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 best retreat for distant employees 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 inform you 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 well-liked 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 superb – 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 a lot to maintain you impressed and entertained.
Dwelling in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Private Expertise)
That’s me busy working away throughout my home sitting keep in Devonport, NZ. My devoted companion Archie standing guard.
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 regularly 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 a number of the most distant New Zealand cities have been well-suited for digital nomads.
Afterward, I’ll focus on a few the most effective coworking areas in New Zealand and a number of 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 buddies.
Is New Zealand Secure?
Having fun with a beer in one in every of Auckland’s nice bars.
New Zealand is likely one of the most secure international locations you possibly can go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I at all times felt utterly secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.
Not like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You gained’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to chill out after 3 months of being on guard!
Whereas New Zealand is usually secure, it’s price noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes attributable to 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.
Finest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand
Auckland’s skyline as seen from Devonport.
I used to be lucky to journey round most of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed below are the most effective locations to think about dwelling 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 massive metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
The town skyline, particularly the long-lasting Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of the town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the best location.
Finest Areas to Reside in Auckland
Devonport, NZ.
All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the stunning and well-liked 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.
When you’re in search of a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable selection. 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 pretty little residential neighborhood presents a mix of contemporary facilities and impartial attraction.
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. Ebook your unforgettable journey right now.
Discover the Auckland Warfare 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 sights in at some point – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra data.
Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in the event you favor, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. The perfect views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.
2. Christchurch
Mountain climbing not removed from Christchurch.
Christchurch is a good choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It presents a pleasant combine of contemporary services 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 whenever 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.
Finest Areas to Reside in Christchurch
Riccarton is a improbable neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 brief spells within the metropolis. The spotlight for me was the peaceable stroll by way of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town heart.
For a extra 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 good for digital nomads.
When you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good decide. It’s dwelling to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s excellent for targeted workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.
Coworking Areas in Christchurch
Issues to Do in Christchurch
Riverside Market, Christchurch.
Once you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:
Riverside Market: Discover this well-liked spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of superbly curated gardens, chill out 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 every of New Zealand’s high sights. It’s the following neatest 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 significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end motels, catering to each digital nomad.
Outdoors work, journey can be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic environment and artistic neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Finest Areas to Reside in Queenstown
Frankton is a sensible selection 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 heart is good. This busy space is full of comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the most effective place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.
When you favor 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 gained’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 beautiful rivers. It is a well-liked 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 sights! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to some other in probably the most 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 just unforgettable, click on right here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace by way of 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 day trip, 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 simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an awesome spot for exploring too.
For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has a lot to supply nonetheless. The town’s vigorous vitality and creative environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name dwelling for some time.
Finest Areas to Reside in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous environment. Cuba Avenue is true across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers 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. Situated only a brief stroll from the town heart, this neighborhood presents beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an awesome place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.
Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the things the town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and inexpensive lodging choices; making it the proper base to follow an awesome work-life stability.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 high Wellington actions:
Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automobile Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s principal 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 ‘Middle Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings films, 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 soothing ferry trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to a stupendous seashore 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 positive 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 beautiful metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a big quantity of tradition and historical past. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an awesome consuming tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is dwelling to distinctive wildlife and outside 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 Reside in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the guts of the town and an awesome selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic attraction, you’ll have all the things you want throughout a keep right here, together with procuring, eating, and native sights.
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 stability.
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, excellent for outdoor-loving digital nomads.
Coworking Areas in Dunedin
Issues to Do in Dunedin
Listed below are my high issues to do in Dunedin:
Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning area to chill out 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 beautiful Otago Peninsula. This well-liked tour usually 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 study rather a lot concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra data.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
When 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 helpful software for reserving all the things from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.com usually 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 heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has a lot of selections on each islands. At all times play together 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 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 presents a variety of properties at aggressive costs. You should definitely test each to safe the most effective costs and mess around together 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 dwelling in New Zealand. Even within the larger cities, most issues felt pretty cheap, right here’s the breakdown:
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out is corresponding to most US and UK locations. You may anticipate to pay round $15 for an informal 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 customary brew will normally price $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat could be very inexpensive 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 larger 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
All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I regularly used the ferry to take me straight 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 will 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 approach to journey, brief journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot greater 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 way of airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and working with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of knowledge 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.
Information-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay no less than $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a primary bundle.
Cash Saving Suggestions for New Zealand
Mountain climbing within the North Island.
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 automotive appears like an awesome concept however is extremely uneconomical. Funds airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
Store Round: There are a selection of well-liked supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought-about the most cost effective however by procuring round you’ll discover totally different bargains in several 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 likely one of the most stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and seashore life throughout your keep.
Climate in New Zealand
Certainly one of many beautiful seashores within the North Island, that is lower than an hour from Auckland’s CBD.
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.
The perfect time to journey to New Zealand is dependent upon your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer time (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountain climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and milder climate.
There’s no hurricane season, however the sizzling climate round holidays like Christmas and New Yr can convey excessive journey demand. For excellent circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
Like every place on this planet, 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
Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is likely one of the most stunning international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Laid-Again Life-style: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to total well-being.
Journey Alternatives: Actions comparable to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly obtainable.
Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.
Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
Excessive Value of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities will be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
Distant Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, which 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 present provide a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant employees usually make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Needless to say solely sure international locations 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 employees want to make sure they adjust to rules (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 data. 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 may’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether or not you take pleasure in breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!
