Digital Nomad Guide to Living in New Zealand

It was all the time 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’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming house once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the perfect retreat for distant staff 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, 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 widespread 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 value it.

Whether or not you’re mountaineering in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s hot springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s a lot to maintain you impressed and entertained.

Residing 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 house sit in Auckland, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.

Transferring so continuously inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and frequently discovered new locations to arrange my laptop. Fortunately, I discovered that even a number of the most distant New Zealand cities have been well-suited for digital nomads.

Afterward, I’ll talk about a few the most effective coworking areas in New Zealand and 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 house, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and pals.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries you can visit. Crime rates are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt utterly protected 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 chill out after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is usually protected, it’s value noting the nation is prone to earthquakes as a result of 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 resist tremors.

Finest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s largest 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 giant harbors is home to the bulk of the country’s population. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted large metropolis vibe of anyplace 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 perfect location.

Finest Areas to Stay in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent house sitting within the lovely and widespread suburb of Devonport. It’s only a quick hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it was a shocking place to remain.

For those who’re searching for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a implausible selection. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful buying, 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 pretty little residential neighborhood presents 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:

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. Book your unforgettable adventure today.
3. Discover the Auckland Battle Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a shocking heritage constructing. Get your tickets right here.
4. 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.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or if you happen to desire, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Find it here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It presents a pleasant combine of contemporary amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s preferrred for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s a lot to do once you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your manner 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 implausible 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 greatest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is right for digital nomads.

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

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

While you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch points of interest to strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this widespread spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll via fantastically curated gardens, chill out by the river, or take pleasure in 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 experience on the Avon. Try this great tour I discovered that features all three.
4. Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at considered 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.
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 revel in a mouthwatering lunch. Click here for details.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is a serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy flats and high-end inns, catering to each digital nomad.

Outdoors work, journey might be proper in your doorstep. Go mountaineering, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and artistic neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Finest Areas to Stay 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 offered 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 right. This busy space is filled with comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the most effective place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

For those who desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill presents a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Right here, the principle 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:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s beautiful rivers. This can be a widespread exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click here to e-book your spot at the moment.
2. 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 not like another in one of the vital lovely locations on earth. Find it here.
3. 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 solely unforgettable, click here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
4. Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity via slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
5. 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 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 stylish bar scene make it straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an important 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 ambiance 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 ambiance. Cuba Street is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool outlets 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. Positioned only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood presents beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an important place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the proper base to follow an important work-life balance.

Coworking Areas in Wellington

Issues to Do in Wellington

Make time to slot in these 5 high Wellington actions:

1. Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s foremost highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the enduring cable automobile. Click here to book 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 benefit from a tour filled with much more motion. Click here for details on the half-day tour to get you started.
3. Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a calming ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to an attractive seaside and plenty of nature to take pleasure in. Book your ferry tickets 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 here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
5. Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on superb 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 beautiful 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 beautiful structure and an important consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is house to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with mountaineering 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 guts of town and an important selection 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 buying, eating, and native points of interest.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the University of Otago, which supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, preferrred 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 below are my high issues to do in Dunedin:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, lovely house to chill out and unwind surrounded by nature. Click here for details.
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 here for more details.
3. Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the most effective of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This widespread tour usually sells out. Click here to book your tour.
4. 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 rather a lot in regards to the metropolis alongside the best way. Click here for more information.

Easy methods to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

For those who 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. Booking.com: A helpful software for reserving every part from hostels to luxurious flats. Booking.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 numerous decisions on each islands. All the time play together 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 Road readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this link.

4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo presents a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Be sure you examine 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.

Price of Residing in New Zealand

I used to be pleasantly stunned 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 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 might be in NZ. Meat may be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely under $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range tremendously 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 flats 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 flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I continuously used the ferry to take me instantly 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 trip and may 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 reasonably priced and handy strategy to journey, quick 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, Information, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean 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 knowledge in minutes.

My plan price me $30/month and was excellent for my wants. There are official shops for the principle distributors corresponding to 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 absolutely arrange and related with a fundamental package deal.

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’ll learn all about it on this Auckland house sitting guide.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automobile appears like an important concept however is extremely uneconomical. Price range 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 widespread supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought-about the most affordable however by buying round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
4. 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.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is among the most lovely international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice 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 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 very best time to journey to New Zealand relies on your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer time (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountaineering, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Execs and Cons of Residing 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 Residing in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really is among the most lovely 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 general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions corresponding to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime rates and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.

Cons of Residing in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Residing: 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 Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that earthquakes are a typical 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. Nevertheless, distant staff usually 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 rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory data. Click on right here to study extra about working holiday 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 fitted to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!