Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in New Zealand

It was at all times a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I just lately made that dream a actuality. As somebody from the UK, New Zealand is about so far as you’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming house once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful 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 inform you all about it.

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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 large cities, it’s common with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With simply over 5 million calling it house, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is strong and the espresso is wonderful – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.

Whether or not you’re mountain climbing in Queenstown, ingesting in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s scorching springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s 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, 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 frequently discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even a few of the most distant New Zealand cities have been well-suited for digital nomads.

Afterward, I’ll focus on a few the perfect coworking areas in New Zealand and a few of the finest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from house, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.

Is New Zealand Protected?

New Zealand is one of many most secure international locations you’ll be able to 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.

Not like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You received’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to chill out after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s price noting the nation is susceptible to earthquakes attributable to 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 largest cities and cities. Listed below are the perfect locations to think about residing as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 giant harbors is house to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted large metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.

The town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of town and provides 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 stunning and common suburb of Devonport. It’s only a brief hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it was a shocking place to remain.

In case you’re on the lookout for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a unbelievable alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful 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 gives a mix of recent 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:

1. Climb Mount Eden: A wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
2. 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 at the moment.
3. 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.
4. Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic sights in sooner or later – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra info.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or if you happen to desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. The perfect views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb 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 superb for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s lots to do if you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your means 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 unbelievable 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 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 finest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is good for digital nomads.

In case you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb decide. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s good for centered workdays and has quick access to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

Once you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch sights to strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this common spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of fantastically curated gardens, chill out by the river, or get pleasure from a picnic in a tranquil setting.
3. 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 journey on the Avon. Take a look at this nice tour I discovered that features all three.
4. Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at certainly one of New Zealand’s prime sights. It’s the subsequent smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. 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 luxuriate 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 gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end inns, catering to each digital nomad.

Outdoors work, journey will likely be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain climbing, 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 eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle is good. This busy space is filled with snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the perfect place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

In case you desire 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 prime 5 actions to get you began:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. This can be a common exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to ebook your spot at the moment.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Experience the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like every other in one of the stunning locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher solution 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.
4. Jet Boating on Shotover River: Some of the enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace by way of slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
5. Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and luxuriate in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious day trip, you received’t remorse it. Click on right here to study extra about this nice day tour.

4. Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a metropolis constructed for digital nomads. The cafe tradition and relaxed stylish bar scene make it straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an incredible spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has lots to supply nonetheless. The town’s vigorous vitality and inventive ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name house 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 Avenue is correct 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 town middle, this neighborhood gives gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an incredible place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to every little thing town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the proper base to follow an incredible work-life steadiness.

Coworking Areas in Wellington

Issues to Do in Wellington

Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:

1. Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s principal highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the enduring cable automobile. Click on right here to ebook your tickets.
2. 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.
3. Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a calming ferry journey to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to a stupendous seaside and many nature to get pleasure from. E-book your ferry tickets right here.
4. 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.
5. Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on high quality 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 ebook your tour, together with transfers at the moment.

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 gorgeous structure and an incredible ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is house 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.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of town and an incredible alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and many historic attraction, you’ll have every little thing 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 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, superb 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 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:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning house to chill out and unwind surrounded by nature. Click on right here for particulars.
2. 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.
3. Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the perfect of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This common tour usually sells out. Click on right here to ebook your tour.
4. 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s finest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with to your style buds and also you’ll study so much concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra info.

Discover Lodging in New Zealand

In case you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, maintain your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Reserving.com: A useful instrument for reserving every 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 a lot of decisions on each islands. All the time 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 web site available on the market 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 gives a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Remember to verify each to safe the perfect 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 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 may anticipate to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually 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 normal brew will normally price $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat may be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely below $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will fluctuate vastly 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 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, reasonably priced, and secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I ceaselessly used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the guts of town middle.

Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per journey and may 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 solution to journey, brief journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot increased than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Information, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean 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 operating with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of information in minutes.

My plan price me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official retailers for the primary distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay not less than $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a primary bundle.

Cash Saving Suggestions for New Zealand

1. 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.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automobile seems like an incredible concept however is extremely uneconomical. Funds airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
3. Store Round: There are a number of common 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.
4. 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.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt 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 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 once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The perfect time to journey to New Zealand depends 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 supply fewer crowds and milder climate.

There’s no hurricane season, however the scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New 12 months can deliver excessive journey demand. For superb circumstances, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like every place on the planet, residing in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really is without doubt one of the most stunning international locations 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 setting, wonderful healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions equivalent to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively accessible.
• Protected 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 may 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 Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, that means that earthquakes are a typical 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 supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff 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 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).

All the time 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 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 cherished my time there and may’t wait to return and discover some extra.

Whether or not you get pleasure from breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!