It was all the time 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 may journey earlier than you start coming house once more.
It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the perfect retreat for distant employees searching for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited anyplace fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to 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 plenty of 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 house, 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, ingesting 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)
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.
Transferring so regularly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and frequently 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 one of the best 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 all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and buddies.
Is New Zealand Protected?
New Zealand is one of many most secure international locations you may go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt fully secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.
In contrast to its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You gained’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!
Whereas New Zealand is usually secure, it’s price noting the nation is liable to earthquakes resulting from 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
I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed below are one of the best locations to think about dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is house to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
The town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the perfect location.
Finest Areas to Stay in Auckland
All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and well-liked 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 surprising place to remain.
In the event you’re in search of a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable alternative. It’s full of 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 beautiful little residential neighborhood gives a mix of contemporary facilities and impartial appeal.
Coworking Areas in Auckland
Issues to Do in Auckland
Listed below are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:
- Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of 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. Ebook your unforgettable journey right this moment.
- Discover the Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
- Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic points of interest in sooner or later – 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 desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the commentary deck. The most effective 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 contemporary amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s excellent for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.
There’s a lot to do while 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 Stay in Christchurch
Riccarton is a improbable 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 via 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 right for digital nomads.
In the event you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb choose. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s good for targeted workdays and has easy accessibility 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 points of interest to attempt in your spare time:
- Riverside Market: Discover this well-liked spot full of native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and impartial bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll via 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 journey on the Avon. Try this nice tour I discovered that features all three.
- Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one in all New Zealand’s prime points of interest. It’s the subsequent smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
- Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is known for its wine, so why not spend a pleasant day within the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Go to three wineries and luxuriate in a mouthwatering lunch. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is a significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end lodges, 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 inventive group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Finest Areas to Stay 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 right. This busy space is full of snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally one of the best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.
In the event 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 really inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.
Coworking Areas in Queenstown
Issues to Do in Queenstown
You gained’t be bored in Queenstown; listed here are my prime 5 actions to get you began:
- White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s beautiful rivers. It is a well-liked exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to guide your spot right this moment.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime points of interest! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like every other in one of the vital lovely locations on earth. Discover it right 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 on right here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: Probably the most enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
- Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and luxuriate in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you gained’t remorse it. Click on right here to study extra about this nice day tour.
4. Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a metropolis constructed for digital nomads. The cafe tradition and relaxed stylish bar scene make it straightforward 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 power and creative environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name house for some time.
Finest Areas to Stay in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous environment. Cuba Avenue 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 linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Positioned only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood gives beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an awesome place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.
Wellington CBD is all the time a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and inexpensive lodging choices; making it the right base to observe an awesome work-life stability.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:
- Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automobile Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s primary highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the enduring cable automotive. Click on right here to guide your tickets.
- Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings films, or reap the benefits 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 journey to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to a lovely seaside and plenty of 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 superb wines and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click on right here to guide your tour, together with transfers right this moment.
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 big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an awesome ingesting tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is house 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 all the time one thing to discover throughout your downtime.
Finest Areas to Stay in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the center of town and an awesome alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic appeal, you’ll have every part 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 supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, excellent for work-life stability.
St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of fashionable facilities. Keep right here for the views and luxuriate in entry to unimaginable close by nature, good for outdoor-loving digital nomads.
Coworking Areas in Dunedin
Issues to Do in Dunedin
Listed below are my prime issues to do in Dunedin:
- Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, lovely house to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click on right here for particulars.
- Speights Brewery Tour: Uncover the historical past behind New Zealand’s iconic Speights beer with a brewery tour. The well-known drink originates from Dunedin and this tour is a should for beer lovers! Click on right here for extra particulars.
- Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover one of the best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This well-liked tour usually sells out. Click on right here to guide your tour.
- 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 on your style buds and also you’ll study so much in regards to the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra info.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
In the event you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, hold your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:
1. Reserving.com: A helpful device for reserving every part 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 middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has plenty of decisions on each islands. All the time play together 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 most important home sitting website in the marketplace frequently 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 gives a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Remember to verify each to safe one of the best costs and mess around together 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 cheap, right here’s the breakdown:
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out is akin to most US and UK locations. You possibly can 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 a good 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 normally value $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat may 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 vastly throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences value upwards of $1200/month, with $200 utilities on prime.
If planning a brief keep, refine your searches utilizing the choices mentioned within the earlier lodging part. You’ll discover a full vary of choices throughout New Zealand, from shared hostel dorms and Airbnb rooms to luxurious residences.
Transportation Prices in New Zealand
The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I regularly used the ferry to take me straight 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 journey and might be bought on-line, through an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.
Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy strategy to journey, quick journeys value $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 linked in New Zealand is a easy and easy course of. Strolling via 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 value me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official retailers for the primary distributors resembling Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Information-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay a minimum of $15/month to get totally arrange and linked with a fundamental 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 practice or automotive seems like an awesome concept however is extremely uneconomical. Price range airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
- Store Round: There are a number of well-liked supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought of the most cost effective however by procuring round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are all the time helpful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
- Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is among the most lovely international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice open air 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 center of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures had been dry and nice. That is once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.
The most effective 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 carry excessive journey demand. For excellent situations, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
Like every place on the planet, dwelling 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 actually is among 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 stability and low stress ranges.
- Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, wonderful healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to general well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions resembling mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
- Protected and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to stay.
Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
- Excessive Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities might 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 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 provide a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, 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 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 individual 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 might’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether or not you take pleasure in breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!
