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 possibly can journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.

It’s an expansive and exquisite 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 wherever fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to inform you all about it.

Are you able to reside a distant life-style?

Take the quiz and see if we can assist.

Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program can be accepting a most of 10 folks to begin constructing their dream distant life-style. Study extra & see if we can assist you obtain your objectives!

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 well-liked with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

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

Whether or not you’re mountaineering 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 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 break up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.

Shifting so ceaselessly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and 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 talk about 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 residence, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of many most secure international locations you possibly can 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.

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

Whereas New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s price noting the nation is liable to earthquakes because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. 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 most of the nation’s largest cities and cities. Listed below are the perfect locations to think about dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

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

Town skyline, particularly the long-lasting Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the perfect location.

Finest Areas to Stay in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the stunning 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.

When you’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable selection. 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 beautiful little residential neighborhood provides a mix of recent 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: Among the finest 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. Guide your unforgettable journey at present.
3. Discover the Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
4. 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 info.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or for those who desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the commentary deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a good choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It provides a pleasant combine of recent amenities 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 if you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your approach across the Riverside Farmers Market. Town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.

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 by Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town middle.

For a extra vigorous expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is difficult to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and town’s finest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is right for digital nomads.

When you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good choose. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s good for targeted 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 below are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this well-liked spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by fantastically curated gardens, loosen up 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 trip on the Avon. Try this nice 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 prime sights. It’s the following neatest 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 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 gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy flats and high-end lodges, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey can 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 eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle is right. This busy space is filled with snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the perfect place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

When you desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides 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 really inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.

Coworking Areas in Queenstown

Issues to Do in Queenstown

You received’t be bored in Queenstown; listed below 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 well-liked exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e book your spot at present.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to another in some of the stunning locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher technique 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: One of the vital enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat trip, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
5. Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and revel in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you received’t remorse it. Click on right here to be taught 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 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. Town’s vigorous vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence 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 Road is true across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers and bars. It’s the right place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.

For a quieter however nonetheless linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood provides gorgeous 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 superb choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the things town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the right base to apply an awesome work-life stability.

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 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.
2. Half-Day ‘Center 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 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 trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a stupendous seaside and many nature to get pleasure from. Guide 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 wonderful 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 at present.

5. Dunedin

Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a stunning metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a major quantity of tradition and historical past. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an awesome ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with mountaineering and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Finest Areas to Stay in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of town and an awesome selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and many historic appeal, 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. 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 trendy facilities. Keep right here for the views and revel 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:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning area to loosen up 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 well-liked tour usually sells out. Click on right here to e book 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 be taught lots concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra info.

Find out how to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

When 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 all the things from hostels to luxurious flats. 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 together with your dates to see for those who 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 available on the market 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 provides a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure to test each to safe the perfect 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 shocked by the price of dwelling 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 akin to most US and UK locations. You may count on to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the test 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 normal brew will often value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely underneath $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range tremendously throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the larger cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the most important metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis flats 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 flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and secure public transport methods. 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 technique to journey, quick journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often 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 by 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 value me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the principle distributors similar to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay no less than $15/month to get absolutely arrange and linked 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 may learn all about it on this Auckland home sitting information.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automotive appears like an awesome concept however is extremely uneconomical. Finances 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 well-liked supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought of the most affordable however by procuring round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is among the most stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, 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 very best time to journey to New Zealand will depend 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 supply fewer crowds and milder climate.

There’s no hurricane season, however the scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New 12 months can convey 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 several place on this planet, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is among 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, wonderful healthcare, and a robust schooling system contribute to general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions similar to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively accessible.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to reside.

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 Fireplace, 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 presently 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. Remember the fact that 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 staff want to make sure they adjust to laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa scenario based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the required info. Click on right here to be taught extra about working vacation visas in NZ.

In Conclusion

I hope my digital nomad information to New Zealand has impressed you to make it your subsequent distant working base. I liked my time there and 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 fitted to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!