent 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, lovely house to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click here for details.
- 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.
- Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the most effective of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This standard tour typically sells out. Click here to 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 to your style buds and also you’ll study quite a bit concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click here for more information.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
If you happen to plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, maintain your lodging choices open. Listed here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:
1. Booking.com: A useful device for reserving all the pieces from hostels to luxurious residences. Booking.com typically permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and worth 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 a number of selections on each islands. At all times play along with your dates to see if you happen to 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 in the marketplace recurrently 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 link.
4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo gives a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure you 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.
Value of Dwelling in New Zealand
I used to be pleasantly stunned by the price of residing 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 anticipate to pay round $15 for a casual meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically talking, the examine 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 customary brew will normally price $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 under $5/lb.
Lodging Prices
Costs will fluctuate drastically throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the most important 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
All the 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 center of town middle.
Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per trip and will be bought on-line, by way of an app, or in individual at a kiosk.
Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy strategy to journey, brief journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot greater 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 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 information in minutes.
My plan price me $30/month and was excellent for my wants. There are official shops for the primary distributors comparable to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay at the least $15/month to get totally arrange and related with a fundamental 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 house sitting guide.
- Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automobile seems like a fantastic 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 number of standard supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most affordable however by procuring round you’ll discover totally different bargains in numerous shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times useful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
- Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most lovely international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, 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 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.
One of the 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 scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New Yr can deliver excessive journey demand. For supreme situations, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
Like all place on the planet, residing 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 lovely international locations 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, glorious healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to total well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions comparable to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively accessible.
- Protected and Peaceable: Low crime rates and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.
Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
- Excessive Value 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 Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, 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 at the moment supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff typically make the most of the Visitor Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Take into account 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 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 scenario primarily based by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory 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 liked 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 large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!
